Elf

Physical Characteristics

Elves are slender, athletic folk about as tall as humans. They have the same range of complexions as humans, tending more toward tan or brown hues. A typical elf’s hair color is dark brown, autumn orange, mossy green, or deep gold. Elves’ ears are long and pointed, and their eyes are vibrant blue, violet, or green. Elves have little body hair, but they favor a wild and loose look to their hair.
Elves mature at about the same rate as humans, but show few effects of age past adulthood. The first sign of an elf’s advancing age is typically a change in hair color—sometimes graying but usually darkening or taking on more autumnal hues. Most elves live to be well over 500 years old and remain vigorous almost to the end.

Background and History

Elves originally came from Xen'drik. They descended from the Eladrin of the feyspire city of Shae Tirias Tolai. Millennia ago, the giants of Xen'drik sacked the city and enslaved its eladrin inhabitants. The eladrin toiled in slavery for years before eventually rebelling and fleeing Xen'drik. Generations of isolation from Aerenal, where most have remained. Some departed Aerenal to settle on Khorvaire before the rise of Galifar, and more elves came to Khorvaire as mercenaries during the Last War under the leadership of High King Vadallia. These elves now inhabit Valenar.
History tells of a thirteenth mark—the Mark of Death—that once existed among elves. However, legends say the mark was exterminated long ago.

Elf Lands

Elves have made a home in many of Khorvaire's cities, utilizing their long lifespans to secure their status. Able to make investments over the course of centuries, Khorvaire's elves are disproportionately upper class.
The elven homeland is Aerenal. The Valenar during the Last War and have remained as an occupying force.