Elves
Overview
Elves are a magical people of otherworldly grace, living in the world but not entirely part of it. They live in places of ethereal beauty, in the midst of ancient forests or in silvery spires glittering with faerie light, where soft music drifts through the air and gentle fragrances waft on the breeze.The elves are one of the oldest races in Iquria, predating most others. The earliest record of their existence dates back to 4,000,000 years before the present.
In Iquria, elves can live almost indefinitely, reaching physical maturity at the age of 30, at which point they cease to age physically. Elves only die from wounds, sickness, or by achieving nirvana—a state reached through various means, including understanding the meaning of life or fulfilling a lifelong quest. Most elves reach this by the time they are 2000.
The Main Subraces
High Elves (Syngorn Elves)
The most common elf, the High Elves have a rich and storied history. They emerged during the Dark Age and became the dominant force in the First Age. With tall, graceful builds, pale skin, and often shiny coloured hair, they exude an aura of nobility and superiority. They lived on the continent of Varisar, ruling from the capital city of Dandorion for 800 years. Arrogant and self-proclaimed rulers of Varisar, they clashed with the dwarves on numerous occasions. Now High Elves can be found all over Iquria.Wood Elves (Lyrengorn Elves)
The Wood Elves, or Lyrengorn Elves, emerged during the First Age as well, initially residing in the forests of Varisar before migrating around the world alongside the High Elves. They tend to have bronzed or earthy-toned skin, with green or brown eyes and dark hair that helps them blend into their woodland surroundings. They strike a balance between the arrogance of the High Elves and the harmonious nature of the Eladrins, living in close connection with the natural world. Renowned for their unique building techniques, they are not known for their prowess in battle, though there have been notable Wood Elf warriors in history. The Wood Elves of Araska have been known to be reclusive and distrusting of non-elves.Dark Elves (Drow Elves)
The Dark Elves were created by Téridax to help destroy the Eladrin during the Dark Age. They are marked by purple skin, white or silvery hair, and glowing white or red eyes, which make them stand out even among other elves. Fierce and loyal soldiers, they followed their god’s commands until the end of the war. After Téridax’s fall, most Dark Elves retreated underground, fearing rejection from other races for their role in the conflict. They remained hidden for 4,000 years, until a wizard discovered them beneath the continent of Araska in the year 2000. Upon returning to the surface, they were surprisingly welcomed by the other elves and have since reintegrated into society. By the year 7000, Dark Elves are found across most of Iquria.Other Elves
Eladrins
Originally, there was only one kind of elf: the Eladrin. They derived their power from the mysterious Feywild, a dimension that exists between the mortal realm and the upper planes. Ethereal in appearance, with shimmering eyes and ever-shifting hues in their hair and skin that reflected their seasonal attunement, they lived in harmony with nature and were skilled Dragon hunters. The Eladrins unfortunately no longer exist, as they were wiped out during the Dark Age by Téridax and his dark forces.Moon Elves (Nythari Elves)
Moon Elves are the odd ones among elvenkind. They were created in the early Second Age by Luna, the Goddess of Darkness while she was banished in the Nether Plane. With soft pale-blue skin and white or silver hair streaked with pastel tones of violet, blue, pink, and purple, they are striking and otherworldly. Her intention was to create a counterpart to Solis's Syngorn Elves, born from jealousy. However, instead of warriors or spies, Moon Elves adopted Luna's long-lost joy and laughter, becoming a more extroverted and social race. With a rich culture steeped in music, art, and craftsmanship, their private traditions are largely unknown outside their own kind, except for the production of "moon milk," a drink made from the lavender plant, reputed to have healing properties.Stone Elves (Durnari Elves)
The Stone Elves, emerging sometime between the years 1000 and 2000, adopted much of Dwarven culture. Their skin is typically ash-toned, with broad shoulders and more muscular frames than other elves, and some even grow hints of facial hair. Living in the mountains, they became miners and smiths, developing stronger physiques. While they may lack the elegance of their kin, Stone Elves are renowned as some of the finest smiths in Iquria, second only to the dwarves.Sea Elves (Thalassari Elves)
Sea Elves are elusive and rarely seen by surface dwellers, having made their homes in the vast oceans of Iquria since the First Age. Their skin ranges from teal to deep turquoise (even pink in some rare instances), and their hair flows like seaweed in hues of green, blue, or jet black. Gills along their necks and webbed fingers allow them to breathe and move freely underwater. Deeply spiritual and fiercely protective of their oceanic domains, Sea Elves worship ancient sea spirits and the moon, often seen as distant cousins to the Moon Elves. They are skilled navigators, warriors, and beast tamers, known to ride sea creatures into battle when defending their coral cities.Half Elves
Born of both elf and humans parents, half-elves often find themselves caught between two worlds, never fully accepted by either. They inherit human curiosity, ambition, and adaptability, combined with the elven grace, perception, and appreciation for nature and art. To humans, they appear elven; to elves, more human. Physically, they share a middle ground—similar in height to both parents, but less slender than elves and less broad than humans. Male half-elves can grow facial hair, which some use to obscure their elven heritage. Their features are typically a blend of both lineages, though their eyes often retain the distinctive color or shape of their elven ancestors.
Lifespan
2000 years
Average Height
1.4 ‒ 1.7 m
Average Weight
37 ‒ 68.9 kg
Average Physique
Medium Humanoid; Generally Slender & Athletic
Geographic Distribution
Incredibly Dedicated
Graceful and Civilised
Pridefully Ignorant
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