B/X Monsters A to Z: Elf

 Another PC class, monster-ified: the elf, from the Basic Rules.

Once again, the book doesn't waste any time describing what elves are, which we already know from the character creation section. Instead we jump right in with a reminder that elves will each have one 1st level magic-user spell, chosen at random. The rest of the description notes that if 15 or more elves are encountered (by the book, only in the wilderness or a lair) one will be a leader of level 2-7. Once again we see the formula, introduced in the Dwarf entry of the same book, of multiplying the leader's level by 5 and checking against that percentage on each magic item subtable for possible magic items. Unlike dwarven leaders, an elven leader checks on all subtables, presumably because elves can use items from every subtable. No guidance is given should one roll up a specific item not usable by elves (say, a staff of healing from the Wand/Staff/Rod subtable) but it would be reasonable to interpret it as no item.

Elves are listed as having AC 5, strongly implying mail with no shield, and a very robust 1+1 Hit Dice. This seems odd, given that the class uses a d6 for hit points. Though other classes with smaller-than-d8 Hit Dice are listed as having 1 full Hit Die, that doesn't explain the +1. Why elves (even noted in AD&D to be frailer than humans, meriting a racial Constitution penalty) should as monsters be tougher than dwarves, who are noted for their hardiness. Another mystery for the ages, I suppose. The rest of the stat block holds no particular surprises. Damage is listed as 1-8 or by weapon, which suggests swords as standard-issue gear rather than the spears you might expect of woodland hunter-gatherers. Movement is 120'(40'), which contradicts the listed AC. We could explain it away with leather armor, shield, and a Dexterity bonus of +1; that would go against the grain of class-as-monsters rarely having a bonus even in the class's prime requisite ability, let alone in any other, but the elf listing is particularly quirky, so who the hell even knows?

Morale is given as 8, but 10 if the elves are encountered with a leader, as long as that leader is still alive. Alignment is Neutral, so you really can't know what to expect from these elves; they could be good and respectful of other good creatures, or they could be bloodthirsty xenophobes. 

In the dungeon, the number appearing is a mere 1-4, but that's somewhat balanced by the fact that every one of them will have a spell. That's not to say such a small party is necessarily going to have anything combat effective, but there is a real possibility that one or more might be packing a sleep spell, so PCs beware!  Assuming an encounter doesn't turn to combat, they might even have a spell or two that could benefit the party, should the players think to ask and offer something of worth in return. 

In the wilderness or a lair, 2-24 elves may be encountered. With an average roll on 2d12 of 13, that means a slim majority of elven enclaves won't have a leader, which probably says something about elven society, perhaps that it tends toward a highly decentralized, egalitarian, or even anarchic social order.