'Elves' (English (UK): [ɛlf])
"I'd be mindful around them fey-folk if I were you. They're a tricksy bunch, full o' wiles an' cunning, an' its matched only by their passion. Y'should see some o' the things they've built, some o' the things they've done. Its eye opening, I tell you..."
Wild hearts, inquisitive spirits, enchanting grace and fearsome furies. Such traits befit the children of 'Dalla' and the 'Mirthless Hunter'. They are blessed with long lives, with some of the most venerable being able to match the spans of middling 'Giants'. Unlike some of their fellow mortals, however, this longevity does not diminish the respect for the natural cycle most of them possess. Every elf is born with an intrinsic affinity towards either life or death, and it will define much about them regardless of whether or not they choose to nurture this talent. The elves possess forms which are, in many regards, reflective of their makers. Their bodies are tall, wiry and dextrous, with pointed ears, animalistic eyes and sharpened fangs. There is a certain bestial quality to the elves that cannot be denied, but many have come to consider them as possessive of a beauty which is as enthralling as it is haunting.
Three subspecies of elf exist across the world, each possessive of their own unique traits and characteristics. Commonly, they are referred to as 'The Sunblessed', 'The Children of The Glade', and the 'Dwellers in the Deep'. The former are often known for their majesty, pride and arrogance, whilst those who dwell in the woods are often considered to be guileful, astute, and intense. Those who dwell in the deep predominantly considered to be stoic, humble, and in the eyes of many, callous. Naturally, however, these notions are not absolute. The variety in natures between elves is considerable, any there will be those who stray from what is considered 'typical' of their kin. What can be said for most is that elves seldom approach matters in a half-hearted fashion. This is true of them in almost every regard be it mundane, significant, spiritual or political. Once their mind has been resolved on a matter, it will be a tall order to shake them from their decision. Sometimes this trait can be of great benefit to an elf, but it can all too easily wreak terrible consequence; often to their detriment.
Regarded as ardent, wise and compassionate by some, but haughty, aloof and vengeful by just as many; the elves have garnered a variety of perceptions from their fellow mortal races. Some reputations have been to their benefit, others less so. They are just as likely to be admired for their beauty and cunning or for the quality of their crafts, or the feats they achieve as they are to be envied for their long lives, scorned for their furor or reviled for the wrath they wreak upon those who have wronged them. In such a fashion, it would not be entirely untoward to suggest that they have inherited the very best, and worst of their makers. The degree to which an elf cares about such notions varies from individual to individual, but common trends do exist amidst their various subspecies. It would be far more likely for one of the 'Sunblessed' to care about how they are perceived than those of their woodland, or deep-dwelling kin.
Those who garner and maintain the approval of an elf will often find in them wise counsel, spirited companionship and a deep sense of compassion. It is this compassion that often accentuates the tragedy of their bonds with mortals of shorter spans than they. Those who earn their contempt, however, will find little but disdain and active opposition from an elf, and most are unlikely to shift from such a position once it is taken.
Alas, no amount of fervent hearts or stubborn determination will avail the elves of the ruin the world now contends with; should they face it alone. The fated hour is soon to toll, and one cannot help but to wonder if they will be ready for what it will ask of them...
Basic Information
Anatomy
When regarding the broad strokes, elves, regardless of sub-species, retain the same general anatomy. They are often tall, wiry and dextrous in physique, possessing long, pointed ears and sharp eyes. Both of these come in pairs, alongside their limbs. Two eyes, two ears, two arms, two legs, five fingers, five toes and so on. It is in the specifics that the disparity between sub-groups and affinities arise. For example; 'The Children of The Glade' are largely considered to be the most physically imposing of the elves, whereas the 'Sunblessed' are usually comparatively svelte. 'Deep-dwellers', in turn, have a tendency to appear the most gaunt out of the three sub-species, but such belies their natural strength and poise.
Biological Traits
There is a considerable level of biological variation between the various sub-species of elves that roam the world. Many of the traits that manifest in one species will not appear in another. This being said, there are still several attributes which manifest across all sub-groups, each crucial to making elves what they are. These unanimous characteristics are as follows:
-Elves all possess a generally humanoid shape.
-Elves are a long lived race, with most easily being able to live beyond the span of five centuries. Their most venerable may even crest the lofty heights of eight.
-They are predominantly tall, wiry and dextrous in physical form.
-All elves possess an inherent connection to the natural cycle. They will possess an affinity towards either life or death and it will influence a great deal about them.
-They possess a beauty which is both enchanting and haunting. Depending on an elf's affinity in the cycle they will lean towards one aspect of this beauty or the other.
-The giants are a race with three primary sexes. Male, female, and intersex. There are also those can also be born without any defining sexual characteristics or body parts whatsoever. They are acknowledged and respected equally. The nuances of gender, however, are interpreted and acknowledged differently from sub-species and community to sub-species and community.
Genetics and Reproduction
Elves partake in conventional sexual reproduction in order to produce offspring. Their methods of gestation is also conventional. They share a gestation period that is usually only a month or two longer than the nine months expected of a 'Human'. The average gestation period, therefore, is closer to ten months. The birth of a child is considered a blessing to most elves, particularly among 'The Children of The Glade' and 'Those who Dwell in the Deep'.
Growth Rate & Stages
Elves go through all the traditional stages of life expected from a mortal race, albeit at a slower rate than most others. Biologically speaking, they mature at almost the same rate as 'Humans', becoming physically adult at around the age of nineteen to twenty. Upon reaching this state of adulthood, however, their bodily aging will almost entirely cease. Elves will live for several centuries before appearing to show any sign of aging or decline in physical health, provided they have not been exposed to ill fortunes of course. Elves who approach the end of their lives will often either experience a desperate rally in which they are briefly emboldened, perhaps beyond what they can truly endure, so as to pursue life's final pleasures, or they will slowly fade before passing gently into death's grip. Often, one's affinity defines the response that manifests during an elf's twilight years.
Societally, however, the perception of the various stages in one's life differs from community to community, and from sub-species to sub-species. For example; 'The Sunblessed' are commonly known to hold the belief that whilst one may mature swiftly in a physical sense, they are still a fledgling in spirit for some time thereafter. Whilst they will acknowledge someone's rise to adulthood, and often celebrate it, they will not truly consider them to have fully matured for many years to come. Meanwhile, 'The Children of The Glade' and to a lesser extent 'Those who Dwell in the Deep', subscribe to swifter notions of maturity; at least by elven standards. They are more likely to mark one as a matured member of their community upon the achievement of their first commendable deed as an adult; such as the completion of their first hunt, the mastery of their vocation's foundations, or the felling of an admirable foe.
Ecology and Habitats
Elves possess the necessary tenacity to dwell in most environments without too much suffering. This being said, the ideal ecology in which they will thrive largely depends upon the sub-species in question.
'The Children of The Glade' are most at home in dense woodland and temperate, or alpine environments. They are still more than capable of living in other regions if necessary, mind you, but they are likely to sprout a forest wherever they choose to set down roots. Some of their ilk are also partial to swampland.
'The Sunblessed' live best in environments that range from warm, temperate grasslands through to lush savannahs and river-blessed deserts. Though they could live in the woods as the glade-folk do, they have grown used to the comfort of the priorly mentioned biomes.
'Those who Dwell in The Deep' have found themselves accustomed to dwelling in the depths of the world's underground passages and caves, though they can still make a home for themselves in environments similar to those of their forest-dwelling kinsmen.
Regardless of where they live, the elves treat their environment in a fashion befitting mortals. They will tame it to their designs and use it to their advantage where they can. However, particularly in the case of 'The Children of The Glade' and 'Those who Dwell in the Deep', they will strive to live as symbiotically as they can with the environment they inhabit. The same cannot necessarily be said of 'The Sunblessed'. Such notions do not rate as highly in their priorities any longer.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Giants are universally omnivorous, and they act accordingly in order to facilitate their appetites. Be it hunting, farming, or foraging, they will use whatever they can to ensure their needs are met; and that which can be spared will be stored in fashions befitting of a sentient species.
Biological Cycle
Elves, regardless of sub-species, possess an intrinsic understanding and "feeling" for the passing of the seasons. Whilst they have not developed traits like hibernation and so on, they still display mortal responses to the seasons of the world. Those who are more attuned to life will find themselves revelling in the spring and summer, whilst those who are attuned to death will find themselves more at once with the world during the autumn and winter. When concerning the march of time; Elves are not unaffected by it, but they age at a considerably slower rate than most other mortal races. They will endure centuries in their prime before they begin to fade.
Behaviour
The behaviour and psychology of an elf depends almost entirely upon their upbringing, societal influences and sub-species. As one can expect, the variation between individuals and communities is considerable. This being said, there are some traits which appear to be unanimous among the elves. Some of the more prominent examples include:
-Elves, regardless of their place of dwelling, almost always retain a healthy respect for the natural cycle. Whilst some will naturally hold it to a greater degree of importance than others, you will be rather hard pressed to find an elf who holds no care for the balance.
-Elves are naturally perceptive creatures and they will often use this to their advantage when dealing with others. They are swift to notice things of interest or concern about those they are interacting with, and will quickly pick up on behavioural ticks and quirks that are displayed, particularly if they are caused by an emotional trigger. It is this behavioural trait that allows elves, whilst they are of calm mind, to swiftly discern if someone they know is lying to them.
-Elves are, for the most part, forthright in their wants. If they see something or someone that they desire they will often make such apparent with little reservation. Some will be more eloquent in their expression than others but the core behaviour remains the same.
Additional Information
Social Structure
The social structures of the elves depend entirely upon the sub-species and community in question. There is too great a variation between them all for there to be any concrete traits that manifest among all elven societies, save, by and large, their respect for the natural order. Even those communities who hold stark similarities to one another, such as the twinned settlements of 'The Children of The Glade' and 'Those who Dwell in the Deep', possess a considerable measure of differences.
Domestication
Being sentient beings; elves cannot be domesticated. Any attempts to "tame" them are no doubt steeped in immoral practices, and the results are often tragic.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Like any mortal race, they have the potential to be utilised in a plethora of ways, and as such, they have the potential to yield all manner of results from their toil. Alas, the notion of exploiting mortals is an immoral one at best, and an abhorrent one at worse; depending on the means and methods employed. Such often begets tragedy...
Facial characteristics
Though there are notable variations in facial characteristics between the various sub-species of elves, some traits feature unanimously. All elves, providing they have not been met with misfortune, will possess the organs necessary to utilize their senses. Eyes, ears, a nose, a tongue and so on. The colour of an elf's eyes depends both upon the genes of their parents and their natural affinity. Those who are aligned with life will often find their eyes hued in warm colours of green, amber and blue, whilst those who are touched by death will often have eyes that have unnerving, turquoise-green, grey or night-blue hues. Further variation upon this trend can be found among the different sub-species of elves. For example; 'The Sunblessed' will have colourations to their eyes that reflect dawn and dusk dependent on their natural affinity. Elven eyes take shapes similar to those of mammalian animals, from wolves, to hawks, to cats and ought else besides. This, in combination with the rest of their physique, contributes to the notion that they can appear "bestial".
As a final note, all elves possess pointed ears of some length. To have expected otherwise would have been folly, despite what many a drunken minstrel may attempt to tell you.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Elves can be found all across the world; though the differing sub-species are most commonly found in different locales to one another.
-'The Children of the Glade' are most often found in the northern reaches of 'Caitrea', particularly among 'The Vehrea Clanwoods' and some of the northern 'Aldori' settlements. They can also be found, albeit in smaller numbers, amidst 'The Empire of Yuè Liàng' and across wider 'Jia-Yuan'. A few remain in the settlement of 'Elvheimr', but the population there has largely been overtaken by 'The Sunblessed'.
-'The Sunblessed' most commonly reside within the domains of 'The Talaei Sultanate' and their far-flung colonies. A reasonable measure of them fashion themselves as travellers and traders, however, so it would not be entirely out of place to find one in lands distant from those they consider their home. In nations that hold a greater love for matters of diplomacy, finding 'Sunblessed' delegates from the sultanate there is almost to be expected.
-'Those who Dwell in the Deep' can be found all across the world. Though the largest concentration of their kind can be found in the depths of 'Caitrea', they are known to frequent every continent; and they will find their place among most lands if it is necessary for them to fulfil their duties or desires. Despite this, they are the still the sub-species of elf least seen by the other mortal races. Whether this is due to their naturally elusive nature, their places of dwelling, or a combination of the two is up for debate. The result remains the same, however.
Average Intelligence
Elves are considered to be rather intelligent creatures as far as most mortal races are concerned. The scope and fashion in which this intelligence manifests will vary from individual and individual, and from sub-species to sub-species, but predominantly speaking the elves are considered to be among the brighter races that roam the world.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Elves, regardless of subspecies, are generally blessed with keen senses; especially with regards to those considered to be mundane. It is not uncommon for an elf to be able to detect things others do not with their touch or to be able to savour the flavours of a meal more vividly than other races. Their true strengths, however, lie in their sight and hearing. Elves are renowned for their sharp vision and discerning hearing to the point of it featuring in fables across the world. Few other races can hope to match them in this regard. Amidst the sub-groups of elves, the Children of The Glade are known for having the best eyesight, whilst those who dwell in the deep harbour the greatest sense of hearing. This is no doubt due to the environs they largely live in. They are also known to, by and large, have the worst eyesight of the elves. Living in such dark places no doubt has its toll.
When considering their extrasensory capabilities, elves all possess an inherent connection to the magical energies of the world; particularly through the lens of life, or death. This permits them to hone talents that stem from such far more easily and efficiently than other mortals who desire to hone their skills in the same areas. One would be hard pressed to find a mortal devoid of elven lineage that is capable of surpassing them in the arts of druidism or the like, though this is not to say it is impossible.
This being said, whilst natural aptitude can manifest among their kind; elves, outside of the 'Sunblessed', are not traditionally considered to be exceptional in other forms of magic. Most would usually look to other mortal races for examples of those with a great gift for the arcane arts, or at least those traditionally studied through academia.
Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms
Though the elves have no symbiotic relationships with other species as such would conventionally be defined; all elves possess an intrinsic bond to the world around them; and many will go on to foster and develop that tie with both flora and fauna alike. This is particularly prevalent among 'The Children of The Glade' and 'Those who Dwell in the Deep'.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
The naming traditions of the elves depend entirely upon the sub-species of elf in question, the community they were raised among and the culture they were born into.
Major Organizations
Elves have found their place in numerous major organizations throughout the world; many of which have, and continue to exert great influence over the wild and the realms of mortals alike. Many of these organizations are associated with the different nations and cultures scattered throughout the world, from secluded sects of druids to world spanning, ambitious trade companies, to chapters of virtuous ordersmen and ought else besides.
With all that being said; there are some organizations many attribute to the different sub-species of elves. For example:
-Many druidic sects and circles across the world often have their creation attributed towards 'The Children of The Glade'. Whilst this is true in some cases, it not a uniform occurrence.
-'The Order of The Gilded Heart', a widely renowned order of mamelukes from 'The Talaei Sultanate', attributes its creation to 'The Sunblessed'.
-Many of the mortuary cults found across the world can trace their lineages back to 'Those who Dwell in the Deep'.
Beauty Ideals
The beauty ideals of the elves depend entirely upon the sub-species in question. The traits they prefer differ considerable from group to group. It should be said, however, that most elves traditionally prefer keen features; particularly in the face.
Gender Ideals
The perception of gender ideals elves hold depend upon the sub-species in question and the culture and societies they were raised among.
Courtship Ideals
The courtship ideals of the elves differ from sub-species to sub-species and from community to community. Some will favour lengthy processes of curating and nurturing affections, whilst others much prefer swift, and passionate exchanges building up to a suitably vibrant conclusion. By and large, however, elves do tend to lean towards the lengthier forms of courtship.
Relationship Ideals
The relationship ideals of the elves vary greatly from sub-species to sub-species and from community to community. There will be those who prefer life-long and entirely monogamous bonds, those who prefer free and liberal relations with multiple individuals and everything that lies in between. It all depends upon who you ask and where you are. As a rule of thumb, however, elves are among the more liberal races of the world; though 'The Sunblessed' tend to err towards more monogamous relationships whilst their more "wild" cousins lean the other way.
Average Technological Level
Though the elves are generally considered to be knowledgeable souls, at least in the areas they hold interest in; their attained technological level depends entirely upon the sub-species and community in question. There will be those who veer towards the cutting edge of present technology, those who are far from it and numerous communities which linger somewhere between these two extremes.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Most elves are capable of speaking true 'Elven'. It is the language of their people, and the one most commonly used amidst the 'Clanwoods' both above and below ground. 'The Sunblessed' are also commonly blessed with an understanding of 'High Talaeian', which is a blend of 'Talaeian' and a revised dialect of the 'Elven' tongue.
The other languages any particular community of elves are likely to know depend entirely upon their geographic location and exposure to other cultures.
Common Etiquette Rules
The common etiquette observed among elves depends almost entirely upon the sub-species and community in question. That which 'The Sunblessed' may accept or even endorse will not always align with that which 'The Children of the Glade' appreciate and so on. Despite such, there are some aspects which appear to be relatively common place among all elven societies. They are as follows:
-Elves disdain apathy. Even their most reserved souls still feel deeply in their own ways. To be truly apathetic in the presence of an elf will surely garner their displeasure.
-Holding true to those you love and maintaining those bonds as best you can is something elves value highly.
-Most elves appreciate the freedom to roam as they wish to. Undesired constraint is often regarded as unseemly, and those who attempt to force it upon them will be met with an ample portion of discontent.
-Respecting the world around you is something all elves approve of, regardless of the degree to which they themselves partake in the notion.
Common Dress Code
The common dress code of the elves depends entirely upon which sub-species and community is being regarded. Whilst most communities will still show some degree of their woodland heritage, the variation between sub-species and cultures is so considerable that there is no true trend that can be applied universally.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Whilst all elves share the same Caitrean roots, the culture and heritage of an elf in this day and age will depend almost entirely upon their sub-species, geographic location, and who they were raised among.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
The customs and traditions of the elves will vary drastically from community to community, and from sub-species to sub-species. Though they may all share the same heritage; the customs and traditions of 'The Children of The Glade' are often in stark contrast to those of 'The Sunblessed', particularly in more recent decades.
Common Taboos
Most of what any particular group of elves consider taboo will be largely unique to that particular community, sub-species or culture. Whilst there will be certain common trends when regarding a sub-species or culture, there will still be some degree of diversity within those parameters. If there is one thing which appears to be taboo to most, if not all elves, it is the notion that the wilful defiling of nature through means such as 'Necromancy' cannot ever be abided. Such things are antithetical to their very nature; it is no wonder they disdain them so.
History
The history of the elves is a long and storied affair ladened with tragedy and triumph in equal portion. Given time, it will be recorded in full.
Historical Figures
Numerous elves have risen to become influential figures throughout history. The variation between their stations have been considerable. Some have garnered acclaim for their marshal talents, others for their potency as wielders of magic. There are as many who have changed the course of history through exploration, diplomacy or altruism as those who have affected it through vengeance, malice or their destructive capabilities.
Common Myths and Legends
Elves feature in numerous myths and legends throughout the world's history; from tales of mystery and intrigue where they often appear as enchanting guides or guileful tricksters, through to fables of battle and glory where they often play the parts of brutal avengers or legendary warriors. They are also commonly found in tales of love and loss where they features as wistful hearts and mournful souls. Among certain circles; they also garner a particular depiction often associated with lust and/or desire. How an elf feels about this depends on their individual dispositions, but they often range from vague amusement to ambivalence to discontent.
Among their own; the various subgroups of elves have countless tales and legends to share, from stories of triumph and adventure through to tragedy, defeat and everything in-between. It is common for commendable deeds, be they of an elf or their allies, to be commended to history through these lofty tales. It is something that persists, in some fashion or another, through all elven communities.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
The perception elves hold towards interspecies relations; be they platonic, sexual, romantic or otherwise, depends almost entirely upon the subspecies and community in question. Some will be far more willing to engage in such entanglements than others. Their long-lived nature can make some elves wary to form attachments with individuals of the younger mortal races, but not everyone shares in such a viewpoint. Others welcome the present for what it is and all it brings. It is this line of thought that has had a part in the creation of the 'Sunblessed' and 'Half-Elves' therein.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Scientific Name
Cor Silvestris
Lifespan
Elves are a venerable species. On average, they will live to around six hundred to six hundred and fifty to seven hundred years of age. The most enduring of their kind may even live to be over eight hundred.
Conservation Status
There are presently sub-group of elves that are under any form of conservation, save those precautions mortals employ to ensure their own safety. They maintain their defences and tend to their own as best they can, and for the most part, they have been successful in such efforts.
Average Height
Elves are among the taller mortal races. On average, their heights range from between six foot and six inches through to seven feet and ten inches.
Average Weight
Predominantly, elves are relatively lithe and wiry in build, but this is not unanimous. There are plenty of elves who hold differing body types due to a plethora of reasons, ranging from the demands of their vocation, to the standard of their living, to the natural predispositions of their body. For example; whilst you would be unlikely to find an elf who is as portly as a particularly well fed dwarf, there are still softer individuals to be found among their kind.
Average Length
Presuming that length and height are synonymous with one another in this context, then the elves are among the longer mortal races. On average, their lengths range from between six foot and six inches through to seven feet and ten inches.
Average Physique
Whilst there are assuredly some differences in physique between the various sub-species of elves; there is still a common thread between all of them that manifests most commonly. Elves are, predominantly speaking, tall, wiry and dextrous. They possess a beauty which can be considered both enchanting and haunting at the same time. Some consider them to have an almost bestial quality, though this is particularly prevalent towards 'The Children of the Glade'. Despite this trend, however, there is still a considerable measure of variation between elves in terms of their physique. There will be those who are stockier and more sturdy in build and those who are far more willowy and frail by comparison alongside all that which lies between these extremes. This being said, it is a rare day in which one finds an elf who is devoid of any kind of grace. Even their most clumsy of individuals still possess a respectable level of dexterity and poise appropriate to their form.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Elven bodies can possess any number of tints, hues and tones befitting of a mortal race; from those that linger but a few shades from snow to deep hues of brown and black. The particular colour of an individual will be defined by a plethora of factors ranging from their heritage, to their environment, to their geographic location and so on. Elves can also feature all manner of natural markings from moles to beauty-spots and the like. Many elves will often employ cosmetics or facial paint to accentuate their appearances for a variety of reasons. Warpaint is sometimes employed by their kind, particularly those of 'The Children of The Glade' and 'Those who Dwell in the Deep'.
On the topic of those deep-dwelling sorts, they are almost exclusively albino and their body tint reflects such.
Geographic Distribution
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