High Elf

The Ancient Mages

The High Elves are the most common breed of elf in Wandrei and the most widespread. After the humans spread across the earth, they assimilated into human nations with relative ease. After many generations being segregated into their own neighborhoods and districts in human cities, the elves have been slowly regaining rights and influence in national affairs. The single High Elf nation left in the world, located far to the west in the Kraken Isles, welcomes all their "lost" brethren while simultaneously barring entry to most other races. While most High Elves are oppressed and downtrodden, they still remain proud and faithful to their ancestors and their customs, something most humans regard with begrudging respect.

Basic Information

Anatomy

High Elves stand about as tall as humans, though they are much slimmer and longer-limbed. Their defining characteristic is their long and pointed ears, as well as their exotic hair and eye color.

Genetics and Reproduction

High Elves live far longer than humans, and this leads to a lower repopulation rate as the need to reproduce isn't as imperative. Their reproduction cycle takes just slightly longer than humans, as pregnancy lasts about ten months as opposed to the humans' eight to nine. In addition, Elves mature much slower, meaning that an "adult" elf is around one hundred years old, whereas an adult human is about eighteen.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Variable, but commonly with fair skin, hair, and brightly colored eyes, and exclusively with high cheekbones and the longest ears of any Elf race.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Based out of the Kraken Isles, but found globally.

Average Intelligence

10 INT

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

High Elves have a particular affinity for magic, both arcane and divine, though they are no less incluned to any other discipline just as humans are. They tend to cultivate great mages, however, due to their history with magic and their innate control of it.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Elves have feminine and masculine names and family names, and typically choose their own given name after becoming an adult, overturning their child names. However, their child names are still known, becoming a sort of middle name, and some may still choose to go by this name as an adult, though it is seen as immature to do so. Many times, elves also adopt a descriptor as a last name, such as "Treeshaper" or "Warmaster."

Major Organizations

Hyrule, the kingdom of the High Elves; Lothlorien, the kingdom of the Wood Elves; the Empire of the Drow, the kingdom of the Dark Elves in the Underdark;

Average Technological Level

Renaissance-Colonial technology, based on magic and nature.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Common, Elvish

Common Taboos

Elves completely abhor cannibalism, slavery, incest, and familial murder, though the rare pockets of Wild Elves that still persist may have different views on these.

History

Elves are one of the Old races, along with gnomes and dwarves, who were created at the dawn of the Gods' reign in the mortal realm. They were naturally attracted to magic and nature, and found harmony with it whereas their peers sought to tame it. Once the Gods left the material plane, and the Yuan-Ti rose to power, the Elves actively led the charge against their oppressors, and after defeating the snake people, became the dominant race on Wandrei for a time. Their rule was overthrown with the rise of the humans to prominence, and the great war between Atlantis, the largest human realm, and Hyrule, the kingdom of the High Elves, was the last straw in the Elves' decline.

Historical Figures

Auriel Tiranas, Valar Brightblade, Queen Janiriel Velantiri,

Common Myths and Legends

See Category: Myths and Legends.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Elves have great relations with the Gnomes and Halflings of the world, and while the philosophies between subspecies of Elf may differ, most cooperate without hesitation. Humans are regarded with mild distrust, but trade and diplomatic relations are steadfast and plentiful between the two races. The Drow, most other Underdark races, some various Human nations, and the Deep Ones and their thralls are the only real antagonists to the Elves.

Scientific Name

Homo sapiens aelfar

Origin/Ancestry

Elven

Lifespan

500 years

Average Height

5' to 6'

Average Weight

100 lbs to 200 lbs

Average Physique

10 STR, 12 DEX, 8 CON

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Variable, but most commonly with fair skin, a thin but wiry-strong frame, and longer-than-human digits.

Related Ethnicities

• Arkhamite