Elf
Elves once used to be human before the mists were cleared. The burst of mana caused many people to become ill and crazed. Once these people stabilized, these deformed freaks gave birth to the elegant, majestic elves. As they grew, the elves showed a natural draw to nature. Spending large quantities of time outside of city walls exploring and adventuring in woodlands and forests. Eventually, a couple generations later, there were very few elves that lived among the other races. They prefered each other’s company and formed colonies and tribes.
Elves are slightly shorter than humans ranging from 4-6 feet in height and rarely passing 6 feet in height. Their builds are sleek, slender and naturally agile. An elf’s most notable feature is their ears. Long and pointed at the tip, they are the symbol of their individuality and also considered a racist feature to insult.
Elves can live for up to 2,000 years at a stretch but generally they die at 500 to 1,000 years of age. They do not die in the same way that other races do, however. Instead, from a young age, they are taught of a wonderful land called Arcadia. A place where elves go once they have satisfied themselves with the mortal realm. This has become an almost religious symbol of the elves and some elves that will to go to Arcadia seek what they call their reckoning. A day in which they complete the final goal or major accomplishment of their life and seat themselves there they stand to will themselves to Arcadia.
A particularly famous elven combatant, Jahavelsia, took it upon himself to eliminate the Dwarven warchief Kull’Drell as vengeance for his invading of elven lands. After fighting through hundreds of subordinates and fighting a one on one battle with Kull’Drell that lasted for hours, Jahavelsia sat beside the body of the dwarf and left for Arcadia there and then among the bodies of his enemies.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Short, slender and lightly built, elves are a great example of using nimbleness and dexterity to outwit strength and brawn.
Genetics and Reproduction
Since elf children are few (or at least far fewer than human children), the birth of an elf is a cause of great celebration. Births are always times of great joy. The village turns out in profusion, setting aside the day's work to celebrate with the infant's parents.
Following a two-year pregnancy, elf women are glad to celebrate the lightening of their burden. They happily join in the festivities honoring their newborn. Such celebrations typically last several days and conclude with the naming of the infant. Children are given a private name by their parents and then given a public name. The secret name is known only to the elf, his or her parents, and the priest presiding over the ceremony. While knowing the name gives no power over an elf, it is a sign of love and respect when an elf reveals his or her true name.
Ecology and Habitats
Elves tend toward natural surroundings; forests, jungles and plains are often an elf's favourite places. Their societies often co-inhabit areas with rich wildlife and the lifestyle of elves tends to uphold the wild population.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Elves tend to be more vegetarian than humans, for this has less of an impact on their environment. When they do eat meat, it is carefully culled from the excess animal population of their area and done in such a way that it doesn't disrupt the land.
Elves almost never keep herd animals. Not only do these creatures take up space that could more properly be forest, animals require almost constant maintenance and feeding. No elf wants to be saddled with the joyless burden of watching animals eat all day long.
Let the humans rake in the profits to be had from ranching; elves can survive on the fruits of the forest. Besides, elves don't believe in raising animals simply to kill them. That is not nature's way and therefore not the elves' way.
For drink, elves mostly subsist on sparkling waters from cold mountain springs. However, they are not averse to wine and beverages of a similar nature, and many elf cities and towns cultivate the grapes and grains necessary to the making of such refreshments.
Elves enjoy drinking mead, or fermented honey. This delicate drink agrees well with the elven palate and gives them a pleasant feeling. Greater quantities act on elves much as alcohol does on humans. Fortunately, elves feel none of the ill effects humans do when drinking this beverage. However, elves are susceptible to human brews such as ale and beer.
The elves favorite drink, however, is a nectar created from the juice of flowers, mixed with honey and an additional, secret ingredient. This nectar is of ancient origin and is called feywine. What its secret ingredient might be has long been a mystery to humans, dwarves, and the demihumans, as well as most elves. Feywine is used liberally at elven festivals. It induces frivolous behavior, lasting for days or even weeks.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Elves have eyes that help them see in low-light areas, developed from hunting and tracking during the night. They can see up to 60 feet ahead of them in darkness, provided the area is not completely devoid of light.
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