High Elf

"Longevity is much more than a gift - it is a challenge that my people have faced ever since the first sunrise. The truth is hard to ignore; most of us live for so long that we forget to live at all."

~ Myra Bitterblossom, High Priestess of Tymora

High elves are a subrace of elf that can be found along the Sword Coast, particularly in the grand elven cities of the north. They are often viewed as more adventurous and scholarly than others of their species, and many of them are born with innate spellcasting abilities.
High elves can be further classified into two distinct racial groups: moon elves and sun elves.
Moon elves (also called silver elves) are more tolerant and easygoing than elves of other sorts, and often lead very secluded lives in hidden settlements or strongholds. Moon elves are sometimes seen as frivolous, especially by other elves, but it is the fluid nature of their culture and philosophy that has enabled them to survive in times of tragedy, utilising their talents in swordcraft and warfare. They have pale skin, sometimes with a blueish tint, and their hair can range from silvery white to shades of blue.
On the other hand, sun elves (also called gold elves) have a particular reputation for being arrogant and self-important. Some sun elves even consider themselves to the chosen people of the elven deity Corellon, and that other races - even other elves - are subordinate to them in skill, significance and sophistication. They claim the title of 'high elf' with pride, and indeed their race is responsible for many great achievements. Most of them have bronze skin, with eyes of black, gold or silver, and hair of golden blond.

Civilization and Culture

Culture and Cultural Heritage

High elf culture is highly magical in nature, thanks to the race's many accomplished wizards, sages and crafters. Not every high elf is a skilled practitioner of the magical arts, but each one has at least a bit of inherit magic. Many high elves mix with other art forms, creating great waves in the realm of music, poetry, swordplay and woodwork.
High elf artisans are responsible for the construction of many of the realm's most beautiful cities, most notably the elven city of Silverymoon in the far north, in which some of the greatest elven scholars reside.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

High elves are known for being incredibly proud, and as such will sometimes look down upon the members of other races. However, when a high elf is impressed by an act of generosity, skill or resilience, they are unlikely to forget it, and high elves often prove to be the most loyal allies a person can have.

Lifespan

Well over 700 years

Average Height

5'2" - 6'2"

Average Weight

100 - 145 pounds