In the world of Roshar, the Elves are a proud and ancient race with a rich history that dates back to their arrival from the Feywild, which they refer to as “The First World.” At one point, the Elves had an empire that spanned continents and rivaled that of the Dwarven Empire. However, that empire has long since fallen, and only the Elven Republic of Highever remains as a distinctly Elven nation.
While other races are welcome in Highever, they may find the environment there to be hostile due to the racial laws that are in place. These laws are influenced by the Elves’ complicated relationship with humans. While Elves and humans can procreate and give birth to Half Elves, successive generations of these unions tend to become indistinguishable from humans. As a result, some Elves, particularly those in Highever, are concerned that their low birth rate will cause their numbers to dwindle if interbreeding with humans is not discouraged.
Despite these concerns, the Elves of Highever are fiercely proud of their heritage and culture. They are known for their exceptional skill in the arts, particularly music and dance, and their natural grace and agility. They are also renowned for their knowledge of magic and their ability to manipulate the elements, which they use to great effect in battle.