Elves
Elves are a type of fey that has developed a very physical existence. They belong to the Seelie court but have integrated extremely with the world outside of fairy land. As fairies, however, they are granted semi-immortality and are primarily contrived of magic.
Their physical bodies are slender and fragile, and their figures are slight and lithe, so they appear tall. This is an optical illusion created by their long frames. In truth, they are, on average, a head shorter than the average human. They have angular features and large, almond shaped eyes. Their hair is usually either very light tones like blond, white, or silver, or extremely dark like black or chestnut. They usually do not cut their hair from the time they become adults on. They have fair complexions, which spawns the title “the fair folk”. They also are likely to wear white or pastel garments, in the form of long white robes, although the warriors and hunters wear their crafted armor. Many Elves are praised for their magnificent metal work, and Elven jewelry is as prized as their weapons and armor. Since the majority of elves are expert archers, a rare Elven sword fetches a high price. Elves are also skilled riders and musicians, but most devote their long lives toward philosophy.
The average Elven lives for more than a thousand years, though there have been cases that stretch even beyond that. Physically, a hundred human years for an elf equals ten for a human. This is often the case emotionally as well. For example, a four hundred and fifty year old elf would be similar to forty five year old human.
Elves are blessed with heightened senses, including a sixth sense that alerts them to anything unusual or spiritual in nature. They can also see equally well in both dark and lights environments, with the exclusion of dark elves who are sensitive to the sun. The reason for this genetic trait remains obscure.
An interesting fact about elves in general, is that they cannot actually create. They can perfect almost anything in existence, until it is almost unrecognizable, but they cannot invent something from no background. This bizarre phenomenon is the sole reason for their continued contact with other races. Scholars believe that it is their fey heritage that accounts for the elves inability to invent, because fairies also rely heavily on humans for new ideas.
White elves
Often given other names, and considered the standard from which all other types of elves evolved, white elves are the most common.
They reside in cities like those of a human, only magically cleaner, and with far more libraries. These Elves have there own special architecture which involves ornate styling and a collection of towers. Also the race consists mostly of scholars and artists so, as mentioned; the towns consist of higher entertainment than those of a human. These cities are usually magically hidden from humans because the White Elves are antisocial towards other races.
Considered the most arrogant of elves, which is saying a lot, White elves look down on most humans, dwarves, and even other Elven races. They consider only mythical creatures like dragons or unicorns to be above them. This belief probably stems from the fact that White Elves have existed for far longer than dwarves and humans, along side dragons and the like. Consequently, they are prideful, unfriendly, and not likely to help unless a situation directly concerns them. Thankfully they are also always in pursuit of knowledge and new experiences and they feel a duty to help the lesser creatures, so should they be needed it is possible to convince them to help. Don’t count on it though. On the bright side, they don’t cause trouble for anyone other than the Dwarves, who are the enemies of all elves due to a long drawn out struggle of which the origins are unclear.
Other elves are believed to have evolved from the White Elves as they became closer to other elements. Originally there were no special elements for each Elven, but now White Elves are associated with light, a counter point to dark elves.
Dark Elves
Dark Elves are the perfect contrast to White Elves. Their ancestors were driven underground because or their warlike tendencies, which were frowned upon in peaceful Elven society. After a few generations their skin tone changed from white to pure black, the absolute absence of color. Although the reasons for this change are only speculated, the change is almost assuredly due to magic rather than evolution. Otherwise they are built exactly like their predecessors. The lack of change in hair color further indicates that their skin is an unnatural occurrence.
Not much is known about their culture, since they do not allow other races into their underground cities. It is accepted that they have a matriarchal society.
Wood Elves
One of the four Elemental Races of elves, as their name suggests, Wood Elves live in the forest. What makes them particularly interesting is their refusal to hurt any living being, including plants. They gain much of their power from the natural world and are blessed with power over it. Instead of felling trees to use for building, they “coax” trees to grow into buildings. There are entire cities of these tree dwellings, often raised several meters off the ground. Their special bond with nature governs their lives. They consider themselves guardians of the forest, but since they don’t believe in violence they can only protect it against nonliving threats. Leading a quite lifestyle, away from most humans, they are rarely seen. Particularly since, like many elves, they cannot leave their “node of power” or the centre of their power, which is usually manifested as a giant tree. Some take there bond with nature to new levels by augmenting their appearance. It’s common to see a wood elf with antlers, or patches of fur.
Wood Elves possess a standard Elven body, but differ in pigment. They tend to have a complexion similar to that of a human, therefore less fair than their White cousins. Their hair tends to be earthy shades of brown or red, but also green. In fact, green most common, and is a dominating color in their pigment. Even hair that isn’t a shade of green usually has green highlights. There is the occasional blond, and even then they have a foresty tint to their hair. There eyes are also usually either green or brown. Even their skin has a verdant sheen. This phenomenon is most likely caused by their close ties to nature and developed for their protection, since it makes for great camouflage in their forest home. They have even taken a step further by dressing mostly in greens and browns. Men wear what looks to be hunting garb, but since they do not eat meat, it seems to be more a matter of style. Women wear traditional skirts with a blouse or chemise, and a bodice. It’s speculated that they wear these things to mock humans, because it is their nature to be playful and slightly insulting in a gentle manner.
Wood Elves are the most optimistic, and friendly Elves. They are quite mischievous however, and they love to taunt passerby. They also love riddles and music. They tend to speak in rhyme, and it’s debated whether they do that to annoy folk or because it’s fun for them. For certain they intentionally speak in nonsense to confuse everyone they can. This silliness causes other Elven races to look down on them, but it must be admitted that they are great fun to be around, even as they mock you. Dwarves may not agree since they get the brunt of the taunts.
Water Elves
Water elves are similar to their wood cousins in that they have established their identities by bonding to an element. They live by bodies of water and live on fish but otherwise have a similar lifestyle as the original elves. Many have developed fins or gills to better make use of their environment. For this reason they are often mistaken for water nymphs, nixes, or mermaids, and also for their blue hued hair.
They are very scarce, second only in rarity to the fire elves. Because of their reclusive natures it is not advised to approach them, as they are quite willing to defend themselves. They have a mean hand with a harpoon. They live to protect their sacred pools which are similar to the trees of the wood elves.
Fire Elves
Fire elves are the rarest type. Again they stem from the original species and have split off by bonding their element. They are characterized by there flame coloured locks and their size. Most are as tall as the average human and more muscular than their brethren. They live in nomadic tribes and are rarely spotted.
Like the wood and water elves, the fire elves carry with them a flame that is never extinguished. They are likewise very protective of this totem. There is usually a following of priestesses devoted to caring for this flame since it requires constant attention.
Air Elves
These winged elves are commonly mistaken for sylphs. Commonly referred to as Aerials, they have changed drastically by developing large white wings like that of a bird. They are small and fine bound to allow for flight. They also sport coloring different from other elves since most are vibrant blond or brunette.
Although considered wild, most can be quite civilized depending on the tribe. There are several different groups in existence. Most live on secluded islands in their own society.
Half Elves
As per their moniker, Half elves are beings with Elfish lineage on one side, and the blood of another race on the other, usually human. The Elves themselves don’t actually refer to these offspring as half elves. In politer circles they are usually as “half-humans” or whatever the other half might be.
A half elf develops characteristics similar to those of both parents, as it usually is with genetics. Often, a certain type of bardic magic will be the result of this pair, but usually only the regular rules of magical lineage apply. They may also sport a unique blend of Elven abilities.
A half elf will usually age at a slightly slower rate than a normal human, or other, child before enexplicably freezing in their mid-twenties to thirties. They will usually live for an unspecified amount of time before rapidly retreating into old age. Usually their lifespan is approximately half that of their full-Elven parent, although there have been a few cases of extreme longevity.
Elven Magic
As the title suggest, Elves have their own type of magic. Largely it involves the manipulation of what already exists. Through the use of energy, largely supplied by a node or other centre of power, they can create phenomenons or objects that defy physics. In this way they can duplicate almost every spell a human mage can produce, as well as create items that are stronger lighter, etc. than is usually possible. This is the reason Elven amour is so prized. They can also imbue objects with certain characteristics, such as an amulet that heals or revitalizes, or a ring that puts the wearer under glamour.
Glamour is the fairy trick of illusion. Although what is real remains that way, glamour changes the environment to suit the castor. The closer the glamour is to reality, the stronger it becomes, and vice versa. Unfortunately, fewer elves are being born with the ability.
Any elf also has a certain amount of control over the elements. Obviously, the four elemental Elven races have a greater amount over there own bases, but it does not follow that light and dark elves also have the ability to control the elements is their titles. It is believed that the extra power and control comes from a deeper bond with the element itself, rather than any particular mastery of it.
All elves also exhibit some psychic ability, most notably the ability to communicate mind to mind with almost any being. This is a possible root of there ability to sense spirits and danger.
