Elves
Originally from the 'Elder Forest', Elves have spread to the 'Floating Archipelago', and the 'Under Caves'. They tend to be a patient people, whose outlooks are long ranging. As such they try to live in peace with nature, rather than dominate it. Much of their research involves discovering how everything in nature interacts. This knowledge allows them to interact with their environment in a sustainable way.
Because of how fragile Elves are compared to many other folk, Elves prefer to avoid combat, but if they need to fight they prefer ranged combat. Battles are often preceded with surveillance and planning, and camouflage, ambushes, and sniping are favored tactics.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Elves have a standard bipedal humanoid morphology. They stand slightly taller than the average Human but are more slender than them.
Biological Traits
Of all sentient folk in Tamerea Elves are considered one of the most magically connected races. They are master magic users, and are often inventing new new spells ad enchantments. Almost every individual is capable of using some kind magic. Some individuals have been known to to have visions or dreams of the future.
Despite what many other Kinfolk may believe. Elves are in fact mortal.They are capable of living up to 500 years, several centuries longer than the next longest lived Kinfolk.
While Elves may look frail, especially compared to Orcs and Dwarves, they are actually quite strong due to their arboreal lifestyle. They are also quite nimble, in both body and mind.
Along with having a long lifespan, Elves also typically have a good long term memory. However there are some diseases that affect this.
Growth Rate & Stages
Elves are not immortal like the legends may suggest, however they do live for a long time.
Ecology and Habitats
The original Elves first appeared in the 'Elder Forest', but now they are also found in the 'Under Caves' and the 'Floating Archipelago'. Elves prefer areas that are rich in plant life, for they provide all the food, medicine, clothing, and shelter that they could ever need.
Dietary Needs and Habits
The dangers of the 'Elder Forest' made it difficult for the first Elves to hunt on a regular basis, so culturally they eventually switched over to a plant-dominated diet. Most of what they eat are fruits, nuts, and grains. The eating of meat was reserved for only highly important events, or considered flat out tabooed due to the association with the creatures that hunted Elves. Too much meat eaten in one sitting can make an Elf sick. Due to their high plant based diets Elves much eat a lot of food each day. They tend to snack throughout the day with several larger meals mixed in, and they always carry food with themselves for when they get hungry. Popular options are nuts and dried fruits.
They also love the taste of salt, however due to their arboreal lifestyle it is difficult for them to get it, and was originally considered a luxury item. Through increased trade, many now have either a small container of it, or their own personal salt lick.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Elven society is divided into several kingdoms, with most being lead by an Elven Queen and assisted by officials and aristocrats. When it comes to societal roles they tend to be a lot less rigid than Dwarves and Humans.
Adoption and the Treatment of Orphans
If orphaned and there are no living relatives, a child will have to go through a variety of tests to decide what skills would be best to teach the child and benefit the whole. Often these skills include food production, research, or fighting..
Facial characteristics
One of Elves most noticeable facial characteristics is their long, pointed ears, however the cartilage in their ears can be rather fragile, so crooked ears are not uncommon. Their ears have some mobility and are used to help express emotions.They are also easily recognizable due to their wide, almond-shaped eyes. Their wide pupils are often vibrantly colored, with green, brown, and red eyes being the most common colored.
Typically Elves have dark colored hair, however Drow have white hair.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Generations of being on high alert for predators have given the Elves keen senses. Most have good low light vision and some even have good dark vision.
Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms
Elves often keep animal companions, though what kinds depend on the culture. In addition they can have plant companions such as carnivorous flowers, crawling vines, puffballs (floating fungus), and sapling 'Tree-Folk'.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
- Female Names: Amrunelara, Dardlara, Faunra, Jathal, Merisiel, Oparal, Soumral, Tessara, Yalandlara.
- Male Names: Caladrel, Heldalel, Lanliss, Meirdrarel, Seldlon, Talathel, Variel, Zordlon.
Major Organizations
Government
While there are still royals in Elven society much of the lower levels of government are elected by the public.
'The Descendants'
When it was learned that all of the Kinfolk races were descended from the 'A.O.'s', many individuals did not take to the news very well. A small group of Elves however, saw potential in the news, and created an organization known as the 'Descendents'. Elves were one of the most magically gifted folk on Tamerea, and as a result they believed that they were the one's who should inherit everything that the 'A.O.'s' left behind. Even if that meant taking it all by force.
Gender Ideals
Elves typically have very loosely defined gender roles, however Drow are the exception to this rule.
Courtship Ideals
Common tokens of affection among Elves include glass figures, and living plants.
Average Technological Level
Architecture
Architecture varies between the different Elven folk and cultures. For example Wood Elves craft almost exclusively with wood and other plant related materials, and nearly all of their structures are located high in the trees due to their arboreal lifestyle.
Instead of sleeping in a more typical bed, Elves instead sleep in hammock or on suspended rope platforms.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
All Elves speak one of the many Elven languages. Scholars and ambassadors will also learn multiple other languages.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Art
Elves tend to be a very artistic people and express this through art, music, stories, and dance. Their art tends do be detailed, and fluid.
Celebrations
Elves love any chance to celebrate, and have many different festivals and events that they observe. Some of these can last days, going on through out the night without stop.
Cuisine
Elves are surprising tolerant to alcohol, and many of their fruit based drinks have a high alcohol content. Drinks that may only get an Elf buzzed can knock out a Human or Dwarf after only one drink.
Magic
When the magic levels had once again reached usable levels the Elves were the first to embrace the use of magic. Powerful magic users were soon held in high regard. Certain Elven families became well known for producing powerful wizards.
Values
Most Elves appreciate things such as writing, magic, and extensive research. They are extensive record keepers and keep detailed records of their history and legions. Out of all the Kinfolk they are the most curious of the 'Ancient Ones', and some individuals have dedicated their entire lives to studying the lost civilization.
Elves also tend to be fascinated with astronomy and study the movements of the sun, moons, stars, etc. Alien races such as the 'Fae', 'Demons', and 'Angels' are a source of endless curiosity to Elves.
History
The original Elves were descended from a group of 'Ancient Ones' that were in the 'Elder Forest' when the world's magic levels crashed. With no magic left to defend themselves with, many 'A.O.' became prey to the various predators that stalked the forest. The survivors took the trees to escape the hungry carnivores. They planned to stay in the trees until reinforcements arrived, however they had no idea that the entire world had been affected. No one was coming for them.
When Humans first discovered the 'Elder Forest' there was rumors of "Spirits of the Wood'. Brief glimpses of figures moving high in the trees were often reported, but nothing was done of it.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
General
Elves seem hesitant in trusting other folk as a whole, especially since some of their first experiences with them involved the trees that their homes are located being cut down. Some Elves however, are fascinated in the other folk and the world outside their Elven home, and have begun to set out on adventures to satisfy their curiosity. On an individual level they tend to be a good judge of character.
Because of their long lifespans and relatively private demeanor, many races view them as the wise men of the forests. At personal and national levels they are slow to make friends, though once alliances are made it can last a lifetime.
Gnomes
Many Elves find Gnomes to be strange, but their machines are fascinating.
Half-Elves
Elves relationship with Half Elves is a mixed bag. While some see them as a bridge of peace with Humans, others see them a betrayal with those that destroy their homes.
Humans
Humans are fascinating but frustrating.
Vampires
Many Elves despise Vampires due to the extensive propaganda against them.
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