Dark Elf
The core of the Keepers, these elves, essentially, do all the organizing and a significant chunk of the data collection. As a whole, they are kind and good natured, happy and eager to discuss and share information. An elf specializing in something like Gardening, would eagerly spend days talking about the minutea of the subject and all their writings on the matter. There is to an extent, an elf for every subject, no matter how specific. Somewhere in the ranks of the Keepers (organization) there is an elf who knows all about the history of aglets, one who knows the life of FDR as if he'd lived it himself, and another who might know the story of the man who made Neil Armstrong's seat for the Apollo Missions. No piece of knowledge is considered too obscure. It'd be wise never to play trivia against a Keeper.
Most every one of the elves is an expert in magic. There are variations in what kind of magic, depending on their area of work. An archivist might well know spells for seeking archived knowledge or performing translations. A field elf, an information gatherer, may know more combative spells that alter perceptions, slow the perceived passage of time, or otherwise help in evading detection. Most elves at least have a basic grasp in some basic illusions. They can be playful tricksters when the opportunity arises.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Elves are typically shorter creatures, standing 4-5 foot tall. Their skin is dark grey and helps them to blend into shadows. As is the case in many myths, they have long, pointed ears. Moreso than that, their ears are flexible, and often serve to indicate their mood or levels of concentration. Their eyes are slightly larger than humans proportionally and will reflect light in dark environments. They typically have inhuman proportions, their limbs seeming longer and thinner than they should be. This translates into incredible flexibility though with a very frail body. There is some indication this may be a genetic connection to the Ravens or otherwise may indicate that the elves somehow possess an avian lineage.
This slim form allows them to survive on far fewer calories than humans do. Though it also affords them less ability to build up muscle. Any elf can be overpowered with great ease by a human. They compensate for this with their knowledge of magic. Some believe the Elves know more of magic than even the oldest of Vampires. They're able to craft spells with remarkable efficiency and know of the best sources of magic. It ultimately makes an elf an interesting sight in combat. They can rarely afford to be directly involved. They're at their best fighting from a distance or hiding behind illusions.
Growth Rate & Stages
The Elves have a prolonged developmental period. They are not considered to be adults until the age of 103. Anything before this is seen either as childhood or early adolescence. These extended early years are credited with the species remarkable skills. Over the course of their first century, they are permitted and encouraged to explore broad topics in search of that which most greatly interests them. They may obtain the equivalent of a Doctorate in multiple fields before determining what truly interests them.
It is expected that at the age of adulthood, an elfling would have settled on their calling and started the process to learn it deeply and find a role in their society. They may spend this second century of their lives learning, practicing, living out their wild years and finally calming into the position they believe most suits them. This process involves not just subjects of interest like gardening or astronomy, but also their career at large. There are elves who focus on work in the field, as analysts, archivists, or more mundane tasks such as farmers and cooks.
Over their long years of life, it is expected that an Elf will change careers, perhaps even several times. They may even come back to where they started. When a change is needed, they are granted great freedom to stop their current line of work and do as the elflings do: explore and learn anew. This may explain their society's stability and general happiness, even in the face of monotonous work.
Ecology and Habitats
The elves are native to Daedalus's Labrynth. They tend to stick to the darker and more cave-like parts of the structure. Their sensitive eyes don't handle bright lights well. They do best in near total darkness. At the same time, they prefer warmer spaces, their small bodies produce little heat, leaving them sensitive to cooler places. For them, anything below 50 degrees feels intolerable without clothes or magic to offset the temperature.
Dietary Needs and Habits
The elves survive primarily on cavemoss, fungus, slugs, and other creatures native to their caves or other underground locations. Their field agents will feed on whatever the local human population or environment will provide for them. All elves are allergic to peppers and other sharp spices. Their diets are typically very bland and such potent foods can be rather painful.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
There are three heightened senses in an elf: Sight, Sound, and Magic. Their large eyes and ears allow them to see in the dark and detect the tiniest of sounds. By equal measure, they are seemingly more in-tune with the world and able to inately feel out places of power and magic. This has proven essential to their survival over the years. They can detect most threats long before they're close enough to physically harm them, or locate a source of magic to aid in their escape.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Lifespan
4000 Years
Conservation Status
Of all the sentient species of the world, the Keepers may well be the second most common, just behind the humans. Thanks to the Labrynth, they've existed without fear of being hunted down, without need to constrain their population, and without any significant challenge to their existence in decades.
Average Height
4.7'
Average Weight
85lbs
Geographic Distribution
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