Elves
A fractured, broken people scattered in the world
Basic Information
Anatomy
While the physiology of Elves varies from the individual breed of Elves, most are known to have slender and graceful builds similar to their ancestors.
Their bones tend to be noticeably lighter than those of humans, allowing them to move quicker and easier than many other humanoids of similar size.
Genetics and Reproduction
Different races of Elves tend not to interbreed, seeing it as taboo or impure. However, due to their dwindling numbers and birth rates, many high elves have had children with other elves out of necessity.
Despite their long lives, Elves very rarely have children across their lifespans; a single elf will rarely have more than two children across their lifetime.
Growth Rate & Stages
Elves mature incredibly slowly by the standards of mortal races. An Elf isn't considered to be an adult until they are 100 years old, spending much of their early life in the equivalent of a teenage phase.
Elderly elves very take on the physical characteristics of aging, instead their bodies tend to slow down.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The location of various Elves varies depending on their individual subrace
High Elves
High Elves, being most comfortable in civilisation, make their home in the more flat and open expanses of the Empire of Arcadeus and the Free Cities of Breach.Sun Elves
Sun Elves tend to be found in the harsh, scorching heat of deserts such as in Ruvakhara, or in the war-ravaged wastes of Olton.Moon Elves
Moon Elves find themselves at home in the ice-cold climates of the world, running through deep snow and breathing frigid air. Their innate resistance to the freezing cold means that the are among the few sentient races that have managed to survive in the otherwise-uninhabitable Crown of the World at the very North of Itaxia.Wood Elves
Wood Elves make their homes in massive fields and sprawling forests, shaping the trees to build their own homes. This makes them perhaps the most widespread surface elf, especially on Imercia due to the immense forests that take up the Kingdom of Nyvast.Drow
While there are exceptions, the Drow keep to the Underdark; the vast network of subterranean continents beneath the world. The Underdark is infamous for being extremely dangerous to explore, resulting in the Drow being incredibly pragmatic and resourceful, as well as slow to trust others. Some Drow do make their way to the surface, but due to their sensitivity to sunlight most choose not to.Eladrin
Eladrin tend to keep to the Feywilds, feeling more at home with its strange nature. Like Wood Elves, they mostly keep to its vibrant and beautiful forests and glades.Sea Elves
Sea Elves tend to keep themselves to the various seas and oceans of Itaxia, feeling much more at home in the depths. This has made them noticeably more resilient due to millennia of adapting to the harsh pressures of undersea life.Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Elves have the ability to see in the dark, much greater than humans. Generally, they are able to see out to about sixty feet. Drow, due to being raised underground, can see up to 120 feet in the dark.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Elves are considered children until they declare themselves adults, some time after their first century. As children, they are called by separate child names.
Upon becoming adulthood, they choose a new name. Their name is unique to them, though it might reflect the names of respected individuals or other family members. Little distinction exists between the male and female names.
Beauty Ideals
Elves place a lot of stake in their personal beauty, though what is considered beautiful depends on the sub-race. High Elves prize good hygiene and personal grooming; Wood Elves and Eladrin see beauty in nature, with dirt and plant growth being seen as beautiful. Drow, on the other hand, see beauty in strength and cunning.
Gender Ideals
Elves do not ascribe to the idea of typical gender roles, at least not to each other. While they may outwardly appear as such, this is simply for the ease of interaction, and an Elf's own gender identity will often change every few years.
Elves also don't have much of a convention regarding sexual orientation, often changing their preference. There are no restrictions for which gender can lead or rule.
The exception is the Drow. The Drow were a largely matriarchal society, but in recent years this has begun to change. Still, of the nine largest Drow Cabals, eight of them have a matriarch as a leader.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Elves place a great stock in memories of those who are departed. While the specific customs vary, all Elves will make an effort to preserve the lost souls of their kind in the land around them. Wood Elves will plant trees in their name, Moon Elves will preserve their deceased in tombs of ice, and so on.
Religion
Elves have a difficult and complicated relationship with religion, especially with the Primeval Gods. Most of the different subraces of Elves have devoted themselves to one of the Primeval Gods out of penance for the actions of the Starlight Ascendancy, and as a result the relationship is closer to that of an employee and their employer as opposed to a God and their worshipper. Many of the Elves also venerate their own pantheon, who are said to have been created by the Primeval Gods both as a sign of forgiveness, and as a reminder for the actions of the Eldar. The exception are the High Elves, who blame the Primeval Deities for their current decline and as a result have largely refused to worship them.- The Moon Elves have devoted themselves to Lunara, and act as guardians of the secrets of the Children of the Light, to ensure that what the Eldar did can never be replicated again.
- The Sun Elves follow Solarea, who gifted them with control over fire in exchange for them guarding the deserts of the world.
- The Wood Elves have devoted themselves to Danaea to serve as the guardians of the forests and wilds of the world.
- The Drow venerate Lolth, considering her their savior and guardian in the treacherous Underdark. However, some Drow have begun to fall into worshipping Astela.
- The Sea Elves were granted their ability to survive underwater by Ojarn, but like the Wood Elves they guard the seas from possible threats.
Common Taboos
Among High Elves, interbreeding or intermarriage with other races is seen as taboo, except in extreme circumstances.
The Moon Elves disdain those who would try and uncover the secrets of the Eldar, and will outright kill those who attempt to replicate them.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Genetic Descendants
Lifespan
500-700 years
Conservation Status
High Elves are considered an endangered race, with only 3,000 individuals alive and many of them unable to reproduce.
Average Height
4'10" to 5'7"
Average Weight
59‒77kg
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