Elf
This is the master article linking to the different types of elves found in the known world. As of right now there are four known elvish types:
- High Elf: Beings born from the Kogane Aurum Baum at the beginning of history.
- Wood Elf: Being born from the fruits of the Shiruba Aurum Baum which once spread far and wide.
- Drow: ????
- Half Elf: An elf born from the union of an elf and a non-elf parent.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Elves are bipedal mammals who share a common ancestry with both animal and the arboreal taxonomy.
Biological Traits
Elves, compared to other humans, are much more long lived, and as such have a slower metabolism than other races. In addition, they tend to “feel” things for longer periods of time.
Genetics and Reproduction
Compared to humans, an elf’s reproduction cycle is not only longer, but it is more taxing. When carrying to term, the life giver must endure nearly debilitating stress and great physical pain. Some go as far as to be bedridden. In addition, the child bearer must endure this physical pain for up to two years. Even at birth, if the child bearer is not properly tended to, the child has a heightened risk of being born physically ill or prone to weakness. In extreme cases children born this way can become sterile or die at young ages.
The pain can be mitigated however, if the child bearer is within the pollen range of an Aurum Baum tree. Being born within an Aurum Baum tree allows the Child Bearer no stress or pain during the two years to term, and children are always born healthy, with the full range of an elf’s capabilities.
Half Elf children do not have this issue, however only Half Human Half Elf children are known to be able to breed without difficulty.
Growth Rate & Stages
Elvish children all have a similar growth period. It goes as follows:
- 1 Elvish children develop object permanence and sentience. They are considered a sprout.
- 2 Elvish children can speak and communicate simple thoughts. Walking is difficult.
- 3-4 Elvish children can walk, though during this stage they tend to nearly double in height. Elvish children can speak full sentences And communicate more complex ideas.
- 5-10 Elvish children develop the ability to read, write, and engage in complex thought experiments. By 10 they are now considered a sapling.
- 10-20: an elvish child undergoes puberty, during this time they are encouraged to devote their time and energy to a single craft that they wish to engage.
- 20-30: Now considered a young adult, elves will grow into their final height, and will likely begin to move toward their chosen path in life.
- 30-60: Now considered a fully mature tree in their own right. It is during this period they are encouraged to find a suitable partner as well as pursue a purpose or vocation.
- 60-90: Now in the later years, this is when an elf is expected to cultivate a legacy that will benefit those who come after. Using what they have done in life, and seeing the fruits of their labor, an elf is expected to leave this world better than they made it.
- 90-120: the last years of anelf’s life, often considered their retirement age. They are not expected to provide anything other than wisdom and counsel. Many are taken care of by their friends and family in their old age.
Ecology and Habitats
Elves often prefer to live in areas with dense forests. Though they can easily live elsewhere, many feel an innate closeness to areas with a great many trees.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Elves place a great deal of trust in both community and the wisdom of your elders. It is the job of the older, wiser members of society to lead the younger ones. In the event of a great social failing it is often the responsibility of the elder to make amends/reparations.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Compared to humans, elves are capable of perceiving in dim light as well as daylight, and in darkness can perceive without color. In addition their hearing tends to be sharper and more in tuned than humans (perception checks made to hear or perceive have a -5 to the DC.)
Civilization and Culture
Major Organizations
Avid Disciples of the Dusk Mage
The Ivory Tower
The Keepers of the Branching Paths
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Aurumi is the natural language all elves speak. Built from a mix of Druidic and Astrolenga, Aurumi is a philosophical and poetic language where words can mean multiple different things based on inflection, tone, and context. As such it is not an easy language to learn.
History
According to the myth of the Divine Quartet, elves all come from the trees, built by the gods to live amongst the forests in harmony.
In the Arcana Age they were on the verge of extinction, as the Aurum Baums were being cut down. It was thanks to the tireless efforts of Jayshra Maho’Doa, with some later help from Alaric Ron Zhen and Feodor the Wise, that she was able to unite the elvish clans and give life to the new Kogane Aurum Baum.
Historical Figures
- Jayshra Maho’Doa
- Ryugamine the Shadowed Hill
Common Myths and Legends
Myth of the Divine Quartet
The Rising of Jayshra Maho’Doa
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Here are how the elves tend to view their relationships with other species:
- Humans: between humans and elves not much is often shared or said that hasn’t been said already. The impulsive, shorter lifespanned creatures are an endless source of amusement and inspiration to elves. After all, the fact that they try to accomplish so much, yet also get in their own way, is humorous. At the same time one can’t help but wonder without humans, if elves would ever force progress as much as they have.
- Dwarves:
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