The Ancient Order of Elves: Path of Lore
Before there was the world, there was the song. The melody of existence of life and of harmony was created by the Valar. It is from there that the Lore Keepers draw their inspiration. The Malle' en' Nole is one of poetry. From the song came the word and thus stories were born. From stories came letters, and thus writing was born. The Malle' en' Nole embraced these activities with joy, finding great love in anything that is lore. Such passion was found in knowledge that those on the path decided to share it with others. And, thus, teaching was born. When the eldest of the Lore Keepers left for Valinor, the Valar opened the path of knowledge to all Elves, creating Malle' En' Nole.

Lore Keepers are avid readers and adept writers. It is no wonder that they keep records of Elven history and lore. Historians, teachers and librarians by trade, Lore Keepers share thirst for knowledge and wisdom. Traditionally, the role of the Lore Keeper was reserved for a Bard; the musician who taught through song. In recent times, however, the role of the Lore Keeper has expanded to involve all Elves wishing to learn and uphold the Elven culture and tradition. The common goal of discovery inspires the Lore Keepers to travel to exotic locations and return to teach elves of foreign lands and cultures. These travels are often riddled with adventures that inspire turn more than one tale.

The personality of a Lore Keeper varies greatly, though they may usually be put into one of two roles: the Librarian and the Performer. The Librarians are oft' shy and withdrawn from the general society. Great love for knowledge and research keeps them among books for most of their waking moments. The Performers, on the other hand, enjoy the spotlight and love to be a part of the general society. Love for acting, teaching and performing keeps them at theatres, taverns and classrooms. Most Lore Keepers move between the two roles, choosing the more appropriate one depending on their location and mood.

An excerpt from the Chronicles of the Path :

Throael sat back in the chair and rubbed her tired eyes. Countless hours of reading had made her body grow weary yet her mind was still at work, feverishly attempting to understand the scriptures she was deciphering. She knew that the documents were of extreme importance to the understanding of the Sphynx's riddle, but the solution to the age-old riddle still escaped her. There had been a few references in the antiquity concerning the puzzle, but the records were insufficient for Throael to unravel the mystery she was faced with.

Since she had began to plan the trip to the ancient Pyramids of Malas, Throael was fascinated with the mysterious Sphynx. The creature was known to ask a riddle then bless those that answer it with secret knowledge of the stars and the skies. Throael remembered the breathless anticipation and the tingling numbness she felt as her eyes set upon the Sphynx, the maiden with the lion's body. The riddle was a few sentences, but they burned into her mind with crystal clarity.

She knew long hours of reading awaited her, but she persevered in finding the answer to the puzzle. For, after all, her gift to her people, the Elves, will be knowledge.



The Ranks of the Malle' en' Nole

Alta'Kirrar (Grand Lore Keeper): Rank V: The Alta'Kirrar is one that has mastered all that is of Elven lore and has now begun to fully understand the deeper meaning of the history in the lands. The Alta'Kirrar is a well versed teacher and is looked up to by the younger members of the path, and the community, as one who understands and comprehends the history and heritage of our people. Those that hold this title are experts in Quenya, the elven language, and are able to translate and teach Quenya to other guild members with ease. The Elf that holds this title is revered as one who possesses great abilities in teaching others and sharing their knowledge of the Elves of Sosaria. Those awarded this title are active members of the community that constantly share their knowledge with others, further enriching the heritage of our community.

Promotional Guidelines: Must host three events which places heavy emphasis on guild lore, elven lore, and/or the use of Quenya or teaching of Quenya. Time in guild requirement is 1 year.

Nole'Tura (Lore Master): Rank IV : The Nole'Tura, studious in all that is lore, is one who is halfway through the journey on the Path of Lore. The Path has been arduous and difficult, yet the Nole'Tura has persevered and overcome the obstacles. The Elf with this title can begin to look back on the aeons of experience aquired thus far and become a guide to those who still struggle. It is with ease and comfort that they approach both research and performance. The Nole'Tura is also an adept of Quenya, the Elven language, and as such can speak and translate quickly. The blessing of the extensive knowledge of everything Elven guides this Elf to share it with others, taking each opportunity to teach others to understand the Elven heritage and culture.

Promotional Guidelines: Host small guild events on a regular basis, host a large guild event with smoothness, teaching elves about the Elven lore, inspiring younger members to involve themselves and aid them with events, being active and involved in the guild-related activities.

Kiirar (Lore Keeper): Rank III: The Kiirar is a teacher and a guide to younger Elves, though there are still lessons to be learned on the Path of Lore. The Elf with this title is actively learning of the Elven heritage: the creation, the divine, the fine points of Elven customs. Fairly confident in his/her knowledge of Quenya, the Kiirar aids in complicated translations, and teaches others the basics of the ancient Elven tongue. Beginnings of teaching have found ways into the Kiirar's mind and heart, and the Kiirar will often take the opportunity to share their knowledge with others. Avid seeker of mastery, the Kiirar oft' participate in gatherings and other Elven activities in hopes to learn more about the Elven culture.

Promotional Guidelines: Successful holding of small guild events, aiding in holding of larger events, beginning teaching younger Elves of the Elven lore, active in attending and helping with events.

Roitin en' Nomin (Pursuer of Wisdom): Rank II : The Path has gloriously opened and revealed secrets for the Roitin en' Nomin. Already initiated in the wonders of learning and wisdom, the Roitin en' Nomin pursues their studies in the matters of Elven Lore. The Elf with this title is also making their beginnings performing for audiences through poetry, entertainment and aiding with Path-related activities. The Roitin en' Nomin has mastered the basics of Quenya and is able to answer simple questions, or translate simple phrases with the aid of appropriate materials. Perseverance has made of Roitin en' Nomin an excellent student, and a daring researcher.

Promotional Guidelines: Aiding in small guild events, actively learning Elven Lore by listening and asking questions, active in attending events.

Narn'Nyarar (Storyteller): Rank I : The Narn'Nyarar has taken his/her first steps on the Path of Lore. This is indeed an exciting time, for the hidden universe of books and scrolls of Lore and history has opened. The bright-eyed Narn'Nyarar is a devoted student of the knowledge that others have to share. It is with determination and zeal that they attend classes, gatherings and Elven activities. The Narn'Nyarar knows the basic greetings in Quenya, and is proud to use them as often as possible. Through diligence, they study and master the basics of the Elven culture and history. Through observation, they soak up knowledge of the world around them.

Path Medals
Hard working LoreKeepers are eligible for certain class medals
during the course of their studies.


Varda's Candle (Given when Rank II is achieved)


Vaire's Crystal (Given when Rank IV is achieved)