Elves

Fey of Reliah

In one breath, elves are masters of the wilds and woodlands and in another, a beacon of the highest society. The elves stand somewhere in between this paradox of the untamed wilderness and civilized society. Fey in blood, the elves are as mysterious as they are beautiful. While they get along with most everyone they seem distant to even the closest of their friends.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The elves are slim and light on their feet with light colored hair and fair skin. They have pointed ears and pale blue or green eyes.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Elves have excellent hearing and vision and can even see clearly with little to no light. Additionally, all elves have an excellent sense of direction and spatial reasoning in natural environments. An elf always knows which way is west.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Elves commonly have a single name, not carrying the name of their family but rather being known by their given name and the place they were born or raised. For example, an elf from a village called Birkenwald, and is named Wolfgang, he would likely introduce himself as Wolfgang of Birkenwald.

Beauty Ideals

Elves dress to impress. They take great care to look their best at all times they can. Elven women wear their hair in intricate braid patterns and men keep theirs trimmed at an even length, often pulled back in a loose tail. Both genders also take great pains to maintain their teeth and nails as well. To an elf, the first impression is made with the eyes, and sometimes the last impression.

Courtship Ideals

Most elves who marry other elves enter in arranged marriages sent up by their families. In cases where there is no family to arrange such a marriage, or the family has surrendered the arrangement rights, the elf has the right to act for themselves in the arrangement. Under this system, most traditional elves families arrange the marriages of their children while less traditional families can take a more hands-off approach. Regardless of the arrangement conditions, it is customary amongst elves that the wealthier of the two families pay for the wedding ceremonies. Once the wedding arrangments have been agreed upon and planning begins, the couple to be each wear matching armbands. The male wears his on the left hand and the female on her right.

Relationship Ideals

It is the male elf's obligation to find housing and food for his family but whatever means he sees fit, and provide for them. In return, it is the female elf's obligation to raise their children and pursue some form of higher learning.

Common Etiquette Rules

Elves greet one another and strangers with a handshake gripping one another's forearm. This has been adopted by other races but has its origin in the ancient elven culture where it was a way of showing you had no ill intent by proving you were not hiding a dagger in your sleeve.

Common Dress Code

Elves were relatively snug clothing that is tailored and well fitting. It's considered rude to wear one layer of clothing or fewer around strangers and females almost always wear at least three pieces of jewelry, even if it is just simple painted wood.

Common Taboos

It is considered terrible bad luck for an elf to cut down a sapling during the spring season and many elves will refuse to do so for any reason.

Lifespan

200 years

Average Height

5' 10"

Average Weight

150 lbs

Average Physique

Slim Athletic