Elf

Basic Information

Anatomy

Elves are a humanoid race distinguished by their pointed ears and naturally slim builds. They are genetically predisposed to being slim and fit, and tend to be taller than the typical humanoid. 
Elves tend to have very little sexual dimorphism among one another. Males and females tend to be very similar physiologically, to the point that in Elven culture, little distinction is made between the two beyond the innate, biological characteristics.
Elven ears vary by subtypes of elves:

• Elves (including Wood and High Elves): Long and pointed, with an average length of 4-5 inches.
• Half-Elves: Long and semi-rounded, with an average length of 3-5 inches, depending on ancestry. 
• Drow: Shorter and pointed, with an average length between 2.5-6 inches, with great variety.
• Eladrin: Very long and pointed, with an average length above 4 inches, usually based on age.

Elven physique is distinguished by what most humanoids would consider healthy. At rest, an elf will generally remain well built and fit, retaining much of their muscle. Muscles themselves are not as distinct on elves, and do not form as prominently without an active fitness regimen. Most elves, however, will tend to have a high degree of strength and dexterity for their appearance.
Elves, due to their lithe builds, are naturally prone to dexterity and flexibility. Acts of great gymnastics are a common feat, and Elves are generally seen as more coordinated and aware of their physical self and its surroundings.

Genetics and Reproduction

Elves reach sexual maturity at the age of 18, and have children as is normal of humanoids.

Growth Rate & Stages

Physically, elves age generally as humans do until their 18th year. From this point, Elven aging slows dramatically, and becomes logarithmic. An Elf at the age of 18 will change only slightly by the time they are 50, and change only slightly more by the time they are 100, and yet again with only slight changes by the time they are 300. Only in the very latest stages of an Elf's life do they begin to show natural signs of aging similar to other races; even then, these aged characteristics- such as greyed hair or wrinkles - generally only occur in the eldest of all elves, usually of those in their 600th years, and rarely before this.
As it is difficult to determine growth in an Elf due to their physical characteristics changing very little, Elves tend to measure their growth through their mentality as they age philosophically. Elves pass through multiple stages of their lives, largely determined by their consciousness in relation to their Reverie:

1. Blooming: Elves before the age of 30 are considered infants. They experience unique sensations related to their Reverie. Around the average age of 30, this ability begins to leave as the memories of their life begin to populate their mind. Eventually, a budding Elf's infant memories will have been erased entirely, replaced with their current memories, anywhere between the ages of 30 and 100. Once these memories are fully depleted, this marks the next stage of an Elf's life.
2. Blossoming: For the next 300 years, on average, an Elf is considered Blooming. These are Elves in their prime, seen as full adults both in physicality and maturity. Having lost their ability to remember their former selves, their imperative is to fill their Reveries with unique, beautiful, and exciting memories. 
3. Flowering: After an Elf's 400th year, an Elf will begin to have a change to their Reverie which will denote the end of their life. Elves in this stage are considered elders, and the stage of life is noted as one where Elves begin to seek community and heritage more than adventure and new memories. 
4. Transcendence: The last cycle in an Elf's life is determined by many factors, closely linked with lifestyle and their Reverie. However, at a point, Elves develop unique physical structures in their eyes. These visual characteristics can take the shape of stars, suns, or flower petals, but can also be seen as half-moons, veined leaves, or stone. Aging is onset very quickly, and death comes soon thereafter.

Elves generally measure their age societally by these stages of life. Some may count or estimate their exact years of life, while others reject these more Human perceptions of time. Most common is an Elf measuring per their generation, demarcated by how many children and grandchildren their clan or family has had since their birth and the birth of their parents, although these methods of time-telling can often be quite confusing and arcane for any who do not understand Elven time scales.

Biological Cycle

Due to the extremely extensive lifespans of Elves, these are extremely rough estimations for convenience. The average Elf does not choose to measure their lives in a biological method, and these perceptions are usually only made by and for the conveniences of shorter-lived races, particular Humans.

Infancy / Toddler: Ages 0-6

Juvenile: 6-13

Adolescent: 13-100

Adult: ~300 - ~400

Senior: ~400+

Elder: ~600+

Elves do not have a maximum date, although they rarely survive more than 1000 years. Eladrin in particular can be extremely long-lived, although this is seen as exceptionally rare.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Elven culture is structured around age. Budding Elves are given a great degree of freedom, even at ages seen as offensive by other races; as young as 5, a young Elf will be allowed to fend for itself despite their vulnerability. Budding Elves are nevertheless treated with delicacy and care, and are usually fostered into fulfilling and educational lives.
Blooming Elves are given a high degree of prominence in Elven society. They are expected to be self-sufficient, but also seen as uneducated and still in the stages of learning. Mistakes are accepted as part of the process of growing up, and Elves rarely become upset or angry when a Blooming Elf makes an error, as they are simply seen as unknowing or naive rather than incompetent. Blooming Elves are expected to participate in community affairs. In important political affairs, they are generally consulted, but largely left out of decision making - their democracy is sought, but only for its input and opinion. 
Flowering Elves are are seen as fully independent and capable. Their opinions are generally valued on their merits, and none are above scrutiny or consequence. All Elves considered to be Flowering are seen largely as equals. 
Elder Elves are revered in Elven social hierarchies, as it is believed their age bestows great intelligence and wisdom. This can sometimes make Elven culture slow to react and change, and often a bit conservative. However, like a large ship, the patience of an elder is seen to outweigh the nimbleness of society. An elder naturally outranks a Flowering Elf, and arguments against Elders are seen as uncouth and uncivilized. Debates between elders are seen as fascinating, and show the great wit and prowess of age and intelligence between the most senior members of society. Elders also tend to have an overarching view of Elven society, both as a microcosm and as a whole, and tend to have larger ideas that are frequently lost of both younger elves and other races altogether, as they are often operating on a timeline even longer than their own lives.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Elves are seen as one of the dominant races throughout Rakuen. Although they are not by sheer population, their extensive geographic distribution is unmatched by any other race with the exception of Orcish races.

Average Intelligence

Generally more intelligent than humans, arguably the most intelligent sentient and mortal race next to dragons.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Elves have an ability known as The Reverie. It is a state somewhere between meditation and sleep, where elves enter a trance state, an ability which is honed over the Elf's life. The Elf has a general awareness of their surroundings while in their Reverie, but exiting their Reverie before its conclusion is a disruptive and sometimes mentally straining process that can affect their health and wellbeing. Entering the Reverie allowed for Elves to forgo sleep, although they were still capable of sleeping, and would often indulge it as if a passing fancy or hobby.
During a Reverie, an Elf is able to access its memories in a unique method. They are able to navigate their memories freely and immediately, being able to essentially relive experiences of their past in their mind as if it were their present. Some Elves use this as a method of true meditation, reliving moments of beauty and happiness in their life to provide therapy; others use it to further hone their skills, reliving educational moments from their past to better learn from those experiences.
For more information, see The Reverie.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Given - Family - Birthplace - Residence - Ancestral
Many Elven names are musical and poetic in nature, and have no logical form or structure, often using combinations of Elven phrases that sound aesthetically beautiful together.

Beauty Ideals

Elven physical appearance varies widely. Generally, however, long hair is greatly revered in Elven cultures. Well-kempt, lengthy hair is seen as a point of pride, and as a sign of maturity, poise, and decency, all highly valued characteristics. Elven hair can take all manner of fashions. Braiding is highly esteemed, as it shows a strict attention to detail and patience to craft intricate braids. Hair worn long and lengthy is also valued, as the length itself is often a point of pride, for both its aesthetic beauty and the maintenance required to keep it clean. Beyond this, all manner of hair styles are worn: top-knots, poufs, fontanges, asymmetric cuts, buns, bobs, fades, and much more are all valued. Shorter styles are seen as less aesthetically pleasing, but are by no means looked down upon. Only a bald Elf is given a stern bit of scrutiny, and baldness has sometimes been used as a form of punishment and social shaming. Elven facial hair is rare, and not idealized; for those with facial hair, however, the amount of variety is endless. Long beards, however, are not seen as fashionable, and are usually only adopted by Half-Elves.
Elven fashion is often seen as a work of art by many. Elven dress is often made of highly fine materials, and expertly tailored to every curve of the body. Primarily, however, lack of dress is most valued by Elves, especially by those in warmer climates. Fashion that accentuates the physical form of the Elf is seen as the pinnacle of fashion; many Elves will be seen shirtless or only lightly covered. Clothing that primominently features the exposed torso, hips chest, breasts and nipples, legs, arms, and shoulders are all highly valued. Although Elven people have no qualms regarding nudity, it is seen as more fashionable to cover one's genitals and rump, as this is seen to leave something to one's imagination. For breasts of men and women, light veils or sheer cloth is preferred, to both accentuate and obscure prized pectoral areas of the body. 
For those who choose to be fully clothes, dresses and gowns are revered for all genders. More popularly, tunics, togas, and capes were worn by men in the chiton style, usually as a large cloth that can be tied any way the wearer pleases. Women tend to wear longer himations and peplos, which highlight their more favored physiques. Undergarments ranged from everything from a simple breechcloth to elaborate lingerie. Elven culture was also notorious for appropriating clothing styles from all other cultures. Particularly popular were ancient Human and Orcish cuts and designs, featuring furs and leathers in the traditional steppe styles. Elven footwear was rare, and mostly used for travel or aesthetic; simple sandals would suffice for many, and even then, barefoot may be preferred if merely traveling around the village.
For adventuring, Elven travel wear was seen as some of the most efficient and aesthetically pleasing in the lands. This would frequently feature simple tunics and pants, often with no design, but instead made of expertly crafted materials and methods which make the clothing resistant to staining, tearing, and other forms of damage. These clothes were often very breathable, and ideal for grueling stretches of travel or adventure with minimal washing. Traveling shoes featured slim boots, with emphasis on the soles, so as to protect an Elf's delicate feat from sharp rocks, branches, or debris. Although some saw these adventuring clothes as uncouth and unfashionable, people with these opinions were frequently heckled as haughty and pretentious; the goal of Elven adventuring wear was to be practical, not stand out, and be useful above all else. These travel clothes were prized among many other cultures for their practicality.

Gender Ideals

Elves had no strict codes to gender. Males and females were designated by their biological traits at birth. Gender norms were largely androgynous, although women were naturally taught more domestic affairs than men simply because they would need them while burdened by pregnancy and less able to carry on about their normal tasks. Both genders were seen as equals throughout their lives, and no judgement was ever passed. Some tasks were distinct to gender due to tradition: seamstresses were almost always traditionally female, and parenting was seen as a woman's role. However, the majority of Elven society rejects these notions, and those who hold traditional values are seen as frustrating and conservative.
Third gender was appreciated in Elven culture. Simply called androgynous, they were accepted as normal members of society with little distinction. That distinction made was that they were frequently singled-out for their uniqueness, particularly by High-Elven mages, as it is believed their unique connection offers an innate connection with High-Elven magic and rituals. Third gender Elves were often elevated in status among the community, and only experienced isolation or bullying due to their uniqueness, often out or envy or jealousy.

Courtship Ideals

Courting ages are considered firm in Elven society, with families encouraging their children to practice strictly romantic, non-consummated relations until at least the age of 50. This ideal is rarely heeded, however, as elves reach sexual maturity by 18 years of age. Romantic relationships are encouraged and admired during an elf's youth, and consummating these relations is often seen as socially obscene, but generally accepted as unavoidable. Beyond age 50, elves are free to do as they please, although proper courting in Elven communities is usually only possible after the adoption of an adult name and title, once a youth has proven their proficiency in a trade or skill, and committed themself to a community. There are no rules governing Elven relations with other races. Unfortunately, due to the casual attitude of Elves toward romance and sex, this often results in many Half-Elf orphans born out of wedlock. Elven sex is revered as deeply sensual, almost to the point of an art form, focusing greatly on foreplay, tantric sex, frequent use of aphrodisiacs, and magical/arcane spells and affiliations to boost arousal and orgasm.

Relationship Ideals

Elves tend toward pansexual polyamory almost exclusively. Although many couples seek out semi-monogamous life-partners, these are very frequently open relationships, and it is unsurprising if an elf has one or two mates they place their passions toward on a more permanent basis, while also sharing their sexual pleasures with dozens of other partners. Even then, structured Elven families can have multiple husbands and/or wives, with multiple child-bearers, and complex family lineages.

Common Etiquette Rules

• Respect your elders.
• Beauty is grace.
• Be yourself.
• Stop to experience life; it is long, and yet all too short.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Elves generally are accepting of interbreeding. They rarely see distinction between races, and are approving of any Elf interacting with any other individual. This can often cause anger, particularly with Humans, as the age differences between Elves and Humans can be so vast that is causes great anger. But Elves generally disregard this. 
More important to Elves and other races is entering into a long-term relationship with another race. Due to the reality of age, the Elf will almost assuredly outlive their counterpart. Some see this as cruel, and that Elves should not partake in long-lasting romances with other beings; others see the necessary imperative, as life is too short for all.
Inbreeding amongst Elves tends to be rare, but is prized largely amongst noble and royal families which seek Elven purity. Most Elves tend to be pure-bred, and there is little mixing seen in general among the whole race. However, those who value "pure-blood" are those that seek to eliminate any chances of other Elven races entering into their lineage.
Half-Elves, for reasons stated above, are generally looked down upon as byproducts of affairs. Although they are generally respected, it is always with a sense that they do not entirely belong, and are not "true" Elves. This sentiment is often extended to Drow and Eladrin, and these other types of Elves share the same sentiment in reverse toward true Elves.

Genetic Descendants

• Avian
• Drow
• Half-Elf

Lifespan

~500 years

Average Height

1.4 - 1.91 meters

Average Weight

30 - 60 kg

Average Physique

Light and nimble, with tremendous acrobatic ability.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Elves can have all manner of skin tones, similar to that of Humans. High Elves tend to have more variety, ranging between exceptionally fair to dark brown and black skinned. Wood Elves tend to have tawny, golden, or brown tones. 
Drow are distinct for their grey-blue skin tones and can have a great variety between their appearances. Grey is the predominant skin stone, often seen as silver, ashen, and sometimes even jet. Blue-grey is similarly common, and can vary between slate, Glaucous, Marengo, and others. More rarely are drow with warmer grey skin, sometimes seen as grey-rose, metallic, and taupe. 
Eladrin can sometimes feature fair and white skin tones, sometimes feature tawny or brown skin, and sometimes feature more fey pigmentation, including blueish, orangish, silvery, or greenish.
Many note that all Elven skin complexions feature a unique "glow," which is almost imperceptible to many yet distinct to those capable of viewing it. It is sometimes described as an aura, or perhaps a glitter or sheen that seems to pervade the skin and body itself. This is largely due to the distinct fey ancestry maintained by Elven lineages, and is most prominent in Eladrin, and is believed to be a result of Elves natural magical predispositions.