Anyway, the secret of the Dark Elves is a simple one, practiced by the creatures of the wild, but perfected by our most holy king and queen. It is referred to by the gnomes as "Natural Selection;" the concept that only the strong deserve to live. Observe, for example, how the Indigo Brotherhood (our Warrior's clan) determines worthiness. First, a new member of the Brotherhood is tossed a short sword, which is desperately in need of repair, and sends the apprentice out into the Nektulos Forest to learn its use by slaying fire beetles and skeletons. When they return with the proof of their victories in hand, their sword is taken from them, and they are tossed into the middle of the arena to do battle with a prisoner of the Brotherhood. Those who kill this prisoner are given their place in the Brotherhood. Those who fail? They are branded cowards, and tossed into the dungeons, to await the opportunity to die by the hand of the next initiate.

I was forced to join the Brotherhood after my tongue was removed, since I "obviously" had no place in the Church of the Firstborn. I am not ashamed to admit that I failed this "Test;" I was trained to be a scribe, after all. Fortunately, I was able to escape. Still, my experience shows the illogic of this form of testing. Teir'Dal are not the masters of their own destiny; their clan and class are chosen for them at an early age. Some reach their decided path through omens at their birth, some simply because of their lineage. And, although the Church would deny such a thing, many reach their Path because of the clattering of coins in a High Priest's purse.

The world inside the Neriak gates is not the only way with which the concept of natural selection is proven. Many times have I walked a short distance from our gates, only to see a young elf, engaged in battle with a small snake or a spiderling, unable to notice the massive form of a young kodiak charging his way. When I say "a short distance", I do mean that literally. Within seconds, our guards could have saved that youngster's life; instead, they watched with vicious smiles on their faces, on one occasion placing bets on the speed with which the elf would fall.

It is proudly claimed by the Teir'Dal that, unlike shorter-lived races like the Humans, we do not bicker and argue among ourselves. Perhaps now you understand why; it is because we have no need to. Our customs and cultures weed out those who would be less than loyal, and, of course, should we become offended by one of our kin, we need do no more than refuse to lift our blades in a time of crisis. Under most circumstances, not helping a fellow Dark Elf against a foe is not considered a crime; for if that Elf was strong enough to serve Neriak, they would have been able to survive without aid. Only when all of Neriak is threatened is inaction a crime.

Enough of this; I have better things to do than dwell on my race's failings. For the moment, I will return to my training. However, I would be more than happy to speak further on what I see in the world of Norrath. I believe that you will find that the removal of my tongue has done little to silence me. Send your couriers to ask questions of me, and I will be sure to make note of them in future columns. And, remember, if you see a tongueless Dark Elf in your journeys, do not waste my time with pity. Offer me your aid, if you will, because I am always in need of servants. Never think me weak.

Until we speak again, then.

~ Aravs the Masked