Elves

The elves of the Varisian Empire have enjoyed a long millennium of undisputed dominance. Enjoying supremacy in military, artistic and intellectual matters, they consider themselves the only true civilized race, and there is little other can do to dispute this fact. Devout followers of the Imperial Cult, they lead the Varisian Empire with the will of their Dragon Emperors in mind, considering themselves to be a people burdened with the task of spreading the civilizing light to the troubled and fractious races of Deuban.

Society
Elvish society is concerned with the many refined joys of civilization. A highly urbane people, they enjoy artistic and intellectual careers. They often spend their days with gossip, court drama, fashion trends and debate regarding art. This, however, does not indicate that they are a frivolous people, as they also dedicate a great deal of time to studying magic and military matters. All Elves serve for a period of time in the Varisian Levy, the primary military force of the Varisian Empire, with the most talented being selected for service in the palatial guard, the only military force permitted near and within the city of Veris.

The majority of elves either concern themselves with the matters of empire or of culture, leaving physical labor to their human hirelings. Many humans resent their condescending treatment, however, the gratuitous wealth that the elves shower their servants with is irresistible.

Religion
For the vast majority of Varisian Elvish history, they have been devout members of the Imperial Cult. Believing in the divinity of their Dragon Emperors, they have pursued the wishes of their Gods with fervor. Especially devout and blessed members of the Imperial Cult are selected to become priests, a highly revered position within Varisian society. Speaking to or touching an Imperial Cult priest within the Varisian city limits is expressly forbidden, as they are seen as divine agents of their respective Dragon patron and won't be sullied with common chit-chat or contact. The especially zealous are permitted to bear arms in the name of their patron and often serve in the Varisian Levy as paladins. Each elf typically identifies a specific patron that they hold in special regard, but all Dragon Emperors are respected at the least.

The day of each Dragon Emperor's ascension is held as a holy feast day, with fantastic celebrations erupting across the city of Varis and her empire.

The elves consider Apotheosis to be a sign of their own divinity, proclaiming that no other race has ever ascended to Dragonhood before, nor has any other race given birth to a Dragonborn.

Elf-Dream
The Dwarfs claim the elves come from a dream state of their creator god, but the elves naturally scoff at this notion. Being such obvious divine beings, the elves couldn't have been created, and besides, if they were, then who created the creator? Dwarfs, naturally, have no such answers.