"Elven populations in the North (of Thirewyn) share similar features and characteristics to that of their origin-lineages in the Dominion holds; Yet, they have proven themselves to be loyal and independent populations that, if not intigrated into the Empire, would be perfectly happy to continue life as their own region independent of either party. They are similar only in appearance and magical inheretence; They are a liniage all of their own making, and thrive intigrating aspects of all surrounding cultures to make one distinctly theirs." - Alber Hunningbottom, The Elves of Alanor
Elves are typically inherently magical people who commonly strive for arcane knowledge, application, and co-existence. There are several known 'sub-species' or 'sects' of Elves, including those in the faraway lands of Fharun. However, Elves of Thirewyn typically have direct lineage from the lands of the Elven Dominion, a gathering of islands to the North-East of Thirewyn that are considered to be the ancestrial homeland of elves and their culture. Still, Elven people and liniages date back long before the time of the Elysian Empire on Thirewyn, typically hailing from the 'Elven Peninsula' in the Northern Riverlands as well as the Northern part of the Vale. History does not tell us if these sects of Elven populations directly hailed from the Elven Dominion islands, or if they were original inhabitants of Thirewyn themselves among other species.
Elves often take great pride in individuality compared to other species. While they thrive in groups or organizations, they tend to have a drive for personal expression and pride, especially when it comes to work. This can vary on their upbringing or enviroment and not every elf posesses the drive for magical knowledge, if they posess magical capabilities at all. While most elves have some degree of magical prowess, there are reports of some elves growing to great ages that never gain inherent magic abilities, or simply do not attune themselves to use it. While half-elves may find this more commonly and is expected, full blooded elves with pure liniages dating back centuries not inherenting magical capabilities can come as a shock to some, even causing a degree of physical and mental anguish and has been said to lead to some self-inflicted deaths as a result. Wether this is caused by ostrization from their communities or personal influence remains unclear.
Lifespan of an Elf:
'Pure-bloods', or Elves who are not decendants of a mixed liniage, reach physical maturity at the same age as humans. However, because they have lifespans of roughly 550 years, some up to even 750, their perception of the stages of life can differ greatly to that of other populations. It's not uncommon for Elves between the ages of 30 to 75 to consider these years their 'young adult' years, often adventuring, dedicating themselves to learning a craft, or working as bodies in odd-end jobs. Because they have many centuries ahead of them, they will often pursue knowledge and experience about the world in a direct manner, waiting to complete their formal educations or apprenticeships in the second and longest stage of their life. While not all Elves follow this tradition they tend to allow themselves to be more precarious and curious in their younger years while they do not feel the urge for deeper knowledge and understanding.
Half-elves, who are the direct liniage of a human and elf, tend to follow the physical and mental maturity of humans more closely, and have been known to live up to 150 years on average, decades longer than humans naturally, but also centuries below pure-blooded Elven populations. It is less common for Elves and other species such as Dwarfs, Gnomes, and Halflings to produce children, but there are numerous reports of such over the years and the results tend to produce similar results when compared to their non-Elven parent to that of a Human-Elven child. Characteristics of a first generation half-Elf and that of their offspring can also be further deluted when mating with other half-Elfs or non-Elven species, eventually settling back into characteristics that resemble more non-Elven heiratage.
Elven Sub-Species:
Elves are known to have sub-species, or 'sects', which can subtly change their appearence, physical traits, natural desires, and magic inheretence. The most common image of an Elf comes from the Elven populations primarily found in Northern Thirewyn and the Elven Dominion, commonly referred to as 'Dominion Elves' or 'Northern Elves', depending on the Elf's birthplace. These Elfs are sometimes also considered 'High Elfs'. These Elven people often posess inherent magical capabilities; Those of powerful bloodlines are said to posess even further magical capabilities, even at a young age, and are often more revered among their populations if their potential can be used skillfully. While nearby populations often classify differences between Elves with liniages based on Thirewyn compared to their Elven Dominion island counterparts, some populations in less Elven-dominated areas in Thirewyn do not. Citizens of the Reach often protest Elves when they make an appearance, in large part due to the war between the Empire and region years ago that left the land and people scared for generations to come. Even beyond that, Reachmen often reject Elves who try to associate with their cultures, arguing that they are spies or attempting to usurp their regional cultures.
While Elfs commonly inherent magical capabilities through their liniage, the 'Wood Elves' or 'Forrest Elves' are more commonly associated with nature. These sects of Elves can be found both in the Dominion as well as on Thirewyn and most commonly settle in small communities among nature. These are often seen as traveling bands on Thirewyn, where settlements within forrests or dense wildlife is uncommon; However, it's said that the majority of settlements in Dominion lands are atleast partially imersed in a natural forest, hillside, or other natural forming enviroment. A Wood Elf still posesses magical capabilities but often defers to natural or 'raw magic' to that of artificially created spells or arcane study. Instead, they prefer to live among nature and harness it's power to create a stable enviroment for both themselves and it's pre-existing inhabitants. A Wood-Elf immersed in nature is said to go weeks without sleep or food, instead drawing substance from the enviroment itself that is naturally produced, much like plants producing air. While there are Wood-Elf populations that live in cities, even the most socially engaged tend to feel the call to nature and may complete a yearly trip to camp or engage in the enviroment. Wood-Elfs who stray from permenant settlements are often referred to as 'Protector Elves' as some reports claim them to be bandit-like groupings who will punish misuse of the enviroment by roaming travelers.
In the far North in the region of Fharun, there is said to be another species of elf that take the characteristics of both High and Wood Elven people but in a unique and largely secluded culture. The Vehr, or 'Guardian Elves', are known to exist with official Imperial expeditions and outposts being conducted in the area. However, much like the rest of Fharun, the mysteries of the Northern regions and it's inhabitants remains largely a mystery to the common folk. The Elves of the Elven Dominion are said to be incredibly protective of their land and preventing outsiders from even walking onto the dock; The Vehr people in the North appear to be double-ey so, however it's not known to what extent or if other Elven people are allowed for trade or exploration. Historians and scholars sometimes open the discussion of the true homeland of the Elves, and if the first Elven populations may have decended from this secretive faraway land, while others argue it doesn't exist or is Dominion propaganda. Expeditions to the Northern regions are especially rare due to the travel necessary to reach them, as well as Imperial and Dominion patrols in the Windward Expanse and Mythral Oceans.
