Aelfen

Basic Information

Anatomy

humanoid, 2 arms and legs. Flexible and thin skeletal structure with flexible joints.

Genetics and Reproduction

Reproduces sexually.

Growth Rate & Stages

They go through infancy quite quickly, being able to walk, climb and talk after 2 years. Their ageing slows down after this though and they reach full adulthood by 25 years. They maintain adulthood for 600-700 years, then ageing speeds up again. Old age often taking only a matter of a few years, the average is 5.

Ecology and Habitats

The Aelfen live in heavily forested areas, building their villages in the deepest parts of the forest in magically hidden and protected glades They love to roam the wilderness though and can be found wandering the mountains and hilltops in uninhabited regions.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The Aelfen live off the land as needed, they are mostly vegetarian but meat is consumed on occasion especially during the winter months in the colder regions of the northern continent.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Aelfen live in a very egalitarian society. Each member choosing their own profession which, due to their long lifespans, can change many times times over the course of their adult life. The genders hold equal standing within society. When an Aelfen begins the ageing process at the end of it's life they are taken care of by the younger members of society, who have not yet decided on a profession.

Facial characteristics

The Aelfen have long pointed ears that sit higher on the head than a humans. Their eyes are slanted upward slightly at the outward edges and are either green or yellow in colour. They have long delicate features and an otherworldly air about them. Their hair is long and straight and ranges wildly in colour.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Aelfen can be found in all the heavily forested regions of the 2 main continenets.

Average Intelligence

Aelfen are very quick minded and highly adaptable

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Excellent hearing and vision. They are able to sense their environment and have a unique ability to manipulate the weather and their natural environment.

Civilization and Culture

Major Organizations

Each village is governed by a council of three Wisdoms. Two of which are older Aelfen, of at least 500 years and one younger, usually about 100 - 150 years. There are a number of professional societies as well and although they wield no governing power the leaders are often sought out for advice due to their vast knowledge in their field.

Beauty Ideals

The Aelfen value natural beauty and very rarely decorate or alter their features. They will however weave flowers into their hair and wear intricately carved wooden bracelets and armbands. When not working, or travelling they choose to wear light, brightly coloured, silken robes or loose pants and tunic.

Gender Ideals

It is difficult to tell male and female Aelfen apart. They all are of a similar slight build and have beautiful androgynous features. They also dress in the same fashion.

Relationship Ideals

Aelfen may have several partners over a lifetime or they may have only one. Same sex relationships are not uncommon as Aelfen have very few children so partners are not chosen from a breeding perspective.

History

The Fain are the first races created by the Gods. The Aelfen Fainis were one of the two races created by the twin Gods D'ver'Nethir and A'lef'Nethir. They were created to tend the great forests of the new world, which in the beginning times covered half the world.. They were tasked with keeping the balance of nature and nurturing new life forms as they developed, be they plant or animal. They are one of the parent races of humans and, although they rarely mix with other humanoid races, they keep a watchful eye over their ever expanding "children". With the expansion of humans and the introduction of lesser races by the fledgling Gods, the Aelfen have retreated deep into the remaining Great Forests. The Aelfen living in the mountain forests still wander the wild and untamed mountain tops.

Scientific Name

Aelfen Fain

Origin/Ancestry

Fainis

Lifespan

600-700 years

Average Height

1.8m -2.0m

Average Weight

45-70 Kg

Average Physique

Very slender and quite flexible. Quick and nimble but not very strong.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Their skin is pale and often tinted through various shades of pale greens.