Snow Elf

The Snow Elves are a hardy and resilient elven subrace adapted to life in the icy mountains of Eiri. Their existence is shaped by the unforgiving environment they call home, where survival demands resourcefulness, strength, and an unyielding spirit. Physically, elves are very similar in body shape to humans, features like the long, leaf-shaped ears being one of the distinguishing features for all elves. Snow elves are often characterized by their snow white skin and even paler hair colors. Some Snow elves take on deep blue skin colors that much resemble the Shards of Eiri, and are often referred to as Ice Elves due to the special trait. They are often quite tall, some of the tallest in the elven subraces.

History

The Snow Elves are believed to be descendants of ancient explorers and settlers from Suna. These early elves ventured northward, drawn by the abundant game and the allure of rare northern goods. Their journeys took them to the icy waters of Eiri, where they hunted seals, crabs, and other marine life while trading with the local tribes for unique resources found only in the frigid north. Over time, what began as seasonal expeditions evolved into more permanent settlements. The Snow Elves established an outpost in the snowy region, drawn by the land’s untamed beauty and bountiful hunting grounds. This outpost grew slowly over the centuries, transforming into a thriving community as more settlers arrived and adapted to the harsh environment. Eventually, the settlement became Eirilys, a grand citadel and the heart of Snow Elf civilization. Eirilys stood as both a fortress and a cultural hub, its walls etched with their hunts and survival tales. Snow Elven hunters became legendary for their bravery and skill, taking on the monstrous creatures that roamed the frozen wilderness. These hunts were vital for survival and central to their identity, solidifying their reputation as masters of the frozen land.

Geography

The eastern half of Eiri is concentrated with the bulk of the Snow Elf demographic. Elves live in tandem with other races like humans, especcialy along Eiri's frosty souther coastline and suite of ice floats and islands.

Relations & Society

After the founding and growth of Eirilys however, Elven society shifted into a namely stationary and commune based city state. A focus on a tight knit, collectivist society of talented hunters, traders, and crafters make up much of the workforce. Remnants of their past still persist and influence their cutlure and traditions, for instance the before mentioned focus on hunting and subsisting off the land's wildlife, and pride in one's profession is traditionally displayed among their ranks by the colors of body paint they apply to their skin: red for accomplished hunters, green for skilled gatherers, blue for reliable crafters or architects, and so on. They are unwelcoming when dealing with other races, especially those who live in Eirilys. They have developed a long standing dued with the beastkin of the Khiravi Alliance, a fued that teeters on the brink of all out war.

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Ancestry: Elven
Lifespan: 750 years
Adulthood: 18 years
Average Height (ft.): 1.9m to 2.1m
Average Weight (lbs.): 65kg to 77kg
Type: Mammal
Blood: Red
Contributors: Kashii, Taylorzilla, Yuii

Passive Ideas

Elven Respite - Some elves do not require sleep in the traditional sense, supplementing their evenings with a form of meditation that recovers energy and focus just as well as sleeping. They can feel as well rested as if they slept a full nights rest within the span of just a few hours within an uninterrupted special trance-like meditation state.
Snow Hunter - Some elves have innate magical abilities that allow them to obscure themselves to blend into snowy areas. With a bit of preparation and focus, you may be able to change your hair, skin, and other features to match the shade of snow and ice, making it easier to blend into the environment in the frozen north where they hail.
One with Ice - You have an innate magical ability to thrive in the frozen lands common to your home. You are not effected by the negative threats caused by extreme cold as if you were wearing snow clothes.