Elf
An ancient race of exceptionalism, Elves were the native inhabitants of Archefyre in the Ages before History. After Archefyre was split into Zelwind and Shadowvale, the Elves caught in the Shadowvale either died or fled into the Undercroft where they became the Drow. The Elves which were caught in Zelwind either remained on the plane, becoming the Eladrin, or migrated to Aberiam to become the common varieties of Elf.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Elves possess the same body plan as humans with leaner bodies, sharper features, and peaked ears.
Genetics and Reproduction
Elves reproduce very rarely with parents investing most of their time into raising their children. However, it is possible for Elves to reproduce at a greatly accelerated rate similar to Humans. This is extremely uncommon and looked down upon in practically ever Elven society.
Growth Rate & Stages
Elves physically mature at the same rate as Humans but live to be much older. Earning their adult name at 100 in a naming ceremony where they select their own name, Elves tend to live on average 500 years but are known to reach 700 years of age.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Elves form the full range of social structures that humans form, however, age is typically a far more valued trait among Elves who see it as a marker of experience. For this reason, Oligarchies and Monarchies tend to be far more stable. The only downside to the stability of Elven social structures is that they tend to remain in a state of perpetual stagnation, unwilling to increase their prosperity beyond what is necessary to support their own population at a level of relative luxury.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Elves are a common sight in trading centres. However, most Elves are located on the Elven-majority continent of Adora.
Average Intelligence
Elves tend to be as intelligent as humans but tend to possess an archaic way of thinking as most Elves are over 100 years old before they make any meaningful decisions about their own life.
Civilization and Culture
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
The Naming Ceremony is among the most important traditions observed the Elven Society, during the ceremony which occurs after an Elf's 100th birthday, an Elf receives an Adult Name and is seen with greater respect in Elven Society.
Common Taboos
Infanticide is considered the greatest crime in Elven cultures.
History
Little is known about the Elven races before they arrived in Aberiam as they did not possess their own written language before arriving on the plane. Instead, the Elves relied on an Oral Tradition with a kind of storyteller known as an Edelvas. With the splitting of Archefyre, these storytellers fell by the wayside as the Elves were forced to fight for survival in new lands. Many tales of their ancient and epic history were lost to time during this period. What is known is that the Elves were a Heroic culture who revered great warriors. Many versions of a creation myth exist where a group of mortal Elven heroes set out on a quest which resulted in Elves' lives being extended by hundreds of years, before this it is believed that Elves had a similar lifespan to humans. These older Heroic tales become an after-thought when compared to later tales which focus on the accomplishments of Sage-Kings in combating Fey creatures and maintaining their realms through steady and meticulous expansion. When the Elves arrived on Aberiam, before the Gods Plague, they colonized the small continent of Adora. The native goblinoids of Adora were expelled from the continent, forming a diaspora which is the source of goblinoids across the planet. Elves have since developed their own kingdoms and histories.
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