Elves

Elves collectively refers to the Auran, Umbriel and Elemdar subspecies. They are spread out around the world, settling in areas which best suit their differences. While elves can be found all over the world, the vast majority live within either Hadaalin of the plains on the south side of the Gabitik mountains.

Auran Elves

There are perhaps no other beings that are more in tune with the ebb and flow of the magics of the world than Auran elves. They claim they are the closest to what the elves of ancient times were and their affinity for old magic is the true calling of all elves. Magic comes naturally to them, with many younglings being able to cast and control magic before they have even left their cribs. While no one can deny their connection to and mastery of magics, most other races seldom like dealing with the Auran elves as they tend to seem arrogant and detached from the mortal world around them. They are longer lived than even their other elven kin, so they see time not as a pressing factor in their lives but simply an idea that seems to move too fast for other races. The Auran elves with their study of the old magics have changed from their kin. Their skin is a golden hue and their hair tends to sit like long golden fields on their head and float as if underwater. They stand taller then other elves yet are slimmer built, with longer limbs; they move with grace and cold calmness as if moving in a dream. The few that do break from their studies and practices to adventure into the wild world do so almost as if they are on summer holiday, or just having a romp in the back garden.

Umbriel Elves

Always on the move, moving from place to place with seemingly no rhyme or reason, the Umbriel elves travel the world aboard their ships, initially waterborne and now Airships that they call home. They appear one morning as if out of nowhere, their ships and skiffs all moored to one another as if they had always been there. They bring many wondrous things for sale and trade, from food to crafts, magical items and even lost tech they have “discovered.” When their business is done they pull up anchor in the middle of the night and by morning all that is left is the imprint of their hulls on the ground. They sail almost exclusively at night and have adapted to seeing by the moon’s light as if midday. Umbriel elves live in tight-knit clans; each clan travels its own routes and they seldom cross paths. Every so often there will be a great gathering of the clans, for both joyous and ill reasons. Each clan is led by a pair of elders who meet and discuss current and future issues that will affect not just their clans but the whole of the Umbriel elves. Umbriel elves can be easily discerned from their kin because of their skin, which is the colour of obsidian, with hair that varies from pure white to a pale silver. Their eyes, while commonly a rich violet, can be many different colours. Umbriel elves also tend to sport stunning silvery tattoos that can cover their bodies and faces. The size and design of these tattoos vary by clan and standing within that clan. Captains of the clans tend to be covered almost head to toe, as they hold a high place in the clan as the shepherds of the ships. Many younger Umbriel elves who seek their place outside the clan have very few tattoos, typically only the mark of their clan, and normally it would be hidden under clothes.

Elemdar Elves

There are four known types of Elemdar: Fire, Water, Earth, and Air. The element the mother was closest to at birth will dictate the element of the Elemdar child. A fire Elemdar mother can give birth to a water Elemdar child. The Elemdar subspecies was originally born from Auran Elves. During strong convergence storms, an Elven mother exposed to a strong element would give birth to an Elemdar child. This rare occurrence happened only when the magic in the air was surging during a convergence storm. The internally nomadic tribes of Elemdar go about birth and reproduction differently. If an Elemdar were to give natural birth to its child, it would be an Auran Elf. In order to maintain their heritage, the shamans and wizards of the Elemdar tribes and villages perform a ritual known as “The Birthing.” This ritual is performed by shamans, wizards, and family members as well during the labour. Often the tribe will seek out their common sacred elemental locations of birthing in order to influence the child’s heritage to one element or another; but in tough situations, a piece of Sordalite crystal imbued with elemental magic is held close to the mother’s belly during the ritual to induce the magical mutations. Regardless of the element of the child, all children of Elemdar parents are welcomed into the society. There have been no known births of a pure Auran child in any Elemdar society for countless centuries, though it would be possible in theory.
The Elemdar are very secretive and very protective of the people who travel with them but that is not to say that they are not some of the most welcoming and warmest people when out in the world. In the beginning of their existence, they were ostracized from civilized society for their seemingly unnatural births. Through years of growth, cultural development, and strife, the Elemdar have come to be seen as kindly, wise, and powerful folk with the ability to harness the elements and sail the winds of the Evergreen Realms with ease. Unfortunately, Elemdar born to Auran parents are often still abandoned or cast out as unwanted children, though some of them are lovingly raised by their Auran birth parents without prejudice or fear. The communities of Elemdar constantly seek out the outcasts to join their communities and offer a sense of belonging and family.