Swamp Elves

"Take from the land, but return twofold; once in the moment, again when you've grown old." - Swamp Elf proverb.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Swamp Elves are likely the sturdiest of the Alfen, averaging slightly shorter and more muscular than any of their evolutionary cousins.

Biological Traits

Some scholars believe that Swamp Elves first appeared as a result of the union between ancient tribes of Wood Elves and Sea Elves, though their webbed digits and darker skin may simply be evolutionary developments brought on by their environment.
Swamp Elves stand out from the rest of the Alfen in large part due to their olive grey skin, an evolutionary adaptation to better blend in with their home environment.

Growth Rate & Stages

Though on average physically sturdier than other Alfen, Swamp Elves mature at the same average rate.

Ecology and Habitats

The Alfens' innate physiological pliability has ensured that the Swamp Elves have adapted quite readily to the wetlands they call home. Swamp Elves who've left their homeland often find themselves seeking out similar conditions, be it other wetland biomes or a life on the vast seas.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Swamp Elves have a rather simple diet of rice, fish, and game meat (typically Razor-hoofed Gembeck), however the vast array of herbs that grow naturally in The Marsh means that their food is rarely bland.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Swamp Elf society is inclusive and merit-based, believing that all beings have a purpose. Respect is earned, and disdain is hard to come by. The only truly despised quality in The Marsh is laziness, however the lazy rarely last long in the first place.

Facial characteristics

Swamp Elves share a similar facial structure with most other Alfen, although their angular features are a bit more rounded.

Average Intelligence

As a society made up primarily of laborers, the people of The Marsh receive a basic formal education, but they have excellent common sense and survival instincts.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The dim and murky climate of Cliffwallow Marshlands creates poor average visibility, and as such the Swamp Elves have developed a keen sense of hearing that helps them navigate the terrain and avoid natural predators.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Swamp Elves trend towards naming conventions in accordance with nature. River, Willow, and Skye are common names.

Major Organizations

The Swamp Elves live under the domain of the Cliffwallow Protectorate, though they are primarily left to govern themselves. Each of the elven communities is governed by a chieftain, and the chieftains hold a summit once a season to discuss the best interests of the region as a whole. The Swamp Elves refer to this governing body as the Tribal Council.

Gender Ideals

As a society hardened by the environment they call home, the Swamp Elves have little use for traditional gender norms that can be present in other cultures.

Courtship Ideals

Swamp Elven courtship puts the labor in "labor of love." A true sign of caring for another is working to make their life easier, so typical forms of courting often revolve around helping a potential lover with the tasks of their day to day life, or larger projects. By acting in this way, one is proving that their feelings extend beyond that of lust, and into the realm of mutual fulfillment.

Average Technological Level

Life in The Marsh is largely based around hunter/gatherer techniques, supplemented with small scale agricultural operations. Though the Swamp Elves of this land have missed out on some technological advances of the world beyond The Fork, the local druidic conclave can make up for the deficit with their natural magic.
A specific area of technological advancement that the Swamp Elves hold claim to is the efficiency of their rice farms; a combination of creative magic use and agricultural inventiveness has led to the Swamp Elves being regarded as the best rice farmers in the land.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

In addition to their dialect of the Elvish language, many Swamp Elves also grow up learning the Druidic tongue.

Common Etiquette Rules

The Swamp Elves are a relatively casual people; there is little time for prim and proper etiquette in between the long hours of labor.
The only social standard strictly adhered to is a respect for nature and all of its denizens, including fellow elves.
Conversations between Swamp Elves typically begin with the phrase "Envira's blessing upon you," and end with "Envira guide your growth."

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Alfen

Origin/Ancestry

Alfen

Lifespan

800 years

Conservation Status

Small in numbers, but thriving.

Average Height

5'2" - 5'10"

Average Weight

145-185lbs

Average Physique

Squat, muscular, and lean.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Olive grey.

Swamp Elf (subrace)

Languages Elvish, Druidic

Features

-1 to Dexterity

+1 to Constitution

+1 to Strength

20 ft. swimming speed

Can hold breathe for 5 minutes

Mask of the Wild