Elf

An elf (plural elves) was a sentient being originally created in part by Sehanine and Avandra. Elves were sometimes considered either the first or the last of the First Races, depending on doctrine and point of view.

They were slender mortals with knife-shaped ears and sharp, distinct features. Elves were notable for several characteristics, including an incredibly efficient digestive system, which prevented all but the most gluttonous to gain excess fat, and a Feywild-influence ability to rest through a trance-like state, bypassing the need for sleep.

Elves did not age as many other creatures did. The deterioration of an elven body and mind did not take place over many decades, as with humans, but rather all at once at the end of an elf's lifespan. This ultimate surrender of one's mortal life was called senescence, and usually happened very close to an elf's 400th birthday.

Elven Ethnic Groups

There were considered five distinct ethnic groups of elves: dark, high, roseblood, sea, and wood.

Dark Elves

Dark elves, often called drow, were elves who rebelled against the influence of Corellon and Sehanine in the Dawn War. With very rare exceptions, they were unrepentantly evil, serving the Prime Evil Lolth instead of their original creators.

High Elves

High elves were characterized by light, almost pale skin, blond or light brown hair, and a strong connection to the Weave. Earned or not, high elves had a reputation for being arrogant and disdainful of non-elven races.

Roseblood Elves

Roseblood elves were originally offshoots of wood elves, but in tune with specific energies emanating from the Feywild. They were notable for their rosy pink skin.

Sea Elves

Originating from the Seven Isles and having a penchant for swimming and maritime prowess, sea elves had skin and hair ranging from dark brown to pale blue or green. Sea elves were capable of withstanding oceanic pressures dangerous to most other mortals, including other elves.

Wood Elves

Wood elves were denizens of the forests of Echelon, making their homes amongst great trees using fiber and stone. Most wood elves considered damaging trees of their native forest a serious crime, and would defend woodlands with fierce prejudice.

Strongwater Elves

Elves who were a part of the great elven nation of Strongwater held a social construct in high regard: the categorization of an elven life into four stages. The first stage was the child stage, and lasted until the elf was considered an adult (usually between 15 and 20, depending on the local culture). The second stage was the maiden or the bachelor stage, and usually lasted the first 50 to 100 years of an elf's life. The third stage was the matron or elder stage. The third was the matriarch or patriarch stage.