Elves (elvz)
Elves are a magical race of intelligent beings. They have an innate ability to manipulate the natural energy of their surroundings in ways that can dramatically effect matter, light and even time.
Elves can live for many centuries, and with the possible exception of the most ancient treants, are the longest-lived mortal creatures in the world. There are many examples of Elves that are older than 1,000 years, and a few that are more than 1,800 years old. Elves do not show age in the same manner that other races do. Their skin doesn’t wrinkle or sag, their hair does not gray, and they do not (naturally) become feeble or weak due to old age. They remain fit and youthful, but most will show a marked difference in their demeanor as they grow into true “old age”. They become less talkative, far more introspective and contemplative, and far less inclined to anger or rage. It is rumored but unconfirmed that most Elves that do live beyond 1,500 years reach a point where they simply stop wanting to live, and choose to die. This is not the same as suicide (a concept that is abhorrent to any Elf), but simply the acceptance that the next step in their soul’s progression is upon them and they can leave their mortal coil behind and move on to the next life.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Elves are a humanoid species, similar in size and shape to Humans. They have distinctly pointed ears, light colored eyes and fair complexion. Their hair is platinum blonde to a very light brown, often straight or very slightly curly.
Biological Traits
Elves are a mortal species that lives for a very long time. Most do not consider 1,000 years even "old" and true old age isn't considered to start until the age of more than 1,800.
Genetics and Reproduction
Elves reproduce sexually, like all humanoids. They are most fertile in their adult years before the age of 100. After that age, they are less driven to reproduce but remain emotionally and socially bound to their spouse for the remainder of their lives.
Growth Rate & Stages
Elves reach adulthood at about 20 years, following a similar growth progression to all humanoids.
Ecology and Habitats
Elves can live in any environment that Humans can live in, experiencing similar tolerances to heat and cold. They have more settlements in the mountains and foothills than in any other type of environments, but significant communities of Elves exist in all regions of the world.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Elves can eat all the same food as other humanoids, preferring fresh food to processed and with an emphasis on vegetable over animal sources.
Biological Cycle
Elves do not show their age in the same way as other humanoids. They do not grow weak or frail (at least not naturally), nor does their hair go grey or their skin wrinkle and sag. They demonstrate their age most often by a change in demeanor, growing more introspective and contemplative as they reach true old age.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Families tend to be small but closely knit. Marriages are for life and divorce is all but unknown.
Facial characteristics
Wide-set eyes, long pointed ears, fine straight hair of varying shades of brown
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The largest population of Elves is within the region of Naru, with very limited communities existing elsewhere. These include the Drowkin enclave of Dro'eladrim in the Arak Mountains, a small Elven city in the Thall Islands and a large community living in the Frost Giant kingdom of Imarus north of Colo.
Average Intelligence
Highly intelligent
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Elves have exceptional night vision with no related troubles living and working in bright daylight. Their hearing is keen, and their smell is far mare accute than other humaniod races.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Familial names are placed in the front of individual names, thus Kel'a Bron means "Bron of the Kel Family/Clan"
Major Organizations
Elven society is spread amongst the major cities of Naru, each led by an Archon chosen by the Autarch.
Beauty Ideals
Elves are not inclined to wear much ornamentation. Modest jewelry, hair is typically tied or braided for convenience more than display, and clothing is colorful, comfortable and extremely practicle.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Elves can sometimes tell where an individual elf comes from by his accent or dress, but due to their ability to live to such great ages, this distinction can become difficult to pin down.
Common Etiquette Rules
Elves pride themselves in their natural nobility, and always give an outward demonstration of polite and attentive behavior. There is an underlying sense of superiority and aloofness that comes with this, however, that can often be misinterpreted by people unfamiliar with Elven habits.
History
It is said amongst the historians of Naru that the first Elves entered the land from the far west nearly 2,000 years ago. They refer to this migration as coming from the “Land of the Setting Sun.” These historians say that the first Elves to arrive came looking for a hidden “holy” place, which today is thought to be catacombs of the Melorian mountains. Several scholars have come to believe that “something” was found there that affected the Elves looking for the place. It was at this time that the Elves began to persecute and enslave the Gnomes and Halflings, and Elves began a season of domination and conquest that lasted for more than 800 years. No evidence for what was found currently exists.
Once in Naru, the Elves built a civilization that has stood the test of time. Amazing cities, spanning dozens of square miles, dot the landscape to this day. Many are connected across rugged mountain ranges by beautiful, delicate-looking bridges and wide paved roads. Others are connected by decorated but perfectly functional canals wide enough to allow two-way traffic between intricately designed and easily operated locks that allow for the movement of ships and barges both uphill and down.
Advances in science were made that allowed the study of the heavens to proceed to a point where time could be kept to a fraction of a second, and eclipses and celestial events could be predicted to the minute. Alchemy advanced to a degree that allowed for the development of potions and elixirs that could cure any disease, heal any ailment or injury, and even change the nature of many substances into that of another entirely.
There was a dark side to this knowledge, however. Many Elves began to see all the people of the world in the same manner that they saw Halflings and Gnomes: simply play-things for the Elves, and with no actual value in and of themselves. Many became exceedingly cruel and twisted, always looking to find the next great advancement without ever thinking of the cost incurred. This darkness became pervasive amongst many of the noble families and ruling classes, and fewer and fewer voices were raised in question of such a cruel and heartless drive to dominate other races.
The Autarch Kel’a Thron (Kel’a Bron’s father) was the Elven King to put an end to the persecution of the “little people.” He declared all slaves free, and made the killing of any innocent Halfling or Gnome by an Elf immediately punishable by death. He also closed the borders of his realm to all Gnomes and Halflings that might try and come in (not that any were trying to get in), because he didn’t think everyone in his realm would follow his commands in this matter. This change of Elven policy towards slavery and killing began in the last few years of Kel’a Thron’s reign as autarch, and his son, Kel’a Bron has committed himself to finishing and completing his father’s plans.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Elves as a race have a rocky history with both Gnomes and Halflings. For many centuries, Elves enslaved (or exterminated) both Gnomes and Halflings as a matter of course, seeing themselves as natural masters to these races. This changed about 150 years ago, but both the Gnomes and the Halflings remember and will have nothing to do with Naru as a nation.
Scientific Name
Homo sapiens nobilis
Lifespan
Greater than 750 years of natural life.
Average Height
6' for males, 5'10" for females
Average Weight
160 lbs for males, 120 lbs for females
Average Physique
Athletic, lithe and limber
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Pale skin, pale to bright eye colors
Related Organizations
Related Ethnicities
