Frequently Asked Questions
This section covers questions that new players may have. To see the answer to a question, click on the question text.
- What should I read before getting started?
- Where can I learn more about elves and Lorien?
- I've done my <whatever>. What do I do now?
- Do elves have magic?
- Do elves have pets?
- Do elves sleep?
- Do elves fall over, bump into each other, etc.?
- Can elves see in the dark?
- What do Galadhrim eat and drink?
- Do elves get drunk?
- Are elves psychic?
- Which language is my character "really" speaking?
- How are Silvans and Sindar different? Can I switch my "subrace"?
- At what age do elves reach adulthood? How do elves age?
- Can I travel outside the forest?
- Do Galadhrim have religion? What about Elbereth?
- Do Galadhrim use money? Are there poor/homeless/beggar elves?
- What kind of weather is possible in Lorien?
- Does my character know that Galadriel is the keeper of Nenya?
- Help! I still can't find the information I need in +EHELP!
- What should I read before getting started?
Read all of +EHELP as soon as you can! The absolute essentials to read before you start are +EHELP RULES, +EHELP WELCOME, +EHELP THEME ELVES, +EHELP THEME LORIEN, and +EHELP POLICY.
Where can I learn more about elves and Lorien?
Read J.R.R. Tolkien's books. The Lórien chapters in the The Fellowship of the Ring are our main theme source. Also, the rest of The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion for the history of the elves. Unfinished Tales is also good Lórien reading for its "History of Galadriel and Celeborn". The 12-volume History of Middle-earth series has lots of miscellaneous details on Elves.
Read more in: NEWS CANONI've done my <whatever>. What do I do now?
If you have a thematic name and approved desc, RP! If not, do those first, then RP. If you don't have a history or house, work on those. If you want a job and don't have one, work on that too.
- Do elves have magic?
Not in the sense of casting spells. They do have a certain, subtle "magic" about them, but they do not consider themselves magical at all:
"'Are these magic cloaks?' asked Pippin, looking at them with wonder.
Read more in: NEWS MAGIC ELVES
'I do not know what you mean by that,' answered the leader of the Elves. 'They are fair garments, and the web is good, for it was made in this land. They are elvish robes certainly, if that is what you mean. Leaf and branch, water and stone: they have the hue and beauty of all these things under the twilight of Lorien that we love; for we put the thought of all that we love into all that we make.'"
-- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring. - Do elves have pets?
No. Some elves keep horses, and all elves (Silvans especially) enjoy animals, but we do not form deep emotional bonds with such short-lived creatures. We certainly would not try to control an animal with a cage or leash. This is not necessary, as we have a rapport with good beasts.
- Do elves sleep?
As a general rule, no. If we are injured, we might, but normally we do not need to sleep at all. We do rest, and may stop for a few hours if we are really tired. Occasionally, we may rest our minds and dream, but we can do this even while moving and active. Sometimes we rest more deeply and may seem to be in a sort of half-aware trance, but we are still at least partially cognizant of the world about us, and our eyes are usually unclosed.
- Do elves fall over, bump into each other, etc.?
Under normal circumstances, never! We can run across a tightrope as easily as over solid ground. Elves are the epitome of grace, and have uncanny, superhuman balance: it takes drastic measures, such as a solid blow in combat or a painful wound, to cause an elf to fall.
- Can elves see in the dark?
Yes. We can't see in absolute darkness, but our race was born before the sun and moon existed, and we can see perfectly by ordinary starlight. We use lanterns in pitch-black caves and as decorations, but aside of that they're rarely needed.
- What do Galadhrim eat and drink?
Not lembas or miruvor! These are very special emergency items and are never consumed casually. We hunt, gather, and make foods from the forest and rivers. For more information on lembas, the elvish waybread, see +EHELP LEMBAS.
- Do elves get drunk?
No. We are physically capable of drunkenness if we consume very large quantities of our own (very potent) wine; however, elves simply do not do this. We are people of dignity and decorum, and even aside of that, elves would probably consider it very undesirable to lose their mastery of their bodies like this.
- Are elves psychic?
Only to a degree: for example, we may communicate with a spouse (or someone of a similar level of closeness) on a limitedly "telepathic" level at times. The very oldest and most powerful of us, like Galadriel, can read minds. On rare occasions, elves may also receive flashes of foresight into the future, though for the average elf these are vague at best.
- When I pose dialogue, which language is my character "really" speaking?
Sindarin. Westron, the Common Speech, is known only by a very few Galadhrim. Read more in +EHELP THEME LANGUAGE.
- How are Silvans and Sindar different? Can I switch my "subrace"?
Silvans, the original inhabitants of Lórien and the majority of its population, are generally more rustic, frivolous, independent, and reclusive. Sindar are more "cultured", inclined toward orderly societies, reserved, and melancholy. Both make excellent characters. If you want to switch, talk to an LA.
- At what age do elves reach adulthood? How do elves age?
Elves reach full adulthood by the age of 100. However they look upon reaching adulthood is how they will look for the rest of their lives. Elven children learn to speak, walk, and dance before age one. Read more in the "Laws and Customs of the Eldar" object in the Lorien OOC Classroom by typing ++elf ooc, classroom, and looking at the object therein.
- Can I travel outside the forest?
Generally, no, though very rare opportunities may arise. Unless you are on a patrol organized by the Order, you need LA permission to leave the forest.
- Do Galadhrim have religion? What about Elbereth?
Elves have no religious leaders, services, or locations. They revere Elbereth, praise her in song, and speak her name to ward against evil, but she is not a goddess. While elves believe that there is a single deity (Ilúvatar) and have infinite faith and trust in him, they do not pray or worship.
- Do Galadhrim use money?
No. Galadhrim do not have a monetary system and do not buy or sell things, but provide things for each other at need. As such, there are no needy elves.
- What kind of weather is possible in Lórien?
Thanks to Galadriel and Nenya, weather in Lórien's forest is always clement. Sun, clouds, light wind, and gentle rain are possible. In winter, the forest's borders get a little colder, but even then it never snows or freezes.
- Does my character know that Galadriel is the keeper of Nenya?
No. Our characters know that Lórien's current state has at least a little bit to do with Galadriel's power, but we may think it's the power of the Lady herself. Some of us may know that once upon a time there were three Elven Rings; the oldest and wisest may know that they were hidden. Even if your character were to wonder if Galadriel has a Ring, it is utterly forbidden to even mention this.
