Elf
An intelligent, humanoid species that can be found all over Sagrea. Known for their intelligence, pointed ears and naturally high magic potential, elves are the second most common species aside from humans. Thought to predate many of the world's other sentient beings due to their long life span, their long history and culture has influenced the world from their annual festivals of harmony to Sagrea's advances in magitech.
Elves originated from the land that would eventually become Lunaria generations later. The three subspecies, Light Elves, Dark Elves, and Snow Elves, eventually began to seek a home more suited to their own tastes and cultures, leading to them migrating into what eventually grew into their own respective countries. However, due to their own cultures and religions being similar yet at the same time different in execution, Elves have grown to despise each other's opposing ethnicity over petty squabbles that later generations are still trying to outgrow.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Humanoid. Features are identical to humans save for their long, pointed ears.
Biological Traits
Physical aging appears to stop once their bodies reach maturity (typically between ages 20-35). Mental maturity, however, is completely dependent on the individual.
Genetics and Reproduction
C'mon, how do humans do the dirty? This should be obvious. Reproduction acts aside though, should an elf reproduce with a non-elvish species, the resulting offspring will depend on the partner in question, with the most common result being half-elves, which come from a human parent.
Ecology and Habitats
Elves can survive almost anywhere, but their preferred environments to settle into depend on the subspecies (Snow elves congregate in the cold, northern mountains, Dark elves prefer deep forests, jungles and even deserts, etc.).
Dietary Needs and Habits
Omnivorous.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Elves are present all over Sagrea, but since each subspecies has preferred environments to settle in, one will be more likely to find one type congregated in one area rather than multiple subspecies.
Average Intelligence
Elves have generally high levels of intelligence no matter the subspecies. Their countries tend to be the most technologically advanced in magitech.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Naturally high magic potential.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Naming traditions vary depending on the subspecies, but each one parallels the cultures they resemble back on Earth. For example, Light Elves lean towards Greek, Celtic, or Finnish names, Snow Elves prefer Finnish or Romanian, and Dark Elves use a wide variety due to their exposure to many of Sagrea's other cultures. Of course, it isn't unheard of for names to deviate from this.
Major Organizations
Ljosalfheim, Dokkalfheim, Niflheim.
Beauty Ideals
Male elves tend to be seen as more attractive with a lean muscular build and a clean face. Female elves prefer to be seen with long hair and a slender body. Those born with golden blonde hair is seen as especially desirable in both genders.
Gender Ideals
No matter the subspecies, Elvish gender ideals tend to be consistent. Males must be kind, but stoic and cunning enough to appear mentally strong under pressure. Females are often expected to be intelligent and confident. Shyness and self doubt are looked down upon, even more so if female.
Courtship Ideals
Elves, regardless of subspecies, are fond of creative forms of courtship. They like to see imaginative ways of expressing love, especially if said method is absolutely over the top, yet at the same time completely genuine. Given their naturally long life spans, they see it as natural to spend it with someone willing to love them in its entirety.
Relationship Ideals
Elves prefer couples to be on equal ground in a relationship. Once again, this partially stems from both parties wishing to keep each other happy for their incredibly long lives.
Average Technological Level
Elvish technology is known to contain the highest advancements in magitech. Their use of selenite has allowed them to emulate many real world inventions such as radios and even small cars.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Common and Elvish.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Elvish culture varies with its subspecies.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
No matter the subspecies or the political climate between them, all elvish races will journey to one of their major crystal shrines (typically the one closest to their settlement) around the world to host an annual, week long festival of harmony. This is meant to honor both their gods along with their deceased family members or heroes as well as setting aside any hostility between nations. These festivals are also welcoming to other races, allowing everyone in Sagrea to celebrate a peaceful party.
Common Taboos
While interspecies romance is not taboo on its own, the offspring resulting from humans and elves, otherwise known as half-elves, are seen as repulsive by default by virtue of being neither a complete elf or human.
Also, incest.
Because what the hell.
Historical Figures
Many of the mythical or legendary characters of Elvish tales were at one point real, or at least based on a real figure such as Deirdre Uisliu.
Common Myths and Legends
Well known Elvish myths and legends include The Ascension of Deirdre, The Ballad of Talus, Arsinia's Lament, and Aquila's Journey among many others. A reoccurring theme among these legends is a story of how one would ascend into godhood. Because Aquila's Journey is a fairly recent legend set all over the world, a common joke among the eldest generation of elves is how they were involved with the titular hero's quest in one way or another.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Elves do not look down on other sentient races. Rather, they tend to be racist toward their own subspecies due to their own messy history resulting from unfortunate political events.
Interspecies romance, while not looked down upon, is advised against due to the almost certain possibility that they will outlive their partners. Not like this stopped love anyway though.
Genetic Descendants
Lifespan
300-500 years, although many have been noted to live up to 1,000 years.
Average Height
Varies depending on subspecies.
Average Physique
While elves are physically the same as humans, it is common to see elves with a slender figure. This doesn't mean they are weak or unfit though, but don't expect to see an extremely buff specimen from even the most toned of elf muscles.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Varies depending on the subspecies.
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