Grey Elves

Grey Elves
1. Elves are naturally inclined to artistic expression. Poets, musicians, painters, and jewelers are all held in very high regard. But in a society so suffused with art, where does a left-brained type fit in? Not well. A tone-deaf elf is often mocked when the festival songs are sung. Friends and family turn their noses up at poems with poor meter and choppy flow. An elf in drab, utilitarian clothing is often called ugly, regardless of their actual physical assets. In a culture so heavy with emotion, social awkwardness is a serious handicap.
2. Though Grey Elves mainly define their identities in opposition to the typical core values of Elven society. That is the main imprint the mainstream leaves on them--whatever is important to most elves is bitterly rejected by a grey elf after decades of derision.
3. Any elf who struggles to fit in tends to get lumped in. Grey Elves are not a separate and well-defined group per se, but in large enough communities they tend to self-sort and find each other. The outcasts support each other.
4. "Grey Elf" is actually a pejorative term, implying "not colorful," and therefore lacking beauty and refinement. They're seen as drab, dull, and unpleasant to be around. Other mean nicknames include "Mannish," "Tall Dwarves," and "Boring."
5. In the borders of elven lands, where there is contact with other races like dwarves, gnomes, and humans, Grey Elves often throw themselves into trades that most elves shun, like construction, blacksmithing (utilitarian tools and machines rather than pretty armor and swords), masonry, carpentry, law, bureaucracy, engineering, mathematics, and tinkering. Given the long lifespans of the elves and the power of bitter resentment, they often become exemplars in their chosen fields. In larger elven communities, or in small enclaves in the cities of other races, groups of Grey Elves congregate and can provide access to top-notch goods and services that most elves won't provide.
6. Though they aren't by any means emotionless or inexpressive, the bullying they often deal with in their formative years frequently causes them to act extra withdrawn and reserved. Many often speak in loads of jargon and technical language using flat tones, purposefully speaking in a way that is more informational than smooth. As a further show of defiance, many adopt cultural quirks from non-elves, like drinking ale instead of wine, wearing non-elven fashions, instigating tavern brawls, living in wooden or stone houses, eating lots of meat, and getting nice and dirty at work without bathing very often or wearing scents.
https://dungeonmasterblock.freeforums.net/thread/2367/nastics-153-building-bold-behaviors