Elves
The Elves are a magically potent species. Unlike most magically inclined species, the Elves are not limited to any one [Element of Mana]. Elves are lithe and vary in height from child sized to towering over [Humans]. Thanks to their thinner builds, Humans generally perceive Elves as less physically intimidating than a Human of the same height. However, Humans who have encountered Elves before know just how powerful Elf magic is and are careful not to give an Elf a reason to cast.
Elves are among the longest lived races on Vitcoona. It is not uncommon for an Elf to reach eight hundred years old. These long lifespans lead to myths of immortality. One of the factors contributing to the immortality myths of Elves is that they are born immune to most poisons and disease. They also do not exhibit the typical signs of aging. Elves do die from old age, but it is rare. More often than not, an Elf will die from a magical experiment gone wrong or from battle.
Among Elves there are three types: High Elves, [Wood Elves], and [Dark Elves]. To preface what is said in the pages for the Elf types, they are modifications to the base Elf described here.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Elves are humanoid in construction, but they possess lighter bones than Humans. Elves are significantly thinner at the shoulders and waist than Humans. They vary just as widely as Humans in height. They strongly differ from Humans in that they possess more strident eye and hair color combinations. Typically, Many observers of Elves will comment on the bird-like appearance of their faces.
Genetics and Reproduction
Elves reproduce through binary sexual intercourse. They carry their young to term, but they require an external source of magical energy to feed the gestating Elf, and the Elfling needs to be fed with an external magic source, or they will drain their mother dry. Gestation typically lasts twelve months. Female Elves can continue to live normal lives outside of providing the Elfling with a power source until the last two months of gestation. Birth for Elves is an event best described as unusual. Unlike Humans, Elves only experience discomfort during childbirth, but they do feel a separation of their mana network from the Elfling's network. This separation triggers an unusual sensation in the mother that can be extremely off putting. For Elves, post-partum depression manifests as the mother missing the connection she had with the Elfling.
Growth Rate & Stages
Elves reach adulthood at thirty years of age. It is typical for them to start learning a craft at twenty years old. They will be considered fully matured and ready to be called adults among other Elves at around the age of one hundred. From birth to ten years of age, Elves quickly advance to running and jumping and are known to flit around their homelands much akin to Faeries. From ten to thirty, they progressively grow taller and gain a better control of their bodies both in terms of reflexes and deliberate movements. After thirty years of age, an Elf's body is not going to change much. The major growth is in their mental abilities and mastery of magic. Both of these things come with age and the decades of practice their lifespans afford them.
Ecology and Habitats
Elves prefer to live in forested areas. However, they do not like jungles. They can live in jungle areas with minimal discomfort. They detest desserts (both the cold and hot kind). They are ambivalent towards plains and mountains. They feel crushed by the weight of the world above them if they go into the [Underworld].
Dietary Needs and Habits
Elves are omnivorous, but they have a high preference for vegetarian or vegan diets. When an Elf has to take an animal's life for any reason, they view such kills as a time for a quick ceremony honoring the animal for its sacrifice.
Biological Cycle
Elves generally are unaffected by weather or seasons. They understand building shelter for themselves against extreme cold or extreme heat, but they generally have no need of shelter. As for time, an Elves body does not feel the passage of years until very near the end of their lifespan.
Behaviour
Elves are aloof towards anyone who is not from their homeland. Among the larger Elven societies, Elves are still aloof towards those they view as subordinates or undesirables. Elves only exhibit open hostility towards [Fel] (specifically [Dark Elves]). Elves are quick to cast out any Elf they view as impure, but thankfully this obsession with purity is limited to those who are exhibiting symptoms of becoming Fel.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Elves possess naturally enhanced hearing and sight. They also have a superb control of their balance and are able to master the movement of their bodies far above what Humans can. However, they have a reduced sense of smell.
Related Organizations
Related Ethnicities
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