Elvensight

Elves have extremely keen eyes. 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 further into the infrared spectrum, allowing them to function in most unlighted places. In most landbound elves, this sight extends only to a range of 60 feet. Aquatic elves, as described below, have an entirely different sort of sight.

Naturally, there must be no other light at all for elvensight, or infravision, to function. If a greater intensity of light than starlight (including moonlight from a half full or fuller moon) is within the elf's line of sight up to 100 feet away, his or her elvensight will not work at all. Although the range of infravision is typically 60 feet, bright light farther away affects them adversely.

Elf eyes must, of course, adjust to a change in light. They can no more immediately use their elvensight any more than a human can immediately adjust to the sunlight after spending a time in darkness. As well, if they are exposed to bright light while using their infravision, they suffer a –2 penalty to all actions for 1d4 rounds while their eyes adjust to the change.

Elvensight Infravision

Subrace	Distance	Type of Sight
Aquatic Elves	360'	Aquatic Vision (sonar)*
Dark Elves	120'	Infravision**
Gray Elves	60'	Infravision
Half-Elves	60'	Infravision
High Elves	60'	Infravision
Sylvan Elves	60'	Infravision

* Aquatic elves do not have infravision, per se, above the water; however, they can locate their way or their enemies through dark and even stormy waters by a version of infravision adapted to underwater environments. They do not see heat or cold, but rather the movements of water currents. ** Drow infravision is so intense that their eyes actually radiate heat; someone viewing a drow through infravision sees two burning eyes atop a normally glowing torso.

[Complete Book of Elves]