Aquatic Elf

Summary

Aquatic Elves, or Alu'Tel'Quessir, are a fascinating elven sub-race adapted to life underwater. They are typically found in oceans, deep lakes, and seas, where they've built intricate coral cities and underwater strongholds. Known for their ability to breathe underwater and swim with grace and speed, they have gills and webbed hands and feet. Their society often mirrors surface Elven cultures in elegance and connection to nature but focuses heavily on maritime trade, underwater agriculture, and alliances with sea creatures.

The Aquatic Elves of the Sapphire Sea and their grand city of Aersylvidur offer a wealth of storytelling opportunities. The city is a shimmering metropolis of crystal domes, bio-luminescent gardens, and coral palaces, hidden beneath the tranquil azure waves of the Sapphire Sea. The Alu'Tel'Quessir might serve as guardians of ancient oceanic secrets, skilled diplomats with coastal nations, or mysterious allies—or rivals—to surface powers like the Kingdom of Sirokosa.

Appearance

They are a striking and ethereal sub-race of elves, their features shaped by millennia of adaptation to life beneath the waves. They possess an otherworldly beauty that reflects the mystery and majesty of the ocean depths. With skin tones that range from a sea green to a silvery blue with different colorisation throughout their body.

Their eyes are large, tilted almond shaped that have a single solid color without an iris. Often a deep black but not uncommon for them to have different eye colors that range from a dark blue to even a bright violet.

Visible gills can be seen on their necks and they have webbed fingers and toes. Their body is streamlined and lean for swimming at high speeds in the water. Some have hair that resembles kelp or seaweed.

Culture

The Aquatic Elves have developed a rich and unique culture shaped by their underwater environment, their connection to the Sapphire Sea, and their ancient Elven heritage. Their society blends artistry, spirituality, and practicality, all while embracing the vast and mysterious depths of their oceanic home.

They are masters of crafting with glowing coral, phosphorescent algae, and enchanted pearls, creating art that shines and shifts with the natural light of the ocean depths.

Cautious about surface-dwellers but maintain occasional trade with coastal cities, exchanging rare pearls, enchanted coral, and exotic seafood for metal tools and fabrics.