The Vermillions are said to be Elves of Earth, responsible for the creation of the Tome of Earth. They were at one time a race of hedonists who indulged in vices of various kinds of perversity. This included the consumption of Warpstone, which led to a widespread common mutation amongst their kind. It seems that this mutation was widespread and afflicted (blessed?) the majority of the Vermillions.
These Elves took on the aspects of rodents and became what we call today 'the Skathen' the ratmen who dwell beneath the earth and worship strange and abhorrent Ancestors. There is no proof of this as such, but I am told that the information has come from Scullion and due to the time that has passed since this transformation, that may be all the confirmation that we are able to glean.
What remained of the Elves, those that resisted the mutation, along with those who chose not to experiment with Warpstone, remain hidden in Albion, only recently making contact with the citizens of the Harts (see below). One, named Taladael, made himself known to the Vipers and claimed to be the last of his race, though we now know this to be untrue.
The modern Vermillions are very distrustful of Magic and Spellcasting, probably due to the experiences of their kin who were changed by magic into what they consider to be monsters. They have no such problem with Incantation, though did suffer under the effects of the 'Mordred Device' as the other Elves also suffered.
They worship an Ancestor named 'The Reed' who I am told (by Percival De Gales of the Harts) is a primal version of the Albione Ancestor; 'The Hunter'. It can be assumed that they hate all Skathen.
It has been mooted that the Vermillions actually may have intended to change themselves from Elves into Skathen. That the majority of the bloodline took the chance to change themselves into a 'Younger Race' in order to avoid the damage that the Mordred Device did to the other Elven Bloodlines. Effectively trading their longevity for shorter lives, but far more rapid breeding capability. If this is indeed the case it would seem that the Vermillions may well be resented by the other Elves and this bears some further investigation.
Correspondence between the Harts and the Vermillion Elves, shortly after the Gathering 1104AF ~ Concerning the Renaming of the City of York.
"On behalf of my people who live in the grove and keep the elder record, we formally request that the nation of man known as Albion and also as The Harts, consider renaming its city and duchy currently possessing the foul name of the Beast to something more appropriate that does not cause such affront to our people.
I hope that we can overcome this obstacle and that our nations can start to build a relationship that will help us come together and work in harmony.
So that we can come to an agreement on this matter, in a way that benefits both of our nations, we formally request permission for representatives of our people to attend your up and coming council to be held in the aforementioned place, so that this matter can be discussed and a conclusion reached."
Signed
Amil Isorfilad of the Grove
Forgive my ignorance Amil, I have had my head to deep in the cup of grief of late, but to what beast do you refer? I am always in favour of talks to open conflict but others may not think as I. Your venom in speaking of a place that many, myself included, hold close to our hearts is somewhat impolitic. My sister currently rules the land the land of which you speak, in the queens name, but she is engaged in forfilling my dear brothers last wish. In her stead I would think my lord Warwick the man with whom to speak. Should your permission be granted I would greatly like to speak with you at length on this subject at the council.
Edward Falcon
My Lord,
I spoke with the vermillion elves at some length during the Gathering of Nations. The 'beast' was once one of their number, but became 'tainted' and from what I gather turned into something resembling a were beast. When weres were prowling round the Harts camp the night I spoke with them, the elves were very nervous.
These elves have been in hiding for a great length of time, and have customs and traditions far different to our own. But, they are prepared to listen to us and seemed very keen to exchange knowledge. They have been around many, many years and may be able to give us further insight into the history of Albion which could prove beneficial in future.
Jasmine
I am but a scribe taking the opportunity of delivering this message whilst performing another errand, I mean no offence to the people of the nations of man.
This matter is indeed very sensitive to some of my people and may cause offence but in answer to the question before he fell the one we have talked of was called Karid Aldeyork of the Reed.
Forgive my inability to stay and talk longer on this matter but the Legarandir guides that I travel with have urgent business and time has become my enemy.
Amil Isorfilad of the Grove
