Elf

The Elves are the oldest and most dominant ancestry that remained on Aorna after the "beginning of history". They are a diverse people, both physically and culturally, and are spread throughout the Merchant Sea region, from Tionmenel and Arcenveld to Nenineru and Zanraema.
It is believed that the Elves were originally fey spirits, mere constructs of light and possibility, given life and consciousness by Caedalin, The Artist. They offered these fey a chance to take a permanent form to experience the world around them and be of it. In return, they would help The Artist to consolidate power in the Wellspring. The Elves agreed, their bodies shaping to resemble Caedalin's, aiding him in becoming the first Feylord.
But after aeons of rule, they would follow The Artist across the bridge from the Wellspring to Aorna, finding a new home, settling the material plane to tend after it.
The Ancient Elves, as they are sometimes called, were so infused with the power of creation that they were immortal. However, in Aorna, they were closer to the Shade, a force that weathered them, slowly eroding away their endless life, causing them to age and die as any other creature of the world would. Most willingly accepted this, as it gave them meaning and purpose. Elves today still live exceedingly long lives, as many as 1,200 years, making them seem immortal to some, but that is no longer true. And as they have intermingled with the other ancestries, that life expectancy has continued to drop.
Because of this, Elves experience history in a way that few other ancestries can understand. Some treat them as though their long lives give them wisdom, which is true in some cases, but it also tends to harden other personality traits. Elves are slow to change, because they don't feel the immediacy that those with shorter lives do.
In fact, there is a major downside to their extended lives: their memories have not quite kept up. Your average elf has a clear memory of the last hundred-fifty or so years of their life, but beyond that, things tend to get murky. They may remember close friends, major accomplishments, emotional impressions, traumatic events, but most is eventually lost to them. Some powerful wizards will use specialized spells to help them retain perfect memories, but more often than not, it is common for an elf to keep a detailed journal that they use to reflect on what happened in their past.
Their origins in the Wellspring have given the Elves a unique connection to the magic of the world. Most know a few cantrips to aid them in their every day lives and many excel in schools of wizardry. In fact, it is said that it is the Ancient Elves who taught the original spells to the other ancestries.
It is fairly common for Elves to struggle with fertility, which is attributed to the fact that they did not originate on Aorna. As such, it can be difficult for them to keep up their numbers when procreating exclusively with other Elves, especially in isolated communities. They often choose a human partner, which is part of the reason why humans and elves have such a long history of cooperation. These children are often referred to as "half-elves", though that is a bit of misnomer, as most modern elves have at least a small bit of human ancestry. It is estimated that less than 5% of the Elvish population are "True Elves" - with two completely Elven parents.
Their compatibility with other ancestries, as well as their natural curiosity, has led to a wide variety of sub-ancestries that are spread from the depths of the Underdark to the crests of the moons:

• A High Elf is considered the most studious and reflective of the Elven sub-types, and the most likely to congregate in larger societies, like Tionmenel or Arcenveld. They often worship Aeyar, The Summoned Spark and relish in their connection to the Wellspring.
• A Wood Elf prefers the relative isolation and quiet of a forest glen or a desert oasis. They gather together in small communities, defending places of great natural beauty in the name of Ausalai, The First Seed. Wood Elves often prefer the druidic magic of Aorna itself to the arcane magic of the Wellspring.
• A subterranean Drow's ancestors were lost, wandering forever in the tunnels of the Underdark, seduced by the power of Venali, The Truth's lies. But in modern times, the Drow are almost as culturally diverse as the Elves as a whole. The Anoch'Toval Drow continue to toil in the darkest places of the world. They have become the lie. But the Icharyd Drow have built a beautiful city, filled with light and peace. And the Zanraeman Drow have a rebellious spirit, pushing back against the tyranny of Nenineru. Some even say that there are Drow that walk the moon Othena.
• An Eladrin is an elf of the Wellspring, either those who stayed behind waiting for Caedalin's return, or those who returned to their homeland after the war with Rach, The Bloody Ground.
• Tieflings, a Genasi and an Aasimar aren't often considered elves, but they all have some degree of elven blood - though they have largely been deemed divergent species, since they exist within their own communities.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

As the oldest remaining ancestry on Aorna, Elves can found in every corner of the world. However, it is generally accepted that their home continent is Vul'Badir, specifically the region surrounding Nenineru and Zanraema. 
On the northern continent of the Merchant Sea - Sheanora - Elves are just as prevalent. High Elves rule over Tionmenel and have significant power in Arcenveld as well. Wood Elves are scattered in small communities deep within thick temperate forests. Drow have built subterranean cities in the caves of the Underdark. Nearly every country has at least a small population of Elves - and an even larger population of citizens with a percentage of elven ancestry.

Lifespan

True Elves: 900-1200 years, Half-Elves: 200-500 years

Average Height

4'8" - 6'2"

Average Weight

175 lbs

Related Organizations

• Tionmenel