Elf

Known as the Fair Folk, or simply the Fey, among Humans, Elves are a long-lived race who believe they were the original settler of the Lands of Legend.  Secretive, aloof and sometimes even haughty, Elves are known for their love of nature, mastery of the longbow, and affinity for magic.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Elves are slightly shorter than the average human, with slender, graceful frames and elongated ears that taper to a point. They have a tendency to be androgynous in appearance and are considered to be incredibly beautiful even by members of other Heritages.  They typically cannot grow facial hair.

Genetics and Reproduction

Elves reproduce sexually. Births are rare, and most elf women give birth to one or two children during their long lifetime.

Growth Rate & Stages

Elves reach physical maturity in their twenties, and enjoy a natural life span of two to three hundred years.

Ecology and Habitats

While Elves live in all parts of the continent, they feel most at home in forests.  As such, the largest concentration of Elves in the Lands of Legend is in Veltingard.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Elves have superior hearing and vision to humans and some other Heritages.

Civilization and Culture

Major Organizations

Elves establish and live in small communities, and Elven cities generally consist of a loose confederation of villages grouped into neighborhoods.  One of the major noble Houses in Rosalind is Elvish, House Warrender, which rules the Duchy of Bosantichia.
One of the orders of knighthood in the Lands of Legend, the Leafwalkers who patrol the borders of the Dark Forest, was founded by Elves and they still make up the majority of members of the order.

Common Dress Code

Elves tend to dress in colors found in nature.  Most people believe that means drabs greens and browns, but Elves will be just as comfortable in a robe the color of the sunset sky or a cloud heavy with rain as they are with woodland colors.  Their clothes tend to fit well, permitting a full range of movement, while accentuating the beauty of the wearer.  While jewelry is worn by all Elves, they tend to prefer circlets and rings over necklaces or bracelets.  Earrings are very rare in Elvish culture.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Most Elves believe that once an elf reaches adulthood, they will walk several paths on a journey of self-discovery before they are ready to return to the Twilight Country. Not every elf walks every path, and the order and duration may be different from elf to elf. These paths are:

• The Path of Warriors - one of the first paths an adult Elf might take, the Path of Warriors focuses on physical fitness and mastery of weapons, especially the bow, the primary weapon of Elves.  The color often worn by those on this path is a shade of red, and the element Elves associate with this path is fire. 
• The Path of Travelers - the other path an adult Elf might take upon reaching adulthood, the Path of Travelers emphasizes exploration and travel, not just of the physical realm, but also exploration of the self.  The goal is to discover who an Elf determines themselves to be, and learn a little better their place in the world.  The color worn by those on this path are earth tones, often greens and browns, although stone gray is sometimes worn instead.  The element associated with this path is earth.
• The Path of Scholars - The Path of Scholars is typically begun when an Elf returns from their travels and has completed the so-called "younger paths" of travel and war.  Some Elves do not start this path until middle age.  The path is typically begun when an Elf either returns to their home or settles in a place to make it their home.  This path is marked by learning; while many on the path will focus their attention on one area of study, a large number of Elves will instead begin a broad course of study of a myriad of topics.  The goal is to learn knowledge but also prepare for the next two paths. The color often worn by those on this path is a shade of white, and the element Elves associate with this path is air.
 
• The Path of Parenthood - While considered one of the later paths in an Elf's life, the Path of Parenthood can come as soon or as late as the Elf becomes a parent.  This path is about raising a child or children in the traditions of the Heritage, and passing on their learning and wisdom to the next generation of Elves.  Parents on this path will often wear shades of blue, and Elves associate the element of water with this path.
• The Path of Lords - regardless of the order of the other paths an Elf takes in their lifetime, the Path of Lords is always the last, and not all Elves, even those who strictly adhere to the tradition of following the paths reach this final path.  The Path of Lords is about guiding, not just a child, but a settlement.  Followers on this path adjudicate disputes, dispense wisdom and generally lead their communities.  Elves on the Path of Lords will often wear one of two colors, gold (emblematic of the noonday sun) or black (symbolic of the night sky).  Followers of this path associate the heavenly realm of stars and the sun with the path.

History

Elves believe that they were the original settlers of the continent of the Lands of Legend, well before the other Heritages arrived.  Evidence of such claims is spotty at best.  While there are snippets of documents that describe elves in the First Age, there is no other evidence of an elven culture; no artwork, buildings, or other expected relics that scholars have uncovered that would demonstrate a thriving elven civilization.
What has been proved is that elves fought in the Great War between the prime gods Clea and Korax.  After the Devastation, elves migrated to the forests of Veltingard and set up settlements among the giant trees and Soul Oaks there.
During the Second Age, elves experienced some form of schism which caused part of the Feynault Forest to grow corrupted and evil, becoming the Dark Forest.  Various elvish heroes and champions rose and fell, making their marks upon the Second Age.
By the Third Age, elves had become a common sight in most parts of the world.

Common Myths and Legends

Elves worship their own gods, spirits known as Kullervo that reside in the mythical Twilight Country, the elvish version of heaven.  Of the main gods in the Lands of Legend, elves revere Clea, the Wisdom Keeper.
Elves believe in and justly fear the dark Kullervo Morgiana, the Queen of Air and Darkness.  Elf legends speak that much of the evil things loosed into the Lands of Legend was formed by Morgiana, particularly the first vampire.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

While Elves get along well with most other Heritages, they find the closest affinity with Treefolk.  After Treefolk, Elves find themselves oddly drawn to the Goblin Heritage, perhaps for their zest for life.  They are fairly neutral towards the other Heritages.

Religious Practices: See the The Twilight Country - Elvish Heaven and other beliefs">.

Lifespan

200 to 300 years

Average Height

4 to 6 feet

Game Attributes 

• 12 HP

• Bow Mastery: You have Mastered bows and have Advantage when using them. This is in addition to the Mastered Weapon chosen at character creation.