>
>One word: CRAP! This is at best stereotypical and at worst a caricature.
>This view of elves came about as a function of solely of artificially
>imposed level limits from the 1st edition AD&D game, Birthright elves should
>not be treated in such a caricatured fashion. They are people, some have
>more focus than others. There is NO LIMIT on elven ability as a wizard in
>Birthright, see the birthright rulebook. As far as humans being more driven
>than elves, for a classic example take a look at Rhuobe Manslayer. He has
>spent the last 2000 years killing humans whenever and wherever he can, is he
>not "driven".

Yes! Rhoubhe IS driven, much like the humans he hates. He is a
psychopathic Awnsheighlin too, so if you think most elves want to be like
him I have to disagree (i.e., he's a bad guy). You know, if you want to
get right down to it, let's get to the basis for Birthright's elves:
J.R.R. Tolkein's books.

In Middle-Earth, my argument stands. Humans have the same ability to do
something with their life as an elf does. Perfect example: Elrond and his
brother (can't remember his name for the life of me...the first of the
Dunedain). Both were half-elves, but Elrond chose the way of the elves,
and thus was blessed with immortality (which is how it happens in
Middle-earth). His brother, however, chose the way of the humans, and
accomplished more in his lifetime than most people ever had, elf or human
alike. But, you do have a point: my view does come from a strong basis of
Game Balance. If a PC race has all the advantages, and no disadvantages,
then why would one wish to play a human? If the humans are the dominant
race, there aught to be a reason. The only one I can think of, on a
PC-related basis, is their passion to gain power, a passion that exceeds
those of other races. Besides, I just can't buy that an elf is driven to
succeed like some humans are. Rhoubhe is a great exception, and I'm glad
you mentioned it. But he's not an elf anymore: he's an Anti-Human.


>On an individual basis, I suspect that the average elf adapts to a new
>situation at least as fast as a human, having the same average wisdom, a
>higher average intelligence, and a racial prediliction to a chaotic
>environment (generally chaotic neutral alignment). As far as getting a grip
>on their "new place" in the world, what makes you think they are content to
>stay there?

My point is, though, not on an individual basis. Elves as a group are not
driven to make sacrifices for the greater whole (alignment). Some humans
(most successful groups that is) are Lawful in nature. This is another
reason why humans can succeed where Elves might not...they will act as a
group more often than a freedom-loving smattering of elves. Also, because
of their short lifespans, humans will change their ways much faster to cope
with a changing environment. After a good 60 years, they no longer have to
deal with people saying "back in my day...blah blah blah" to slow down a
necessary change. As a society, they have a better ability to deal with a
changing environment.

>
>I have trouble with the philosophical concept of gods (omniscient,
>omnipotent). IMC the elves look upon the gods as powerful extraplanar
>beings, not as something to be worshipped. They do understand that the gods
>exist, they just aren't ponying up to the altar with offerings for beings
>who have never done anything for them except kill them.
>>

So, you think they see them as their "equals?" Ok, I'll stop here. That's
funny.