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Elf

PC Species

from the SRD
Elves are a highly magical people. Like all of the so-called enchanted folk of Bukana, they share a deep spiritual connection to nature. They are a very long-lived species that tend to dwell in remote areas away from human settlements. Here they create magnificent works of art through what would be many human lifetimes.

Beautiful Grace
Elves tend to possess a lithe frame. Theirs is a delicate beauty that seems otherworldly that other races find both enchanting and alien. Local elves are shorter on average than native humans, but many foreign subraces tend to be taller. Their ears are usually pointed and they have delicate bone structure.

Elven complexion varies wildly between bloodlines, particularly those of different lands. Most tend to be pale, but have hues of blue, red, orange, or may be closer to those of local humans.

Timeless Artisans
Elves love freedom and beauty. They particularly love artistry that incorporates or fluidly complements the natural world. Living for several hundred years, elves have the time to not only perfect, but expand upon artistic pursuits. In fact, most elves come to see any endeavor as a form of art, be it combat, astronomy, or horticulture. Despite their deep connection to the world around them, theirs is not an agrarian society. The smiths, artists, and craftspeople that work tirelessly to produce wonders outside the scope of humans typically trade their exquisite wares to other communities for the bulk of their day-to-day sustenance. This is supplemented by hunting and the cultivation of rare herbs in their gardens.

Elvish is a beautiful, melodic language that is difficult for other people to do justice. It is said that Elfish predates the written language of any other race and it is inexplicably shared by all elven bloodlines regardless of known contact between them. While each of the elven populations have separate dialects, with only minimal effort, they can easily make themselves understood to any other elf.

Being so much longer-lived than most other humanoid races, elves tend to hold themselves above the “Young Ones.” This is particularly true of the noble elders of the elves; whether it is a datu council of the Tamahaling or a Shahanshah of the Jinn, they discourage prolonged contact with outsiders. Despite this, many young elves leave the safety of their homelands and seek adventure amongst other folk. However, even these bold ones tend not to form deep and meaningful relationships with those that, to the elf, are just going to die in the blink of an eye.

Because they see beauty wherever they go, and believe that nothing in the human world lasts, elves tend to allow themselves to be distracted by earthly pleasures and often flit from one sensation to the next. This only reinforces the common belief amongst humans and others that elves are fickle and even flighty.

Love and Gender
Elves see themselves as living embodiments of the inherent magic of the world. Natural magic freely ebbs, flows, and changes as it dances through time and space. As such, elves rarely understand why the younger races so often tie themselves to such an abstract idea as gender. They approach their own identities with a fluidity that few non-elves can match. Pronouns in Elfish are all neuter. Elves also believe, wholeheartedly, that love is a connection between souls, not physical forms and are largely pansexual. Some elves that have thrown themselves entirely into their artistic pursuits, have eschewed all concept of mortal love and consider themselves asexual. The race’s inherent love of freedom means that it is very unusual for one elf to have any kind of prejudice towards the actions and love of another. Elf Names

  Names are not intrinsically important to most elf societies. Many elves choose to change their names throughout their long lives and some even use different names depending on to whom they give it. Given the complex, musical nature of the elfish accent, some elves would rather give nicknames than hear inelegant mouths “butcher” their names. Some clans, such as the Bukana Tamahling, organize themselves into tribes. Tribal names are often used to illustrate their allegiance to outsiders.

  Neuter Names: Anahyta, Arya, Banu, Cahayaning, Dalylah, Donya, Ehsan, Ellyzan, Fereshteh, Gemiyaty, Jashyd, Kasra, Mira, Nishtyma, Roya, Sassan, Shahryar, Tara, Vahy, Yasami, Zhyla Tribal Names: Bleeding-Heart, Crowned Civet, Night Thrush, Silver Bough, Water Orchid
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