Eldraneth Swordwind
Faction: Unknown Aelven Derivative / Anomalous Condensate Entities
Designation: Mobile resonance-host; fragment-gathering force
Known Range: High-altitude regions, cold voids, wind-scoured passes, unstable hollows
Behavioral Pattern: Coordinated movement, site correction, fragment recovery

The Eldraneth are a nomadic warband-structure composed of pale, aelven-shaped entities whose bodies and identities appear to be stabilized condensations of a prior metaphysical event. They do not claim descent from any known aelven lineage and show no interest in territory, infrastructure, or long-term occupation of sites. Instead, their movements follow patterns consistent with atmospheric flow, thermal gradients, and high-altitude wind corridors.

Observed Eldraneth formations refer to themselves collectively as the Swordwind. The term appears to describe both their martial doctrine and their preferred method of engagement: long, curving advances, sudden redirections, and synchronized strikes delivered along shallow, sweeping vectors rather than direct charges. Individual combatants are trained in what they call Breath-Disciplines, a system of posture, movement, and controlled respiration that produces distinct combat roles within the formation. These roles are not marked by rank insignia or visible command structure; coordination appears to be achieved through timing, positioning, and shared movement patterns rather than verbal orders.

The warband makes extensive use of a black, glossy material identified by Collegiate observers as Exhalite, a form of realmstone altered by exposure to an unknown prior event. From this substance they carve hollow construct-bodies known as Arc-Lit Sentinels. These constructs function as containment and stabilization frames for drifting fragments of Eldraneth soul-stuff; when active, faint internal lines of light can be observed tracing curved channels within their bodies, indicating internal movement or reconfiguration.

The warband also deploys fast-moving Exhalite mounts designated Arcstriders. These frames are shaped and tuned to follow persistent atmospheric flow-patterns and can achieve extreme maneuverability in thin air or unstable terrain. Use in enclosed or heavy environments is rare and reportedly uncomfortable for both rider and mount.

Eldraneth incursions are typically triggered by the detection of what they describe as “loose fragments” or “unstable hollows.” These sites are not always visible to outside observers, but are often associated with anomalous winds, temperature inversions, or unexplained resonance effects. Once on site, the Swordwind will either secure the area long enough to retrieve or stabilize the anomaly, or will eliminate all other occupants before departing. They do not attempt to hold territory after such operations.

Interrogated Eldraneth (when communication has been possible) speak of a concept translated as the Returning Breath: a long-term effort to gather dispersed fragments of an entity they regard as their point of origin. Whether this refers to a dead god, a collapsed metaphysical structure, or a purely symbolic framework is not clear. What is clear is that fragment recovery is treated as a priority overriding all other strategic considerations.