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The Half-Elven Solution
The following is an excerpt from a political pamphlet distributed recently in Ta'Nalfein. I have translated it into common so that it may be used in House Chesylcha's library. The views expressed below are not necessarily my own, as I have only altered the original document in length and language.
In reaching for our ultimate goal of a strong, united Elven Empire we must first look to strengthening our race. In doing so, we must strive to eliminate things that weaken our bloodlines: namely, the procreation of elves with non-elves.
The result of the union of a pure-blooded elf and a non pure-blooded elf is commonly referred to as a half-elf. This can be the offspring of an elf and a non-elf, and elf and a half-elf or two half-elves. Some half-elves have mostly Elven traits and be nearly indistinguishable, while others are clearly not full elves. All are a result of the same impurity of blood and thus are labeled together as such.
Modern times have seen the rise in number of half-elves, due largely to the instability of our once-infallible empire. Instead of shirking from the truth so that we may relive the brilliance of our past glory, rather we must intelligently bring to light the problem so that an acceptable answer may be found. In doing so we will clear the way for a new era of Elven rule.
Half-elves are at a disadvantage from the moment of their birth. They are shunned by the families of both parents, and by their respective races. They have no haven to turn to, and no group to find comfort with. It is inhumane to knowingly create half-elves who will be subjugated to harassment and persecution for their entire lives. We can do nothing for the poor souls that already exist and suffer for their parents’ mistake daily, but we can prevent it from happening in the future. In serving our needs, we are also saving the suffering of innocents.
The most obvious way to curtail the production of half-elves is to prevent the pairing of their parents. In most areas of our Empire there are few rules to enforce the proper bloodlines. Often times these rules go unheeded without repercussion. This is especially prevalent in large cities where many races live together, or in heavily populated areas outside the Empire. Certainly within the Empire we can promulgate laws which strictly regulate the blood. While we cannot write laws for provinces that we do not control, we can affect our society's morals and ideals.
To begin this end to crossbreeding, we must advise our children not only of the situation, but also of why it is wrong. If we simply tell them not to do something, the rebelliousness of youth will propel them in the opposite direction. From the beginning of their lives we must instill with in them the value and need for pure Elven bloodlines. If they are taught from day one why mixed blood is unacceptable and the social consequences resulting from it, we can be assured that far fewer will succumb to willful mixing.
Another large obstacle we must overcome is the large presence of non-Elven servants we hire in our homes and on our estates. Those with already weak bloodlines, such as Elven servants and peasants, are tempted into union by the other races. Also, if non-Elven servants are in the home and near the children, they can negatively affect their judgment on this issue. The tender regard youth have for their nannies and butlers could translate into disregard of the evils of mixed breeding. Also, their access to other races in this way would make it easy for them to 'fall in love' with a servant and procreate with them. Youth is simply too impressionable to be faced with these circumstances. If we wish to enforce pure bloodlines within all classes then we must remove all temptations for mixed breeding. Namely, we cannot hire non-Elven servants if these servants are fertile and the position requires association with pure elves.
Rape, though little discussed, is a major factor in the creation of half-elves. Whether it is one race or the other as the attacker, this is, sadly, one of the most common forms of mixed breeding in our society. While we cannot blame the mother for being the victim, nor expect her to kill her child, we can blame the offender. We must promulgate stricter laws that punish ALL offenders, Elven or non-, and these laws must be enforced to the letter. Rape itself is perhaps the vilest of crimes, and mixed rape is perhaps even worse because it harms the reputation of mother and child that much more. Safe houses should also be established for the unfortunate mothers and their children. They should be located deep in the country where the mothers will not have to feel the burden of society, and the children will not be in danger of breeding with other elves. These small safe houses could be self-sustaining communities, and would serve as an excellent place for all half-elves to reside, even those not born in them. They would not harm anyone and would be safely away from Elven-populated areas.
In reaching for another, brighter Golden Age for the Elven Nations we must do all we can to strengthen our traditions and ourselves. Every elf must make their contribution. By teaching your children how breeding with lesser races weakens Elves as a whole, and not employing non-Elven servants where they will associate with elves, you can also do your part. We must band together and stand tall, proud in our knowledge that these actions can and will usher in a great age of prosperity and happiness for all Elves.
Translated by:
Lady Viria Ra'Ashpir
House Chesylcha
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