Sea Elves

Perhaps unique amongst all the different sub-races of Elves, Sea Elves have experienced great changes to their bodies that set them apart from their terrestrial kindred. With forms suited for their aquatic territory, Sea Elves have longer limbs that end in slender fingers and toes. Between these, webbed membranes can be found that aid in swimming. Sea Elves also have slightly larger eyes with larger pupils, perfect for seeing in low-light depths in the ocean and strange gills can be found on the sides of their necks for breathing.

Standing around the height of a Humans at between 5 and 6 feet, Sea Elves are shorter than other Elves. Their skin colour has adapted to a range of greens and blues, with occasional darker markings in the forms of spots, stripes or swirls decorating their backs, necks and shoulders. Hair is also different to those that walk on land. Thicker strands, that almost look like dreadlocks made of seaweed come from their heads, and the rest of their body remains hairless and smooth. These strands of hair tend to be in darker green and blue colours, but dark purples and reds have also been noted.

Living beneath the waves has caused Sea Elves to develop particularly dense skeletal structures. They also live to around 500 years of age, much shorter than other Elves. They still mature at such the same rate, being fully grown at around 18 years. It is not known why they have such a shorter life-cycle compared to other Elves, but many theorise that they're aquatic climate may be a factor. Like other Elves, Sea Elves do not need sleep, and instead a meditative trance is used each day for them to rest their bodies and minds.

Origins of the Sea Elves

Long ago in Elven history, a great Empire prospered across the land. As the country grew, different regions of Elves took a particular affinity to certain environments. Some would become in tune with nature, eventually becoming the Wood Elves. Others would enjoy the seas and oceans of the world, and spend increasing amounts of time trying to explore the depths. Eventually, magic was used to alter the forms of these Elves slowly, and over generations the Sea Elves slowly came in to being.

Seeing this as a blasphemy of magical abuse, the other Elves of the land cast the Sea Elves out of the Empire. Banished and seeking their own place in the world, the Sea Elves spread to all regions of the world, forming small communities on shores and beneath the waves.

Finding Sea Elves in the World of Varda

Sea Elves are found wherever the Ocean meets the land, either in small coastal communities, both above and below the waves, or integrated in to all manor of societies and countries. Their affinity for the sea has made them exceptional sailors, and many can be found in places that thrive on sea-based trade. You can find a list below of where you can find Sea Elves on Varda: