High Elf

High Elves are what come to mind when an everyday citizen of Galoria thinks of 'an elf'. They are the graceful, perfect, enchanting and elegant people of Aldheim whose machinations and societies are mysteries to non-elves. They are a culture of beauty; High Elves live in brilliant cities of enchanted marble and sculpted spires tucked away in the most mysterious recesses of Aldheim.
High Elves are more secluded than their Wood Elf cousins. Very few High Elves venture outside their settlements or outside the safety of Aldheim, practicing their ways of magic and nature over modern 'steam-and-rust nonsense'. They occasionally trade with northern Dwarves for gems and mineral ores, but the interactions generally stay as just business. The more time and technology marches on, the more the High Elves seem to withdraw inwards-- perhaps they see the encroaching factories and railroads of the other races to be a threat.
Outsiders may see these 'sparkly and proud' elves as arrogant perfectionists. They are free to judge. The truth is that the High Elves pride themselves on preserving their millennia-long culture because they were the hardest hit by the terrifying erasure of history that was the Sundering. Unlike the Wood Elves who tend to live in the moment and leave the past behind, the High Elves see ancestry and past wisdoms as an integral part of their culture. When the Sundering wiped it all away-- and to the long-lived elves, this was only a few generations ago-- High Elves were left bereft and anxious about the future.

Basic Information

Anatomy

High Elves are the tallest of the elven races, averaging a few inches taller than Wood Elves. Their skin tones are as varied as human races are, though most with a noticeable golden tint. They share a close genetic link with the Eladrin, and thus some High Elves may exhibit slightly more fey-like features: angled features and slightly longer ears, for example.

Civilization and Culture

History

Elves under the age of 100 are considered children, and have short unisex child names. When they come of age, they take on a proper name. They share this naming convention with Wood Elves.
Child Names (Unisex): Fera, Bren, Mira
Adult Names (Male): Aelar, Varis, Faendal
Adult Names (Female): Thiala, Valna, Serana
Surnames: Rothenel, Berevan, Ostoroth

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Elf

High Elf Impressions

When seen positively: High Elves are the masters of magic, arts, culture, and are pretty much good at everything they try. Everyone wants to be a High Elf.
When seen negatively: High Elves are racist, stuck-up bigots who are too full of themselves to move on with life. Their pretty faces are very, very punchable.