Elves

Elves are among the First Peoples of the Twin Continents, alongside humans and dwarves. They possess the longest lifespans of all the races (~1000 years), and are widely respected for their wisdom, foresight, and knowledge of all things under the sun. Elves take a variety of forms: the High Elves (split between Sun and Moon) form the core of elven society, Wood Elves live throughout the Valwood, and Sea Elves can be found on most rivers, lakes, and shorelines.
After Cataclysm, the elves moved north into Clarus and settled the mountains and woods of the Northern Chain. Four hundred and ninety-leagues from the holy mountain, they raised up a great, towering city which stretched into the heavens called Mythal Thalore. From the top of this structure, the Moon Elves conduct their priestly duties, offering daily rituals to the praise of Corallon Larenthian. Just below them and throughout the city, Sun Elves conduct most of the daily business of commerce, governance, negotiation, bartering, and so forth.
Although elves are technically immortal, the many centuries place a great strain on their minds and bodies. As such, around a thousand years of age, elves go through a process called "relinquishment," which is when an elf's mind starts top break under the strain and their body fails to respond to their mind's commands. Although an elf could potentially continue to live under these conditions indefinitely, it is not considered ethical. Therefore, the family will take this time to get their legal affairs in order before a process of parricide to send the relative peacefully off into death.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Adrie, Althaea, Anastrianna, Andraste, Antinua, Bethrynna, Birel, Caelynn, Orusilia, Enna, Felosial, Ielenia, Jelenneth, Keyleth, Leshanna, Lia, Meriele, Mialee, Naivara, Quelenna, Quillathe, Sariel, Shanairra, Shava, Silaqui, Theirastra, Thia, Vadania, Valanthe, Xanaphia

Masculine names

Adran, Aelar, Aramil, Arannis, Aust, Beiro, Berrian, Carrie, Enialis, Erdan, Erevan, Galinndan, Hadarai, Heian, Himo. Immeral, Ivellios, Laucian, Mindartis, Paelias, Peren, Quarion, Riardon, Rolen, Soveliss, Thamior, Tharivol, Theren, Varis

Family names

"Elves are considered children until they declare themselves adults, some time after the hundredth birthday, and before this period they are called by child names. On declaring adulthood, an elf selects an adult name, although those who knew him or her as a youngster mlght continue to use the child name. Each elf's adult name is a unique creation, though It might reflect the names of respected individuals or other family members. Little distinction exists between male names and female names; the groupings here reflect only general tendencies. In addition, every elf bears a family name, typically a combination of other Elvish words. Some elves traveling among humans translate their family names into Common, but others retain the Elvish version." - Player's Handbook
Family Names (Common Translations): Amakiir (Gemflower), Amastacia (Starflower), Galanodel (Moonwhisper), Holimion (Oiamonddew), IIphelkiir (Gemblossom), Liadon (Silverfrond), Meliamne (Oakenheel), Nailo (Nightbreeze), Siannodel (Moonbrook), Xiloscient (Goldpetal)

Other names

Child Names: Ara, Bryn, Del, Eryn, Faen, Innil, Lael, Mella, Naill, Naeris, Phann, Rael, Rinn, Sai, Syllin, Thia, Vali

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Elvish: Elvish is fluid, with subtle intonations and intricate grammar. Elven literature is rich and varied, and their songs and poems are famous among other races. Many bards learn their language so they can add Elvish ballads to their repertoires.

Culture and cultural heritage

Schools of Magic

Elves discovered and founded the school of Evocation, which is the most well-known of the schools for how its casters summon fire or lightning or bitter cold on the battlefield with just a word. As the name suggests, this school is about evoking, or bringing to existence, elemental powers simply by naming them. Many elves mastered this art for use on the battlefield, and there are those who use it purely for protection of others.

Diverged ethnicities

• Aurelians

Subraces: Elves have four distinct sub-races for players to choose from.

• High Elves (Sun): About 50% of elves, it is estimated, are sun elves, making them the plurality. They are numerous and well known for their fair or golden hair and amber-colored skin. According to elven society, sun elves fill most positions, such as merchants, craftsmen, politicians, soldiers, teachers, etc.
• Wood Elves: Maybe 15-20% of all elves in the world are wood elves. Their skin tones are as varied as the humans, with shades of white, brown, and even darker. But it is their angular faces, their sharp eyes, and their dark brown hair which sets them apart, as they are best adapted for life in the woods.
• Sea Elves: 20% of all elves belong to the water. Despite the name, the sea elves of Elandir are actually more common in the great rivers running from the Northern Chain mountains into Lake Mythal. At a distance, they are easily mistaken for Tritons for their blue skin, but closer inspection reveals that they lack any distinctive scales.
• High Elves (Moon): 10% of all elves are High Elves belonging to the moon. These unique elves are born during the night when one or both of the moons are full. However, they are considered a unique blessing from Corallon Larenthian. They are easily marked by their fair skin and white hair (although a rare few have been born with jet-black hair, earning them the nickname "new moon elves"). Moon elves, due to ancient tradition from long ago, serve in some aspect of divine intervention on behalf of the people, either in the priesthood, clerical orders, or even as druids who worship elven deities of nature.