Elves

Denizens of the Forest of Tuathdé, the Elves are also one of the most widespread races in Erwuë. They are notably smaller than Humans on average but not quite as small as Underkin, and their most recognizable trait is their long, pointed ears; a symbol of their Fey ancestry. Beyond these similarities, the two distinct subraces of Elf have little in common. Clumhach are muscular and covered in thick, coarse body hair. They have sharp canines and claws, and eyes that shine in the dark. On the other hand, the Togha are much more delicate in appearance, their features soft and hair silky, their skin displaying the colorful patterns of orchids. The divide between these two families of Elf does not stop with appearance, as their conflict has been the defining element of their history and the history of Tuathdé.

ELF HISTORY

Before there were empires or cities, there were forests. When the first stars crashed into Eruwë, their dust scattered across the forest of Tuathdé, and planted into the ground like seeds. From these seeds, the Fey (or Fairies) grew. Some, like the Pixies, were small and delicate like flower buds. Some, like the Spriggans, were colossal and unshakeable like trees. But the Elves, they were among the most pure form of life, for their nature was to adapt and evolve. And adapt they did, until the two main clans of Elf--the Clumhach and the Togha--became so different that they split away from each other entirely and began to war over control of the Forest. The Togha claimed for their own the Forest's plants as their domain, and the Clumhach claimed the beasts. They fought for centuries until Gormierre Oskilor's light united them, for they recognised the glow of the Most High, and they called her Io Fasuul ("Fallen Star").
After the Night of Heresy, the Elves returned to their forest war. Led by General Mina, Lord of the Hunt, the Clumhach took the city of Entemog from the Human and Underkin settlers who built it and transformed it into the bestial fortress it is today. They feasted upon the flesh of their enemies, and have one of the most feared military forces in Eruwë, second only to the Tieflings of Azag. The Togha on the other hand retreated into their garden-city of Selunia, protected by the ancient tree spirit Oal. They listen to the trees whispers to keep tabs on all that takes place in the Forest. And the forest in-between the two cities acts as a contested no man's land, the battlefield of their territorial dispute. With no end to the conflict in sight, most non-Elven peoples avoid Tuathdé at all costs.

ELF CULTURE

Due to the Night of Heresy and the reignition of conflict in the region, for the past 50 years Elves have fled from Tuathdé by the thousands. In search of better conditions, many now reside within Oskil and Attikonia. Most Elves who have fled have also abandoned their allegiance to the respective sides of the Forest War, although some still hang on to their national and religious pride. Regardless of their alignment, all elves share a cultural reverence for nature and its marvels.
Although Elves are relatively widespread across Eruwë and, as such, are found in almost every cult, those who live within Tuathdé almost exclusively follow The Hunt and The Children of Paradise. The Clumhach are known for being militaristic barbarians, and even those who are not soldiers are fierce warriors. The most important Clumhach soldiers are the Beast Masters, who run into battle with bow and arrow and allow their Warg companions to fight their enemies up close. The Togha on the other hand are much more secluded and secretive. Selunia maintains positive business relations with many other city-states by trading wine and important materials for potion-making; however, no outsiders may enter the garden-city they call home.

ELF TRAITS

Size: Medium
Languages: Common and any Sylvac language.
Darkvision: You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light and in darkness as if it were dim light. You discern colors in that darkness only as shades of gray
Speed: 30 feet
Legacy of Stardust: You know the cantrip dancing lights, and cannot be put to sleep by magic.
Subrace: Clumhach (Fauna Elves)
Bestial Instincts: You are proficient in animal handling and survival.
Claws: When you make an unarmed attack, it deals 1d6 + your strength modifier slashing damage.
Bestial Agility: You have a climbing speed equal to half your movement speed, and can dash as a free action once per short rest
Subrace: Togha (Flora elves)
Fey magic: you know the Druidcraft and Thorn Whip cantrips and can also cast Entangle once per long rest without expending a spell slot.
Step of Flora: you can move across difficult terrain of plants without expending extra movement
Botanical Spirit: You are proficient in Nature and Survival and have advantage on saving throws against being charmed.