High Elves

TLDR:

• +1 DEX, -1 CON
• +1 "To Hit" with Bows (not crossbows)
• 90% resistance to Charm & Sleep magic
• Detect secret doors (1 in 6) and secret portals (2 in 6) passively or secret doors (2 in 6) and secret portals (3 in 6) if actively searching.
• Possess Infravision
• Speak Alignment language, dracon, high elvish, elvish, gnome, halfling, goblin, hobgoblin, gnoll and Common.

High elves are the most common to be seen by others, not because they are the most dominant race of elves, but because they are the most social and public of the elven races. As the name implies, high elves are mostly of the upper class citizens, with a moderate number of middle class, and a very small number of lower class, and they hold themselves as ones of higher authority. This does not necessarily make them arrogant, snobbish or dislikable in any way, only that due to their class and longevity high elves tend to hold themselves to a higher standards, and at times others around them.

High elves are probably the most organized and structured of all of the elves save possibly for certain drow kingdoms. Their love of culture and of magic manifests itself in their architecture, clothing, metalworks, written works and music, and more. Most of their kingdoms are known as the "lands of light", with the most high of their kingdoms being the 'land of sunlight', 'land of moonlight', 'land of starlight', 'land of magelight', and so forth. While there are a few kingdoms that are of a more sinister path, they are all but impossible to find, for they are shunned, exiled and sometimes even chased out by other elves.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The anatomy of an elf is rather interesting. While the only outward difference between high elves and humans is their pointed ears, the angle of the elf's body, face, and even the density of their bones is unusual. The curvature and angles of their limbs, face, even their torso, is specially grown so as to reduce wind resistance slightly better than that of a normal human, while also allowing their muscles to grow properly so as to be more limber and agile. Their bones are slightly less dense than humans as well, making them a little bit lighter. All of this makes them a more agile and acrobatic race without loss of physical strength. However the weaker density of their bones makes them more susceptible to strikes, and the reduced mass from their shape makes them more susceptible to poisons and toxins.

Biological Traits

In general most high elves are considered the most beautiful race, even among the other elven races. Their bone structure is perfectly symmetrical. Their skin is smooth, pure and devoid of blemishes, markings and ununified colorations. Their hair is long, thin, straight and shining. The colors of their eyes are vibrant and can sometimes be semi-reflective in terms of light (does not make them immune or resistant to special eye attacks). While this may grant them the title of most beautiful race, not all high-elves share this trait. There are some high-elves who are, in the eyes of human, 'more of the average beauty of man'. Even fewer are considered ugly, and these high-elves are pitied by their peers for they are viewed as cursed by fiends, bad luck, or by punishment of the Gods for something yet to occur.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Most High-Elf societies are constructed using a monarch-based oligarchy system. How they utilize this system is there is the Elven king or queen, followed closely by the elven council which consists of the heads of each elven noble family. Each family specializes in something in particular, allowing each to be a master and sage in their own right, and allowing each family to bring forth their own unique perspective. In general, most noble families of the council govern their regions as seen fit, and as the council determines. However in matters of grave importance the king/queen takes part in the council and has the final say while taking heed to the council's words.

Beneath the councilor of each family are the elven princes and princesses who each govern a small section of the councilor's lands. These princes and princesses can further break this control down by granting special roles to other nobles of their families, or to those who have proven their intelligence, wisdom, skill and loyalty. These are the officials who manage individual building's, a group of people, guilds, and so forth such as religious buildings, marketplaces, and so forth.

The middle class citizens are those who live in the city. Most of them take on artistic professions, agricultural professions, and other such jobs. For they are a highly cultural and nature-enthusiastic race. Additionally, contrary to many people's beliefs, magic-users are given no special ranking or authority, for most elves at the very least study magic, if not attempt to practice it's art.

It is believed that there is a singular sovereign king/queen high elf who lives a simple life as they travel from one elven kingdom to the other. It's said that in times where the elves must unite together as many nations acting as one, the sovereign king/queen will lead their people. It's also said that Ainalowyn herself speaks to and guides the sovereign.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The majority of High Elves prefer to live in beautiful, bright and magical locations surrounded by nature. Examples can be in the mountains near a lake and waterfall, a tall and strong mountain surrounded by forests and meadows, a windy and clean bay by the sparkling ocean, a lush and rich field of hills surrounded by flowered meadows, a glimmering and glittering glacier amidst a frozen lake and snowy field and forest, and so forth. As a rule of thumb, these locations would be areas where the landscape is not disturbed by the 'loud and abrasive' races such as dwarves, humans, gnomes, half-orcs and nephilim. The high-elves take heed to their homes and continuously care to the land around them while also performing hunts to seek out and slay any evil demi-humans in the area.

It should be noted that while high-elves love nature and do not disturb the animals of the land, they do still civilize it, ensuring that monsters are less seen when it is in their power.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The high elves have grown to be incredibly perceptive of their surroundings through their natural abilities. Like most races, the high elves possess the ability to peer into the infrared spectrum up to a maximum of sixty feet. In addition to this however, their pointed ears are specially shaped to better capture sound. Thus they can better hear noises behind closed doors, and can hear up to 25% greater distances.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

High elves like most elves tend to give their kind very elegant and graceful names that flow gently off the tongue. Each high elf's name is usually that of a regal, strong, and majestic sounding name. Elves usually have their personal name, their immediate family name, their house name, and their true name - as soon as they discover it, though no high elf will willingly share this name to others.

Major Organizations

As mentioned, there are several elven kingdoms of the high elves, each of which are named as a land of light. The highest of which are the land of sunlight, land of moonlight, land of starlight, land of magelight, land of auroras, land of positive light and land of holy light. While some high elves have tried to raise more kingdoms, the overall population of the high elves believe that seven kingdoms to match the seven heavens is the wisest course of action.

Beauty Ideals

The high elves have a different view on beauty than the rest of the world. For most races, the high elves understand that disfiguration, mutations, and other deformities and blemishes which make mortals 'ugly' in the eyes of humans. As such they often try not to judge people based on their outward appearance, though they can still have an initial approval or repulsion towards someone's appearance in the immediate moment. Within their own society however, they believe that any 'ugliness', disfiguration, mutations, and deformities are a sign that that elf is cursed with fiends, evil magic, or that they have been born into a punishment for something they have done in a past life, or will do in the unforseen future. Given that all half elves are the second longest living race however, elves generally take their time with mortals and get to know who they are over the course of a few years. Only when they've determined the kind of person they are do they decide if they are 'beautiful' or 'ugly'.

Gender Ideals

In high elf society, men are usually given the roles of labor and warfare. For example, most male elves tend to farms, lumberjacks, masonry, and so forth - though if any female elf possesses the necessary strength and skill to meet the task, there is no hesitation to allow them - while the female elves are often given positions requiring intelligence, wisdom and diplomacy such as that of ambassadors, leaders, and such - and like with male elf positions, any male elf who qualifies can take these positions without judgement.

Courtship Ideals

High elves do not court one another like other races do. They do not go on dates with one another, nor do they address each other with special names or nicknames like girlfriend, sweetie, and so forth. Nor do they share nights of passion either. For a high elf, to court another is to merely spend time with the other for a long time. For if the elf holds some level of passion for the other, then merely being with them is enough for them. As such, while most humans view a midnight stroll as romantic, most elves see this as an every day occurrence. Since high elves live a very long time, they do not view individual days or memories as romantic, but the entire story with which each memory is woven into.

Relationship Ideals

The high elves do not court in any similar manner to other races. For they do not believe in marriage. For the high elves, simple companionship is a strong enough relationship when one lives as long as they do. They recognize that too much time with one another can create enmity, and as such as long living races they feel that spreading that time apart across their years allows for the strongest sort of relationships. For privacy and personal space is important. However, if there is a ceremony that is to be compared to the joining of two in marriage, it would be the birth of a child. For children are a rarity in the lives of elves, and to create a new life through birth is an incredibly important moment for every elf.

Average Technological Level

High elves have implemented the most technology of other races into their society, but even still they prefer to study, research, practice and experiment with magic rather than use advanced technologies.

• While their skill in metalworking is not as great as that of the dwarves, their knowledge in metallurgy nearly as great as their own, allowing them access to powerful alloys, and the ability to use mithril, orichalcum and adamantine to it's fullest.
• Their knowledge and skill in botany and agriculture is likewise great. While they refuse to use technologies which could harm the land, they do use various human invented devices for creating and tending to farm land.
• Their architecture is more advanced than humans, able to construct large buildings with small or few strategically placed supports. Unlike the dwarves, they do not seek to perfect the designs of fortified like structures, but instead are content with standing and lasting structures, focusing on the artistic side of architecture in a manner that reflects the grace and beauty of high elves.
• Their medicine is far more advanced than that of humans. Having no restrictions on the study of magic, save for that of dark and evil magics, the majority of high elves in their long and vast lives have had the time and ability to truly understand the elements, to the point where they are Erelest's leading force on medicine.

In regards to magic, it's often wondered if the High elves were the ones who discovered it, and how to cast it in the first place. Then again, there are many stories of magic's origin in the world of Erelest, and not even the high elves are sure themselves. However one thing is sure, the high elves were certainly one of the most active practitioners of magic, and for a while the high elves were known as the highest authority on magic. However that title has been passed on to the kingdom of Arivastal Maseus.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

The high elves are all taught during their youth many languages. As with all races, high elves can speak their alignment language. The core languages they learn first are high elven, elvish, and the common language of man. After these languages, elves are taught the following languages as their secondary languages: dracon, gnome, halfling, goblin, hobgoblin, and gnoll.

The accent of the High Elf Dialect is described with a clear enunciation of each syllable, and is characterized by a graceful lilt and precise pronunciation, conveying a sense of refinement and sophistication and often sounds poetic.

Common Etiquette Rules

High elves have far greater expectations of etiquette than other races of elves, especially for those in the upper class of society. Their general etiquette is overall very similar to that of royal etiquette of mankind, with a few alterations. Proper posture, pick up your feet when you walk, bow/nod to people in greeting, speak softly and never raise your voice, etc. High elves always show respect to others, even their enemies - with the exception of despicable creatures such as demi-humans - in one form or another. Additionally, to High Elves it's considered a breach of personal space to touch others, even through shaking hands. That being said they have a general understanding of etiquette of humans, and thus don't take it personal if one reaches out to shake their hands.

Speak Softly

Show Respect

Royal Etiquette

Common Dress Code

High elves generally have two types of clothing they wear each day. The first is that of their work and labour, which often consists of a shirt and pants. Unlike human tradition however, even their work clothes are elegantly made and look rather beautiful. The second set of clothing are a wide variety of dresses of all shapes, colors and designs. Overall High-Elves choose to wear very bright colors, and aren't afraid of weaving in precious metals into their clothing. Their clothes, like themselves, are always lightweight, to the complete surprise and astonishment of humans (approximately 50% lighter). The jewelry of High Elves matches the beauty of their architecture, and while they do not overadorn themselves, the jewelry they do wear is truly breath taking. If a high elf wears a necklace, it always has on it the deity they worship. When an elf crafts a ring, they create one of three types: A ring of identity (designed especially to match their personality), a ring of bonding (with a matching set for one they care for), or a ring of purpose (usually for those who've had their prophecy foretold). Rings of purpose are usually enchanted.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Tradition set by their longevity. Art and beauty woven into every corner of their lands. Songs and poem with every stroke of the quill. A thriving magical culture. These are the cultural heritages the high elves have carried throughout their generations. Since the birth of their race their culture has remained strong in all their written works, art, architecture, song, dance. Even the somatic movements of their spell casting resembles their culture. Even among other races their culture remains distinct. Containing a graceful and regal beauty. Strong yet soft, sweet and elegant. Magic can be found everywhere in their culture as well, adding a slight flare of power and mystery to the grace and beauty of it all. Even their written language's font has a similar style to that of the arcanic language of magic. It has become so iconic that even those who have never actually met a high elf can guess their culture with decent accuracy.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Before explaining the various customs, traditions, festivals and holidays, it should be noted that

• Solstice: During each season's solstice, the high elves have a week long festival in celebration of the season in question. The theme of the festival varies based on the season, and often matches the mood and philosophical teachings that season has to offer.
• Celestial Events: Aside from reading the future through reading the stars, the high elves perform special festivals and holidays during certain events. They perform a festival every night of Phelos' Star, a holy day on Phelos' Sun, and a holiday during the planetary convergence.
• Coming of Age ritual: As high elves get closer to becoming a young adult, they undergo a three year long ritual. Throughout the entirety of this ritual, the high elf must live on their own, on their personal journey for spiritual insight, understanding and wisdom. During the entirety of the last month of each year, they must journey to a sacred site and spend their time there in full meditation, prayer and worship. For the last week of their last month of their last year, they must craft something small which represents who they are in some way.
• Ancestral offerings: The Elves worship their ancestors just as much as they do their Gods. They make nightly offerings to their ancestors by burning food, flowers, incense, and other such pleasant smelling things, while giving thanks and prayers to them.
• The Grim Hunts: During one week every month, high elves who are skilled at combat and/or at casting magic go on a week long hunt through their domain surrounding their settlements. During this hunt, they chase rich animals for food, but the primary goal is to slay any monsters and drive them out of their domain.
• Weather rituals/holidays/festivals: 
• Phelos' Star Festivals: Every month during Phelos' star, they Half-Elves hold a week long celebration and festival. It is themed around illumination, enlightenment, positive magic, and the spell caster who created the event of Phelos' star in the first place.
• Religious Holidays:
  Trinity: A holiday held on the third day, of the third week, of the third month, of every three years. 
  Temporal Nights: 
  Druid's Walk: 

History

"We never called ourselves the high-elves originally. That was a name which was bestowed upon us by our neighbors, and so it remains to this day. We strive to hold ourselves to the honor and responsibility such a name carries with it. Many view us as higher beings for being so naturally gifted, and for our wisdom and intellect that comes with age. However they forget that we too are mortals, and must combat our inner demons and survive the evils of this world just as they do. To carry a title as 'high elf' is a great honor. But with that honor is a heavy burden that few understand."

Lorriel Serlian

It has long been believed that the high elves were the original race of the elves to be born - though the high elves believe they all came into existence simultaneously - and that all other races of elves stemmed from them. Regardless of the true origins of the high elves, most records of the elvish timelines tend to trace the naming of the high elves as far back as 5500 BD, prior to the birth of the elven empire, with the drow having been driven into the underdark some time between the naming of the high elves and the elven empire. It's believed by many that the high elves were the ones who declared the drow be driven into the underdark, but not only is there no proof of this, there is also no way to determine who instigated this event either. 

After the Dark Age, the elves isolated themselves from the other races, finding secluded places of light and joy, and began to build their kingdoms of light. These kingdoms were very small so as to respect their neighbors territory whilst keeping their space. However it was a very short peace, as most of these kingdoms were assaulted before they had finished being constructed, and without the aid of their sister races, the dracon, and supporting human factions, they most likely would have fallen. Nonetheless, the aggressive kingdoms were either beaten back into submission, or expelled from the land which the high elves took claim to. The high elves had chosen to forego aiding any of their allies or neighbors in the restless wars of Erelest so that they might focus on building their own defenses, establish a proper dominion, and create for themselves an official military, before they would help others. They referred to it as 'Elvish Wisdom' while the Dwarves referred to it as 'Betrayal', for the elves were not there to aid them during the Dragon Scourge Crises.

Just as the high elves had finished building their capitals, defenses and military, the lands of light were assaulted unannounced by the Devil's Skull Horde. A collection of hundreds of orc clans who were being lead by a handful of hobgoblin clans that hoped to use the orc's innate bloodlust to their advantage. These armies sieged the capitals of the lands of light for many years, and thus both sides suffered horrible losses. Likewise, the dwarves also fought against the oncoming might of the orcs and hobgoblins, but also goblins, troglodytes, kobolds and kuo-toas. The high elves argued that it is because the dwarves chose to dwell in the underdark that they have brought such woe upon themselves, while the dwarves blame the elves for not coming to their aid when they needed it, claiming that they could have divided their forces to aid the dwarves while fending off a weaker force.

By this time the high elves passed from their second generation to the third generation. During this generation the high elves had taken a step that no other race had done to this day: They attempted to befriend the metallic dragons and form a positive relationship. Not only did they succeed, but they began to do the same with the fae - though the wood elves were the first to have done so - and they also took the initiative to give the first refuges for half-orcs, much to the fury of the dwarves. In their eyes it was as evil as inviting the demi-humans themselves into their homes, and as such had betrayed their own honor. The high elves may not have treated them as they did other races, but they at least allowed them a safe place to live so long as they did not turn to evil. Regardless of their intentions however, the two alliances and their act of 'benevolence' towards half-orcs was met with betrayal in the eyes of the dwarves. Not long after this, small rogue clans had launched small skirmishes against elven settlements and strongholds. With the tension having sparked into a wildfire, both races waged war in what was later called 'Of Broken Spirits and Rivers of Tears' in the elven tongue. For both races suffered horrid casualties, and the feelings of betrayal, hurt, pain, distrust, animosity and loss had only grown between the two races.

For many years there was a tense peace as the high elves kept to themselves. They allowed travelers and merchants into their lands of light, but had put limitations on who was allowed inside, and they did not interact with other nations other than through trade. It stayed this way for almost a full generation until the arrival of the Nephilim. Their arrival was prophesized but no one understood what the threat was, where it would come from, or how great the threat truly was until it was too late. If it were not for a gray elf delivering them a warning, the high elves wouldn't have been able to save any of their brethren. That being said, many of their kind were slaughtered by the denizens of the underdark. It was the High Elves who contacted their old allies and alliances with their magics and called for an emergency meeting. To their shock the dwarves had also attended this council, for they too had suffered at the hands of this unseen evil. The high elves lead the rest of their kind in the War of Sin which lasted far longer than any war they had seen in history. Through this war, the deep seeded hatred between races had mended, but never fully healed. The dwarves no longer saw elves as evil, but they would never again trust the elves either.

With half-elves and half-orcs fully accepted into society, and their relationships with old allies mended - if only a little - the high elves opened their doors a little more. Yet still they keep to themselves, preferring not to interfere with, or become wrapped up in, the affairs of other nations. For they had witnessed many evils and atrocities. It was of their opinion that they should focus on living a pure life, and develop their spiritual culture more. In most recent years people believe the high elves have become pretentious, but that is up to speculation and opinion.

Lifespan

Up to 1,600 years

Average Height

4'6-5'0 on average

Average Weight

80-110 lbs on average