As already mentioned, problem with shrinking community and low activity on all three sites is the fact
that game system and all background that existed was discontinued.
IMHO the future of Elven sites depends on few things:
- AoS development
- T9A development
- Other war gaming system development
AoS: I'm not too optimistic regarding this one, since AoS already split community and large part of old gamers
have very negative attitude toward this system (myself included). AoS background
doesn't looks to convenient. I haven't follow up properly on that but having some floating bubbles of reality
doesn't appeals to me and doesn't looks promising in terms of further development in storytelling (maybe I'm wrong).
Moreover, in AoS Elven constellation has been drastically changed, there is no more essential conflict that was defining
relationships in Elven nation and between mainly HE vs DE and later WE. All Elves are now one heterogeneous mass with some
sort of WH40K aspect classes system.There are no such flavor which was defining identity for Elves and their alignments as it was before.
AoS will likely attract new generation of gamers which won't have such insight in previous Elven history, therefore
not sure they will be too interested on specialized site, instead on some general AoS related. We might get some
portion of such player though, but I'm not sure it can change situation drastically.
T9A: personally I have huge expectations out of this project. It is continuation from previous WHFB and it looks
very promising in terms of game rules and balance. Currently there aren't background story published, but T9A team
is working seriously to develop this and first results are really good (Undying Dynasties and Sylvan Elves army books).
If they build new world accordingly and properly setup different Elven races in it, that could be good foundation for
further development and storytelling, which will have positive influence on the community.
Other war gaming system development: some games like KoW and WMH have some potential but I'm not to optimistic
they could drastically change the current status. I haven't tried KoW, but it has some pros from
hobby aspect (which is advantage comparing to other systems) and regarding game play (much practical). As far I heard it is
very simplified system and not sure I would be pleased with it. WMH is appealing to me, but simply I don't see
any potential regarding Elven development.
So, we are still in stage where main systems (T9A and AoS) are shaping itself and congregating the community.
This can be more clear by the end of next year when T9A should have stable pack of rules and background story
defined, among with new full army books developed. AoS should published new books as well to cover all factions.
Until that I believe we can't influence on growth much, but have to wait how the community will react.
At this point, to address main challenge reading growth and future of what ever Elevn forum will exist, we can start
brainstorming and put some ideas on the table.
What I think is feasible at this very moment are the few things which can shake part of the former members and make them active on forum:
- Merge three Elven nations on one place, let say on Ulthuan.net

- Announce re-union with proper background (something like....huge Druchii invasion to reclaim Nagaroth/Phoenix Crown
and Wood Elf arrival at Avelorn as chosen by the Elven gods to guard this sacred ground, so they could be
in their natural habitat and stay neutral in the conflict)
- To celebrate this event, we can organize 'Elven armies on parade' campaign where all our active members should display their troops
in its full scale, so we could have lot of activity in P&M section.
- To organize battles HE vs DE in local communities which would represent this event and making good battle reports
using lot of pictures and Battle chronicle, later on posting it in BR forum section.
- To try organize mega battle (in those communities where it is possible) to represent invasion or to recreate Battle of Finnuval Plains
- start monthly painting campaigns "Best Asur/Druchii/Asrai" where we could have positive competitive environment and where
we could vote for best looking model. To animate people to participate we can have some sort of rewarding system, either non-financial
(to establish some pointing system and special kind of site honors), or even financial system where we would have rewards in form
of miniatures or similar (we can organize budget for that by providing small donations from some members who will be willing to (myself for example).
- we can organize competition for mini-dioramas with the specific theme related to newly background development, like displays of
skirmish clashes HE vs DE, or WE vs intruders in Avelorn....
- On a long term we can try organize gaming campaign like it was previously on Ulthuan some years ago. I remember it was Sundering campaign
where players were choosing which faction it will support for Phoenix King throne. Or try organize some campaign in newly developed
background (huge Druchii invasion) where the outcome of battles will have an effect on control of Ulthuan etc...
Those are some thoughts, I believe there are much more constructive ideas which would have positive influence on the forum.
All those would require our efforts of course, but if we aren't ready for that we wouldn't be here, right?
Sry, I didn't have intention to make such long post, but can't tell all in just a few words....