Ice Elf

Basic Information

Anatomy

Bipedal with similar skeleton structure to humans with some differences.  Eleven folk are all typically tall averaging to about 6' 7". Their feet have longer toes than humans and they can use their feet almost as second hands. Their bones are noted to be lighter than human bones and slightly more prone to breakage. The species lacks physical sexual bimorphism and instead each member possesses sexual organs typical of both males and females

Genetics and Reproduction

All species members have both organs necessary for reproduction though still require a partner for fertilization.  The fetus develops in a womb like humans. However elven pregnancy lasts up to 11 months, just slightly longer than a human.

Growth Rate & Stages

Elves can live for a thousand years if not taken out by disease or wound. Children and infants develop at a similar rate to humans just slightly slower, their bodies reach full development at 20 . Infant to toddler mental emotional milestones take place at the same time as humans while physical milestones are about 6 months behind.  Puberty begins at 11 to 13 years old and during the first year or two they have several growth spurts before sexual development begins. By 15 a menstrual cycle begins that has a week of bleeding in a three month cycle. They will gain some fat on the chest but only a small bit. There is one final growth spurt before 20. Then aging slows, physically middle age appears to be around 400 years old. At 500-550 they stop having a menstrual cycle. By 700 they begin to slow and loose energy as well as loose magic ability.  At this stage it is agreed they are elderly.

Ecology and Habitats

Cold winter habitat, typically they migrate to follow winter around the world however have found a few permawinter areas. As hunters they may sent up camp in more barren winter areas but have hunting parties venture towards slightly warmer area where small and large game inhabits. They gather root vegetables primarily and some evergreen plants in their hunting range.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Elves hunt for game such as deer, moose, rabbit or whatever else is available in the area. They eat a few evergreen plants that are typically poison to humans such as mistletoe and frostberries Primarily they forge for root plants such as tubers and carrots.

Behaviour

This group form hunting a gathering parties together indicating they are rather social. It is noted that family units all sleep close together with the young between the parents for protection and likely the minimal warmth they need for survival. With other intelligent species they appear friendly and have been noted to have friendships and marriages outside of their species.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Sharp features, typically little facial fat. Eyes range from brown to almost black and are slim

Average Intelligence

High intelligence

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

As with all elven species ice elves possess an ability to feel the natural world around them and understand it. Their eyesight is no different from a human's at day but at night they have better night vision than a human. Ice elves are able to cool anything they touch to freezing rapidly. They are able to move their ears more than a human and are able to better locate sound.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Typically names given are unisex and at maturity can be changed to match identity or kept the same.

Beauty Ideals

Tall and lean is valued by this species like all elves. They in particular prefer white hair over blonde and pale skin, as pale as the snow.

Gender Ideals

Gender was introduced by humans to elves and was a foreign concept before. Generally many do not align with a specific gender and when they do they follow human gender presentation. As such there are not true gender roles.

Courtship Ideals

Courtship begins when two people decide they are ready for it. They first must pass a test by the other's parent to earn approval, usually showing that they can provide in someway to the family. Then they must work together on a project to present to the group elder(s) such as clothing or a meal. The elders may the give their blessing based on quality of the project seeing that the two work in unity together. At the end of courtship they may exchange a crystal necklace.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

As long as the intended is kind to the group and can provide the Ice elves have no issues marrying outside of themselves and do it more often than expected in permafrost areas where their settlements are permanent. More often though it is difficult due to their preferred regions and because of predudice.

Origin/Ancestry

Elves

Lifespan

1000 years

Average Height

6'7"-6'9"

Average Physique

Lean

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

White skin and white hair is typical though with outside marriages there is variation