Elf

A people as numerous as they are varied, elves were the second race to arrive on primal Llenilan. Their home island of Ehnolan lies far to the south, though no modern elf would recognize it, and whatever creatures live there now wouldn't recognize them.
Over time, the elves have become six distinct ethnic groups with their own cultures, appearances, and histories. Though most live in the Elderwood, elves can be found across Llenilan, mingling and co-existing with other races. The longest lived race, some elves that walk today had great-grandparents who fought in the last of the ancient wars, but these elves are as content as the other races to let bygones be bygones and enjoy the era of peace.

Wood Elves

The most frequently encountered and recognizable of the elven races, the wood elves (or more commonly just "elves") are the race of elves most commonly found in, and often leading, the Elderwood. By far the most populous of all elves on Llenilan, the wood elves are known for their storied history and long lifespans, with some Elders reaching over 700 years of age. Their skin comes in varying shades of tan, brown, or bronze, hair in dark and cool coloration, and eyes in metallic shades.
Considering themselves the only "original" elves left, the wood elves are descended from the ancestral settlers of Llenilan, and many see themselves as the direct successors to the ancient Ehnol of the old southern homeland, Ehnolan. They are the only elves who still use the Highmoot and the system of government used by their ancestors, where each province has a representative who speaks and votes for their people, though the bureaucracy voted to change the name from 'Elder' to 'Halfcrown'.

Wild Elves

Physically identical to wood elves, the wild elves are considered a separate ethnicity because of their culture and societal structure. Speaking an older tongue of Elvish, it can be hard for most elves and even harder for non-elves to understand and communicate with them. Living primarily in the Wildlands to the southwest of the Elderwood, the wild elves can seem thoroughly uncivilized to outsiders. They're mostly hunter-gatherers, living off the abundant and hostile land around them, traveling with the seasons and changing landscape to find a better living. Life here has led to the culture of the wild elves becoming more focused on oral tradition, song, and campfire stories that can be brought anywhere they travel.
What few permanent settlements the wild elves keep are usually in the tops of enormous trees or carved into cliffsides, where they can avoid the treacherous flora and fauna of the Wildlands. While their reputation makes them sound quite unfriendly and ferocious, wild elves typically welcome outsiders to their tribes, provide them with food and supplies, and make trades. It's not uncommon for a tribe of wild elves to include a few humans or gnomes in its ranks. Tribes are usually governed by a King or Queen, Chief, or Holy Man or Woman, usually the oldest and wisest of the tribe.

Eladrin (Fey Elves)

Tall, graceful, and slightly longer lived than their other elf cousins, legend claims that eladrin are magically touched elves with a deep connection to the Feywild and the god Corellon. Each eladrin resonates with emotions captured in the Feywild in the form of seasons—affinities that affect the eladrin’s mood and appearance. An eladrin’s season can change, though some remain in one season forever. The eladrin seemingly do not age past a certain point, and never seem to look any older than their 300's. Their skin tones tend to match their seasons, with reds and oranges, yellows and browns, greens, blues, and whites all fairly common. With matching hair and striking gemstone eyes, eladrin are unmistakable in a crowd.
Though they may be fewer in number than their cousins, eladrin often can be found in positions of leadership and great magical influence. Their natural connection to fey magic makes them adept as mages, scholars, and temple wardens. Corellon is seen as a father figure by the eladrin, and the only deity worth worshipping.

Drow (Dark Elves)

Drow, or dark elves, are a group common to the subterranean world known as the Underdark. Used to living in the shadows, many learn to control light and dark through magic when they reach adulthood. Though stereotypically associated with the Cult of Lolth, only a slim minority of drow worship the Spider Queen. Many find the bodily transformations her followers seek repulsive and fight against her cult to retain their autonomy.
Though rare, it's become increasingly common to spot drow on the surface world and in the Elderwood. They often face discrimination from other elves, due to ancient myths regarding the splintering of the elven people. Stories claim that the dark elves brought a curse upon their house, leaving them with grey skin like death and the blood of betrayal in their eyes. Non-elves have no frame of reference for these myths and see drow as no different than eladrin or moon elves in uniqueness.
Drow typically have ashen skin, white or black hair, and silver, red, or yellow eyes. Their eyes aren't well adjusted to the sun, so they often wear hoods or hats, and use dark makeup to limit the sun's effect on their eyes. Drow society is matriarchal - the oldest, and often most magically powerful, woman makes the rules for her community.

Moon Elves (High Elves)

Commonly called high elves, the moon elves are a peaceful people who can be found in most corners of Llenilan. Their culture teaches a reserved nature - moon elves are excellent listeners, but may not always provide the best conversation. Moon elves are usually paler than their cousins, typically having alabaster skin sometimes tinged with blue. They often have hair of silver-white, black, or blue, but various shades of blond, brown, and red are not uncommon. Their eyes are blue or green and flecked with gold.
Moon elf craftsmanship is renowned for its intricate beauty and subtle design, often of religious or pious themes. Moon elves are a people of great faith, following Sehanine, Ioun, and Melora devoutly. There are a number of chantries hidden on snowy mountain peaks, past raging rivers, and deep in ancient forests, where monks and priests spend years studying and worshiping their patron gods. Merchants and travelers will sometimes brave the roads to reach these hidden moon elf villages, hoping to trade the luxuries of the outside world for unique products like starglass.

Sun Elves (High Elves)

A distant and rarely met people, the sun elves tend to live in places other than Llenilan. They think of themselves as superior to their cousins, the lesser elves who strayed from the path of their shared ancestry, and even more superior to the other non-elven races. What few sun elves are found in cities across the continent tend to live in districts built by, and for, sun elves specifically.
Physically, they're most similar to the moon elves in build and ability, but their coloration varies greatly. Sun elves often have bronze, copper, or red skin and hair of copper, black, or golden blond. Their eyes are gold, silver, or black.

Genetic Descendants

• Half-Elf

Lifespan

700

Average Height

5'2" - 6'0"

Average Weight

100 - 140 lbs.

Related Organizations

• Highmoot

Related Myths

• The Great Schism