Elf (Darstian)

Elves are known for their affinity to nature and their ability to live within it. There are a few subraces of elves. There are the high elves, the wood elves, the drow and the eladrin. They are one of the first decendants of the Ancients. They do not require sleep, able to stay in a half resting state that they can awake from with ease. Due to their closer affinity with the The Ancients, they are born with a strong magical affinity with most learning cantrips by the age of 10.
Elves mature similarly to humans however instead of growning very quickly over their teens,elves take longer to mature taking 20 years to do so instead from the age of 10 to 30 instead, 12-26 for women and 16-29 for men. At the age of 5 the child is taken from the parents to be taught and nutured as elves. This involves the education of the children by the elders of their deme. They will not see their parents except when there are days of worship. At the age of 30, the child is released from their care from caretakers and elders and are allowed to spend more time with their parents.

Basic Information

Genetics and Reproduction

The gestation period for elves lasts for about three years. However, pregnant elven women are less vulnerable than their human counterparts generally unaffected until the last 3 months.

Growth Rate & Stages

They mature similarly to humans however taking a longer time to mature from childern to adult, 12-26 for women and 16-29 for men. They age very slowly only leaving their prime at the age of 150. Elves live to an average of 200 years however, a few do live up to the age of a 1000.

Ecology and Habitats

Elves prefer living in forests. This is due to the greater amount of latent mana in the forests. This is why the Azern Desert is often extremely uncomfortable for most elves due to the insane levels of mana in the area, the taint so strong most feel like they are suffocating.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Elves eat food similar to humans, but are able to eat a wider range of plants and meats, some of which humans find disgusting but to the elven taste are rather delectable.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

High cheekboned with thin faces and upturned eyes, pointed ears.

Average Intelligence

Slightly greater than the average human as education is mandatory till adulthood.

Civilization and Culture

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Elven, Grand Elven. Elven is often used by most of the populous, however is rarely used in the courts. Grand elven is closest related to the original language of the Ancients.

Common Taboos

Cutting ones hair is seen as distasteful with most elves choosing to braid their hair or tying their hair, to cut their hair would be cutting away their connection to their family. Speaking of the dead is frowned upon as the elves believe that when the name of the deceased is said it tears the dead away from their rest as they will hear the voices of the living calling out to them.

Lifespan

200

Average Physique

Thin and muscled, with most elves having to learn tracking skills and hunting skills.