Aquatic Elf

Aquatic elves are elves well adapted to life in the ocean, though they are often found living ashore. Today, they live mostly in the Kolmora Islands. They are known as ferocious warriors who repelled numerous invasions by the Empire of Belatora.

Physical Appearance

Aquatic elves are most noticeable for the green to blueish colored skin, functioning gills and stocky build. Their are well adapted for swimming, with webbed feet and hands with extremely long fingers and toes. Gills are located on the neck and over the upper three ribs. They are taller and thicker than most other elves, better to maintain their temperature in the chilly depths of the ocean. They tend to have rough, stringy hair, and eyes colored silver to green to blu

Society

The aquatic elves believe that alliance and community mean survival, while factionalism and arrogance mean death. They are standoffish even to other aquatic races, except when it serves the elves to have allies or trade partners. Despite this attitude, the aquatic elves of the Sea of Fallen Stars have recently started to overcome their natural tendencies, and have begun to open trade with their neighbors, both aquatic and landbound.
Aquatic elves form loose tribes, ruled by councils of elders. Although their society is patriarchal, only a fool fails to consult the wise woman of the tribe. These wise women are often druids or priestesses, serving the tribal gods.
Aquatic elves form closely knit communities who freely share their tools and goods among themselves. Families have a home to call their own, but most items are considered to be owned by the tribe or village. Aquatic elves take what they need and return it when they are finished. Non aquatic elf visitors are closely watched, as they have a reputation for taking things without out returning them.

Culture

Coming of Age Rites

Aquatic elves are tossed into the ocean when they near maturity. They are expected to survive by themselves, without the help of the tribe, using only what the ocean provides. This time, lasting up to 2 months, is called becoming one with the ocean. Although some aquatic elves spend long stretches far from the waves, they know they will one day return, to become one with the ocean for all time, when they pass into the next life.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Aquatic elves that have died are placed upon a mat of reeds and grasses, woven in such a way to trap some air. They are then set adrift on the falling tides, so that they can drift the waves of the ocean for all time. Several prominent beaches are used for these aquatic elven funerals, because the nearby currents whisk the dead away. It is considered an ill omen for a deceased relative to come back ashore; he or she has been rejected by the ocean and will wander the sandy beaches, tormented for all time.
The family of a deceased aquatic elf will keep watch near the coast, to ensure the departed doesn't come back ashore.

Common Taboos

Aquatic elves hold goods in common. Stealing is even more rare than murder in their society.