High Elves
Basic Information
Anatomy
High Elves possess slender, graceful bodies with heights ranging from 5'5" to 6'2". They have pointed ears, almond-shaped eyes with vibrant colors, and fine facial features. Their bodies are less muscular compared to other races, reflecting their focus on mental rather than physical prowess. They typically have fair skin and hair colors ranging from silver to gold, sometimes with unusual hues like blue or green.
Growth Rate & Stages
Childhood
Elven births are rare and profound events. Each birth represents the return of an elvish soul from Arvandor (Arborea) to the Material Plane, though the identity and history of the soul remain unknown.The frequency of elven births is believed to have cosmic significance. A surge in births may portend a dangerous era ahead, while a long absence of newborns in a community is seen as a sign of failure.
Due to their rarity, elven siblings can be separated by decades or centuries. Twins or triplets, called soul-siblings, are exceptionally rare and believed to share an intertwined destiny. They must remain together to fulfill this destiny.
Young elves experience memories from their soul's past lives during trance, rather than their current life. The First Reflection, when a memory from their current life first appears in trance, marks the transition from childhood to adolescence.
This cycle of rebirth and the rarity of elven births deeply shape elven society and culture.
Adolescence
First Reflection occurs around 20-30 years of age, marking the start of adolescence. Adolescent elves concentrate on acquiring knowledge and skill for their adult roles. They learn how to use trance to reflect on current life experiences, rather than past lives.Memories from past lives gradually become less frequent during trance, event as Falling Veil marks the transition to adulthood, typically occurring around 100 years of age. At this point, the elf can no longer access memories from past lives during trance.
Adolescence lasts approximately 70-80 years, a period of learning and personal growth.
Adulthood
The Falling Veil can be traumatic, Elders guide young elves through this change. Most cultures celebrate the Falling Veil to offset potential melancholy.Adulthood spans centuries, based on elvish ethinicity.
Adult elves learn to manage memories during trance, focusing on experiences that enhance skills or provide comfort. Elves often become accomplished in multiple disciplines over their long lives.
Adults eagerly seek new adventures and skills, knowing these will fuel memories for their later years. This phase is typically the longest in an elf's life, allowing for mastery in various fields.
Elder
Elven elderhood begins with an event known as the Seeing or Revelation, typically occurring in an elf's third or fourth century of life. This phase is marked by the emergence of new, unbidden memories during trance - not from the elf's personal experiences or primal soul, but from other lives and times entirely.Initially, these other-life memories may be infrequent, allowing the elf to continue their normal life for decades. However, as these experiences become more common, they begin to take a toll on the elf's outlook. Elders often find their thoughts drifting inward, losing interest in their surroundings and feeling a strong desire to return to elven communities, seeking the company of their own kind.
The timing of the Seeing can vary. Elves who have led particularly active or dangerous lives, such as adventurers, may experience it earlier than their more settled counterparts.
This transition to elderhood represents a profound shift in an elf's life, marked by increasing introspection and a gradual detachment from the mortal world as they begin to contemplate the vast expanse of elven existence beyond their current life.
Dietary Needs and Habits
High Elves are omnivorous but tend to prefer lighter fare. They have a particular affinity for fruits, vegetables, and grains, often supplemented with small portions of lean meats. They metabolize food very efficiently, requiring less sustenance than other races. Many High Elves also draw sustenance from magical energies, reducing their need for physical food.
Behaviour
High Elves are characterized by their patience, wisdom, and intellectual curiosity. They have a deep reverence for knowledge and artistic pursuits, often dedicating centuries to mastering various skills. Their long lifespans give them a unique perspective on time, sometimes making them appear aloof or detached to shorter-lived races.
They possess a strong sense of superiority, believing elves to be the pinnacle of divine creation. This can manifest as arrogance or condescension towards other races. However, it also drives them to strive for perfection in their chosen fields.
High Elves are deeply devoted to Corellon, seeing themselves as the truest embodiment of their divine father's vision. This devotion shapes much of their culture and personal ethics.
Their natural affinity for magic influences their worldview, often seeing arcane forces as an integral part of nature and life itself. This magical attunement also contributes to their tendency towards contemplation and introspection.
Despite their long lives, High Elves maintain a sense of wonder about the world, always seeking new experiences and knowledge. They value tradition but are not bound by it, capable of adapting over centuries as needed.
They possess a strong sense of superiority, believing elves to be the pinnacle of divine creation. This can manifest as arrogance or condescension towards other races. However, it also drives them to strive for perfection in their chosen fields.
High Elves are deeply devoted to Corellon, seeing themselves as the truest embodiment of their divine father's vision. This devotion shapes much of their culture and personal ethics.
Their natural affinity for magic influences their worldview, often seeing arcane forces as an integral part of nature and life itself. This magical attunement also contributes to their tendency towards contemplation and introspection.
Despite their long lives, High Elves maintain a sense of wonder about the world, always seeking new experiences and knowledge. They value tradition but are not bound by it, capable of adapting over centuries as needed.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
High Elves have keen senses, particularly sharp eyesight that is adapted to see in long distances. Their hearing is also acute, able to discern subtle sounds. They possess a natural sensitivity to magical energies, often described as a "sixth sense" for arcane forces.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
- Compound Names. High Elven names often combine two or more elements, each with a distinct meaning.
- Nature and Light Themes. Names frequently incorporate elements related to nature, light, stars, and magic, reflecting their affinity for these concepts.
- Patronymics/Matronymics. Many elves might have a second name derived from their father's or mother's name, with prefixes like "ion" (son of) or "iel" (daughter of).
- Epithets. Elves may earn or choose epithets later in life, reflecting their deeds or character.
- Grammatical Gender. High Elvish has grammatical gender, which is incorporated into High Elven names.
- Soft Consonants and Flowing Vowels. Names should have a musical quality, with soft consonants and flowing vowels.
- Elanor (Sun-Star)
- Nimrodel (Lady of the White Grotto)
- Míriel (Jewel-Daughter)
- Calanor (Light-Fire)
- Aiwendil (Bird-Friend)
- Ithilion (Moon-Son)
- Glorfindel (Golden-Haired)
Statblock
Lythari Elves
Lythari Elves
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Genetic Descendants
Scientific Name
Arn'quessir ( Noble People )
Origin/Ancestry
Created by Corellon
Related Organizations
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