Elves

Elves, or Eruvan, are a tall, mysterious race of immortal humanoids who inhabit the Isle of Eruvanir, off the coast of Verrin. The Elves of Eruvanir are sometimes called High Elves to differentiate them from their cousins the Mortal Elves.
Very few non-elves know anything about Elf culture or language, since they are incredibly reclusive and rarely leave their island home. Outsiders are never allowed into Elf cities or towns unless given special permission by the Council of Vaynir, the governing body of the Isle.
In size, they are of a similar height to the Men of Verrin, but tend to be taller on average.
Elves are unable to reproduce, so their number is finite. As such, they prefer to avoid combat at all costs despite being incredibly talented warriors due to many Men's lifetimes of training. Each elf is also very wise, having lived since the gods created the world. Oddly, the accounts of the First age given by many elves differ considerably from one another, and some report that their memory of these events seems warped or altered somehow.
Elves are known to be excellent record keepers and historians, mostly due to their immortality and peaceful nature. Where wars ravage libraries and archives on Verrin's mainland, the Elves' are hidden deep within their secretive isles, protected from harm. Human and Dwarven scholars cherish the opportunity to spend even a few hours in an elven library. As would Giants, if they could fit inside.

Basic Information

Biological Traits

Elves are inherently skilled with magic, and most Elves are capable of at least basic telekinesis. With practice, they can become immensely powerful sorcerers and wizards, able to conjure flame and lightning as well as arcane gusts. However, their abilities are not quite as powerful as the Gift, which is borne by the race of Men (but it is very rare). Unlike Men, Elves need no object to channel their power through. Some Elves, known as mage-princes, blessed with particular endurance or resilience, choose to use magic as a weapon when forced to war. They must exercise caution, as casting spells requires focus and the chaos of the battlefield can easily overwhelm them, resulting in dangerous mis-casts.
Elves are also fast, nimble and surprisingly strong despite their thin appearance.

Genetics and Reproduction

Elves are completely unable to reproduce, despite the existence of both male and female Elves.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Elves are native to the Isle of Eruvanir, and can rarely be seen anywhere else.

Average Intelligence

Elves are renowned for their intelligence and knowledge, because their long lives allow them to accrue more knowledge than any other species would be able to in their shorter lifespans.

Civilization and Culture

History

At the dawn of creation, the god Thengalir created spirits known as Eruvan to help him create the world. He did not take this lightly, as he had to shed some of his own power in order to bring them to life and give them free will and the power to assist him. The Eruvan obeyed him without question, until one such spirit, Senuo, took Thengalir's prized creation, the race of Giants, and warped it into the race of Orcs. As punishment, Thengalir cast the Eruvan into hideous physical forms, greatly constraining their powers and making them forget their near-godhood. Their bodies were awful mockeries of life, intended to cause suffering to the spirits trapped within for all eternity.
Thengalir also altered their memories, allowing them to only remember parts of their prior existence. He feared that if the Eruvan were to remember their nature and what he did to them, they would find a way to free themselves and take revenge. The goddess Eostria, however, took pity on the Eruvan. Although she could not restore their memories or free them from their warped physical bodies, she instead changed them into beautiful and graceful Elves after her own image, thus becoming their patron goddess. When the Eruvan awoke on an island off the coast of Verrin, they named it Eruvanir and so began the first age of Elves.
Their true nature remains unknown to the Elves, but if they were ever able to rediscover their abilities they would surely become the most powerful beings in Verrin.

Lifespan

Immortal

Average Height

1.7 - 2.1m

Average Physique

Elves are tall and very slender, yet somehow still strong and fast in their movement.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The skin of an elf is usually very pale, being some shade of dull silver. By contrast, an elf's hair can be white, black, brown or even gold.