Elf
Basic Information
Genetics and Reproduction
Elves reproduce incredibly slowly, as each birth represents an elf soul that has been to Arvandor and returned. Elves cannot be sure if the soul is from one of the nearly departed, or of an elf who died millennia ago. How many elves are born in each generation is a topic often studied in the hope of discerning some sign from Corellon. A decade in which many elves are born is thought to be a sign of danger that large numbers of elves will be needed in order to withstand. In contrast, if an elven community goes
a century or longer without a new birth, members take this as a sign that the community has stagnated and needs to disband.
Because of the rarity of elf births, siblings might be separated in age by decades, centuries, or even longer.
Growth Rate & Stages
During a young elf's first few years, the memories evoked during trance are drawn not from current life experiences, but from the fantastic past adventures of the elf's immortal soul. This experience, called the First Reflection, marks the end of childhood and the start of adolescence.
Elves in adolescence learn how to use trance to evoke memories of their waking lives, giving them opportunities to reflect on the mortal world, as well as reinforce the principles of any training or practice undertaken while awake. At the same time, the memories of long ago that came so easily during childhood now arise less and less frequently. The Drawing of the Veil is the name that elves give to the occasion when a young elf no longer experiences primal memories during trance, and instead recalls only the
events of its current mortal existence.
After the Drawing of the Veil, elves enter adulthood. This period spans centuries, and is often marked by an elf's desire to experience the world, and change it for the better. They strive to create as many memories as possible, in order to fuel their trances. This is the most well known phase of an elf's life, as it is when they leave their often reclusive communities.
At some point during adulthood, the reverie of an elf's trance is first interrupted by a new form of unbidden thought. This memory arises not from the elf's personal experience, nor from the memories of the elf's primal soul, but comes from another life. An elf's first experience of this sort is often referred to as the Remembrance. An elf who first experiences these memories is often unaffected, but as they become more frequent it takes a toll on the elf's outlook on life. Eventually their thoughts begin to change from those of wordly accomplishments, to ones focused inwards. This change is gradual at first, but it becomes more and more severe until it can't be ignored. When that happens, an elf loses interest in the outside world and wants nothing more than to return home, and to explore the memories they've accumulated,
keeping them separate from the increasing number of other-life memories that are resurfacing. Most elves undergo this experience in their third or fourth century, but more active lives or traumatic experiences may trigger this sooner.
Elves don't age outwardly like other humanoids. The skin of adults remains smooth, their hair docs not gray, and their bones do not ache. Despite this, there is one sure sign that an elf is nearing the end of life. This is marked by cataracts in the shape of crescents, points down, that appear over the pupils of both eyes when the elf is in trance. This change, commonly known as Transcendence, is evidence that the door to enable the elf's soul to return to Arvandor has been opened. This period is marked by both intense joy and great sadness. Elves who die of old age without experiencing Transcendence are said to not be allowed into Arvandor, and thus, their souls are not reincarnated. This often happens to those who do not worship the elven pantheon.
Additional Information
Facial characteristics
Elves have large, slightly catlike eyes. They are often blue, green, brown, or hazel, but can come in more unusual tones such as gold or silver. Dark hair is common, with brown and black being the most popular, but blond, red, gold, or copper tones are not unusual. Elves are widely considered to be beautiful and fair, with slender features. They have pointed ears, and almost no body hair.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Elves have exceptional hearing, as well as Darkvision, enabling them to see in low light, albeit in shades of gray.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Elves names are unique, and they often reflect traits, or shows respect to prominent family members. Elven names are often time unisex, with little distinction between male and female names.
Gender Ideals
The primal elves could assume whatever sex they liked. When they bowed to Lloth's influence and chose to fix their physical forms, elves lost the ability to transform in this way. Yet occasionally elves are born who are so androgynous that they are proclaimed to be among the blessed of Corellon. The rarest of these elves can change their sex as they place, a miracle celebrated by all elves but drow.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Elvish
Genetic Descendants
Origin/Ancestry
Eladrin
Lifespan
700+ years
Average Height
5'2"-6'0"
Average Weight
100-150 pounds
Average Physique
Elves are a slender, thin, and athletic race. They are usually slightly shorter than humans, and weigh less.
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