Elves

The aristocracy of the old world, now rare in most parts of the Reach. The closer you get to the Fate Star, the more Elves there seem to be. Some have proposed that this could be to do with the strange planar energies of the Fate Star, and that this may boost the fertility of Elves, allowing them to breed more successfully. However, too little is known about Elvish reproduction to make any accurate predictions.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Elves are humanoid, but with slender features and physicality. They often have unusual eye-colours, such as orange or purple, and their distinctive pointed ears make them stand out in a crowd.

Genetics and Reproduction

Elves reproduce in a similar way to humans, though they would say Elvish love is far more tender and sophisticated.

Growth Rate & Stages

Elves are long-lived, even when outside the Feywild. An Elf may be born outside of the Feywild and never visit their species' home plane, yet they can still live upwards of 600 years. Elves reach complete maturity around 100 years.

Ecology and Habitats

Elves are originally a fey species, and that environment suits all their needs perfectly. So perfectly, in fact, that Elves who never leave the fey wild will never age beyond a certain point. However, once they leave this metaphorical nest, their aging process will begin, and cannot be stopped, only slowed. The longer and further away an Elf is from the Feywild, the quicker they age and die. However, they are still capable of surviving in almost any environment, though intense heat in particular can cause their delicate essence to suffer.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Elvish society can be harsh. Both High Elf and Wood Elf societies are based on a kind of meritocracy, though with different emphases on different things, and with different systems for awarding merit. For example, a High Elf society may award literal merit points within their society for reaching a certain standard of education, or behaving in a particularly effective way in war. Someone in a Wood Elf society may find themselves respected more by others, or be voted in to a position of status by their peers with no measurable increase in value, like merit points.

Facial characteristics

Elvish features are typically sharper and narrower than a Human's, often giving them a stubborn, pinched expression, which many interpret as contempt (often not entirely inaccurately). They also have distinctive pointed, but not large, ears.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Elves become more prevalent the closer one is to the Fate Star. Some believe this is due to the mysterious planar energies of the Star.

Average Intelligence

Elves are typically more intelligent than the average human. They have more time for education in their longer lifespans, and also a greater natural capacity to learn and retain information.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Elves are typically hyper-sensitive to their surroundings, and can be trained from an early age to tap into their heightened sensory capabilities, allowing them to assess situations quickly and efficiently. Particularly in their soldiers, this ability to mentally slow things down and take a semi-detached perspective makes up for any brawn they may lack when compared to their foes.

Lifespan

600-750

Conservation Status

Very rare. Most Elves were killed when the Fate Star landed, and their lives are so long that their reproductive cycle has had no time to kick in again.

Average Height

5 foot 6 - 6 foot 2

Average Weight

55 - 90 kg

Average Physique

Elves are typically fitter than the average human in a cardiovascular sense, and have a slimmer physique. They are less inclined towards brawn and brute force than humans, and a well-trained human could match if not best an Elf in strength, but would have a hard time matching them for speed and agility.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

High elves are typically pale creatures, often with almost translucent skin. Wood Elves, however, often have a darker, almost greenish complexion, which helps them blend in with their natural forested environment.