Elf

The truest companion of an elf is time.

--Old Aldheim saying

A reclusive, elegant and beautiful folk, elves are known for their long ears, long lifespans and longer memories. Their minds and philosophies operate on a scale of hundreds of years, and thus elves in modern times struggle to adapt to a technologically advancing world that moves too fast for them. Many surface land-dwelling elves of Aldheim live in tune with nature in faraway villages, eschewing modern innovation for traditional magicks and ancient craft.
Many different sub-species of elves exist, and over time elves have spread to populate the rest of the Material Plane. Elven subraces from most to least common are the Wood Elves, High Elves, Drow, Sea Elves, Eladrin and Shadar-Kai.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Elves are a humanoid race, similar in appearance to humans but with a lighter, more dextrous build. Elves are identifiable by their long pointed ears, youthful appearance and lack of facial and body hair. Some rare elves have the natural ability to assume any physical gender they desire, thought to be a blessing from the fluid and amorphous god Corellon.

Growth Rate & Stages

Elves mature much more slowly than humans do, both physically and mentally. An elf may be considered physically mature by their late 20’s-early 30s, but aren’t considered adults in elven society until they are 100 years old. A 60 year-old elf might look similar to a late-teen human, but still act with the impulses of a preteen. Adult elves retain their youthful appearance well into their fifth century, and aren’t hampered by old age in their senior years-- they remain energetic until the end.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Most Wood elves and High elves reside in Aldheim, but in recent years have spread to populate much of the known world. They are the most common subraces. Sea elves are native to the Gate Isles, and thrive alongside High and Wood Elves on Alder-Kaers.
Drow inhabit the Underdark, and only a few isolated pockets of Drow live on the surface. Eladrin and Shadar-Kai once mingled with the Material Plane, but all traces of them have vanished since the Sundering. They still live on in the Feywild and Shadowfell, but reaching them is nearly impossible.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

All elves have keen eyes and sharp hearing, making them extremely perceptive. Their eyes allow them to see in dim light as if it were day, and their fey blood makes them naturally resistant to charming magics. Notably, elves do not need to sleep-- instead they enter a dreamlike trance for a few hours a day, which restores them as well as a full night’s rest for other peoples. This Trance allows them to review memories and reflect on their past lives, as Elf souls are said to reincarnate over and over.

Genetic Descendants

• Drow
• Half-Elf
• High Elf
• Wood Elf

Lifespan

The average elf can live up to 750 years old, though some subspecies have lifespans that could potentially reach well over a thousand.

Average Height

Elves are generally slightly shorter than humans on average, with very few individuals reaching over 6 feet tall.