Elf
An elf (plural: elves) is a humanoid species with fey ancestry (or vice versa) that act as guardians of nature. Elves are known for their pointed ears, rough features, and cruel nature. They have great distaste for other humanoid species, considering them beneath the elves due to the other species reliance on advanced technology. Conversely, elves are considered as wild men at best and feral savages, little more than animals.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Elven ears have tops that end in points. They tend to be more lithe than humans and their musculature tends to be best described as "wiry".
Genetics and Reproduction
Elves reproduce only very rarely, it isn't uncommon for a century or more to pass before a child is born in any particular elven community.
Growth Rate & Stages
Elves age at a rate much slower than that of a human, reaching adolescence at about 150 years old, adult hood at 200, middle age at 500, old age at 750, and venerable at 1000. Very, very rarely, elves may live to be 1500 years old or even more.
Ecology and Habitats
Elves act as guardians of the wild, tenders of animals, and enforcers of the natural way. They fiercely guard their charges, which brings them into conflict with more resource-hungry species.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Elves are omnivores, but the proportion of meat to plant matter very greatly by subspecies.
Biological Cycle
Elves do not show their age in the same way that other humanoids do and once reach adulthood, tend to look one age category younger than they actually are.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Elves live in very loose tribes, built more on social bond than blood. Groups may merge or divide. They may have a singular chief or listen to their elders. Or any other factor that any elf agrees to.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Elves inhabit every climate and terrain, including underwater.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Elven ears have a different hearing range from humans. While human adults hear noises from 400 to 20,000 hertz , elves here from 1000 to 30,000 hertz a slightly higher range. This is probably why elves speak in higher pitches than humans.
Elves have an excellent sense of smell, being capable of identifying individuals and tracking.
Although they are not as sharp-eyed as most birds of prey, their eyes are still sharper than those of the average human. In addition, their eyes have the ability to see better in dim light than humans.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Elven names are usually built on an "adjective/adverb/verb + noun" formula, with the noun being some natural feature, such as an animal, plant, or element.
Gender Ideals
Elves, as a rule, don't have defined gender roles in their communities. Everyone partakes in every task as much as need and desire dictate.
Average Technological Level
Elves, while considered to be in the stone age, are, in fact, quite the skilled plant and animal breeders, having created things like iron wood or various elven animals.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Elves speak Sylvan, with each subspecies having its own dialect.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Child birth is a time of great celebration among the elves, with revelries lasting for months as the child and parents are showered with many gifts.
Very, very rarely, an elf will live to be 1500 years old or greater. These elves are highly revered, indeed considered special, and are known as "eternal stars". Their wisdom is well respected.
More than one popular hero has been granted the title of "eternal star" posthumously.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Elves are often at odds with other species. They only begrudgingly interact with non-fey sapient species.
Genetic Descendants
Origin/Ancestry
Human/Fey
Lifespan
1200 years
Conservation Status
Rare
Average Height
4.5 - 5.5'
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