Elven artisans are sent by Elrond to help the Fellowship prepare for war.  Elven Artisans can build Elven Foundries and Armouries, giving you access to the full range of Elven Metals and Arms improvements.  Elven Artisans can also build Shrines, to store relics and gain favour and plant murivor bushes and trees to supplement your resources.

When not building they can perform normal villager activites.