Elves of the Flanaess

Elves are a proud, magical, and ancient people, deeply tied to the natural and mystical forces of the world. Their long lives allow them to accumulate vast knowledge, but also make them slow to change. Whether encountered as reclusive sages, daring adventurers, or enigmatic guardians of ancient secrets, elves remain one of the most intriguing and influential races of the Flanaess.

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Known as olve to the Flan, elves are a slender, graceful race who have lived in the Flanaess for countless centuries. Typically standing around five feet tall, they possess fair complexions and a variety of eye and hair colors that distinguish their subraces. Elves are long-lived and deeply attuned to magic, nature, and beauty, often seen as both curious explorers and reclusive scholars. Their society is rich in art, music, and mysticism, and they hold a deep reverence for the natural world.

Elven History in the Flanaess

Elves were present in the Flanaess long before the rise of human civilizations. As humans and other races expanded, elves withdrew to forests and highlands, forming strongholds to protect their lands. The encroachment of humans, orcs, and other peoples led elves to forge alliances with dwarves, gnomes, halflings, and certain human groups, particularly the Oeridians. Today, elven strongholds include Celene, Sunndi, Highfolk, the Vesve Forest, and the Lendore Isles.

Elven Subraces

Elves are divided into several distinct subraces, each with its own unique traits and culture:

• High Elves – The most common and friendly among elves, high elves typically have dark hair and green or hazel eyes. They frequently interact with humans and other races, making them the most well-known elven subrace.
• Gray Elves (Faerie Elves) – Noble and aloof, gray elves have silvery hair with amber eyes or pale golden hair with violet eyes. They favor intellectual pursuits and magic and often live in isolated strongholds.
• Wood Elves (Sylvan Elves) – Reclusive forest dwellers, wood elves have coppery-red to yellow hair and green or hazel eyes. They value strength and nature, often living among human woodfolk and druids.
• Wild Elves (Grugach) – The most secretive of elves, wild elves resemble wood elves but are smaller. They live in deep forests such as the Phostwood, practicing an even simpler and more isolated lifestyle.
• Valley Elves – Found only in the Valley of the Mage, these elves resemble gray elves but are nearly human height. Shunned by other elves for reasons unknown, they instead form strong bonds with gnomes.
• Snow Elves – A rare and isolated group, snow elves live in the Crystalmist Mountains, Barrier Peaks, and Jotens. They are tall, rail-thin, with white hair, tanned skin, and silver eyes. Unlike other elves, they harbor deep scorn for "lowlanders" and an intense hatred for drow.
• Drow (Dark Elves) – The infamous underground-dwelling elves, drow are dark-skinned and ruthless. They are rarely seen on the surface and are universally distrusted and feared.
• Aquatic Elves (Sea Elves) – Elves of the deep seas, they have greenish-silver skin and gills and are rumored to have sonar-based vision. They worship Deep Sashelas and dwell near the Spindrift Isles.

Elven Society and Culture

Elves value kinship, artistry, and magic. They commonly use family names that reflect their heritage, often poetic and melodic in nature (e.g., Starglow, Silverfrond). Noble elves place great importance on bloodlines, and their society is structured around ancient traditions. Elves are deeply fascinated by magic, particularly in the forms of illusions and enchantments, and they craft some of the most exquisite magical items in existence.

Elven Fashion:

• In forested realms, elves favor pale hues that blend with nature, such as greens, browns, and grays.
• In urban settings, they wear more vivid and intricate attire.
• Gray Elves don flowing robes of white, gold, and silver, accentuated with jewels and fine leather.
• Wild Elves wear simple kilts, rough shirts, and boots.
• Cloaks are a common staple among all elves, often in shades of gray or gray-green.

Elven Religion and Deities

Elves worship a pantheon of deities, most notably:

• Corellon Larethian – Creator of elves, god of magic and arts.
• Sehanine Moonbow – Goddess of dreams and mysticism.
• Ehlonna (Ehlenestra) – A non-elven goddess of the woodlands, respected by many elves.
• Solonor Thelandira – God of archery and hunting.
• Hanali Celanil – Goddess of beauty and love.
• Deep Sashelas – Patron of aquatic elves.

Elves also practice Faerie Mysteries, secretive religious rituals that involve dancing, singing, meditation, and deeper spiritual connections.

Elven Magic and Feats

Elves have developed unique magical traditions and abilities, including:

• Companion Guard Style – A fighting style emphasizing longswords, spears, and bows.
• Faerie Mysteries Initiate – A mystical practice granting unique spiritual benefits.
• Elflore – Mastery of ancient poems, songs, and magical lore.
• Tested – A rare blessing granted to those who pass through the Moonarch of Sehanine.

Elven Language

Elves speak Olven-Vocca, their native tongue, which sees little use outside elven communities. However, official documents and communication with outsiders are often written in both Common and Elven. The Lendorian dialect, spoken on the Lendore Isles, is believed to be divinely inspired and infused with religious and philosophical terminology.

High Elf

Valley Elf

Snow Elves