Scoia'tael

Lore & Background

Born from centuries of discrimination following the Conjunction of Spheres, the Scoia'tael represent the militant wing of elven culture. Unlike the more diplomatic or assimilationist elves who live in human cities, these fighters reject coexistence if it means subjugation. They believe that only through force can their ancestral lands be reclaimed and their dignity restored. Their methods are ruthless, often targeting supply lines, nobility, and military outposts. This has earned them the wrath of both Northern Kingdoms and Nilfgaard, who view them as a security threat rather than political actors. Despite this pressure, they continue to operate from hidden bases in deep forests and forgotten ruins. Magic plays a role in their operations, though not all members are mages. They utilize Elder Speech incantations for communication and sometimes employ magical artifacts stolen or crafted during raids. Their existence is a constant reminder of the lingering resentment between races.

In Their Own Story

Rain slicked the muddy path as the scout crouched behind the oak roots. Below, torchlight flickered against the wooden walls of the human outpost. He checked the blade at his hip, etched with glowing runes that hummed in the damp air. Tonight was not about glory; it was about survival. With a silent nod to his partner, they moved into the shadows, becoming one with the night before striking.

Reader's Guide

The Scoia'tael seek to reclaim ancestral lands lost during human expansion across the Continent. Their ultimate goal is the creation of an independent elven state, free from human domination or Nilfgaardian control. To achieve this, they employ asymmetric warfare tactics against military targets and political figures. Leadership remains decentralized, organized into small cells to prevent decimation by enemy forces. While elves form the core membership, desperate dwarves and sympathetic humans occasionally join their cause. This structure allows them to strike unpredictably from forests or urban shadows without a central headquarters. Historically, they emerged as a radical response to centuries of persecution following the fall of elven kingdoms. Their actions destabilize both Northern Kingdoms and Nilfgaard, forcing governments to divert resources toward internal security. Though often viewed as terrorists by humans, many elves see them as the last hope for survival against extinction in a hostile world.

Did You Know?

• The name Scoia'tael translates from Elder Speech as Children of the Forest.
• Members often operate in small cells to avoid total destruction if one group is compromised.
• They are distinct from other elven groups like the Vrihedd, though goals sometimes overlap.
• Witchers are frequently hired by humans to hunt them or vice versa during conflicts.