February 24, 2013 12:30 PM EST
First, I would NEVER and I mean never travel to any of the cold snowy places. I have had enough of that crap in my real life (been shoveling more snow the past three winters than seems humanly possible; dang kids need to get bigger faster so I can make them do it ). I also wonder if the tips of the elves ears get frostbit more often than other ears.
Most likely, given my predilection for learning and studying I would probably find someone in a warm climate to teach me about alchemy and then spend my life wandering the wilds picking herbs, various mushrooms and creating potions. I would also read all the books I could find. A nice out of the way cabin in the woods sounds perfect for me.
Last, I would care not a whit about the civil war.