Canonfire! Forums-viewtopic-Amber Eyes, Sidhe Heritage, and Markessa

Thu May 01, 2025 7:06 am Amber Eyes, Sidhe Heritage, and Markessa

The 1e Monster Manual describes grey elves thus:

"Grey elves have either silver hair and amber eyes or pale
golden hair and violet eyes. The latter sort are generally called faeries."

[IMC I located the faeries exclusively in (surprise, surprise) The Faerie Kingdom of Celene while locating the grey elves proper in Sunndi.]

In Vecna: Genesis of a Legend, we have this description:

"Primaria Lafanel was born as the first Ur-Flan Tyrants proclaimed the Thaumatocracy of Heraan on the now sunken Isles of Woe in the Nyr Dyv. He was one of those rare Gray Olve with pale golden hair and amber eyes that signifies ancient Sidhe heritage and immortality."

It's interesting that this rare sort of elf combines the grey elf/faerie features into one. Immortality is also an interesting addition, given how long-lived elves are already.

Is there more information on this amber eyes/Sidhe heritage connection anywhere?

I note that the first description of Markessa in A2: Secrets of the Slavers Stockade describes her thus:

"She is a small female elf with ivory white skin, golden hair and an evil slant to her amber eyes."

I'm not sure if whoever came up with the amber eyes/Sidhe connection was nodding to this description of Markessa or if this is just a fruitful coincidence. Note also that both of the amber eyed/blonde elves we know of were corrupted by evil.

Thu May 01, 2025 8:25 am

Wished I known this about the 1e Monster Manual.

Although one of my players in my Nyrond game wanted to create a fairy for the game. I said no, but he ended up creating one anyway (by reskinning a gnome to be a leprechaun). As far as Grey Elves are concerned, I wonder if they have pronounced reptilian traits? Amber eyes are a sign of reptilian heritage. Although I bet before the Flan came, a number of grey elves became drow after being corrupted to evil.

I'll contact my friend again about this entry in the 1e monster manual. I think I have a copy on my Hard Drive. If not, I'll buy a copy today from Drivethru.