The Elves of Delenor

Culture

Elven culture is built upon a royal monarchy that can be traced back to the early First Era--The Lighthearts. There is perhaps no more well-respected family in Genesia, and they hold significantly sway over realm politics at large, despite a few instances of heresy within the family at various points of history.

 

Their society is mostly divided into noble 'houses', all of which have various political influence dependant on a variety of factors. One of the most well-known and respected houses, 'The Demonhearts', can be traced almost as far back as the Lighthearts, and their ancestors were said to have 'the strength of demons', giving them their name.

 

There are no finer wizards, sorcerors, arcanists and general casters in all the world, and High Elves are known to have the most impressive educational system in the realm, with people from noble houses of other cultures frequently being sent to Delenor for schooling.

 

Although noble and regal, present day Elves very rarely hold prejudice against other races--Only a few noble houses that follow 'the old ways' may still hold such views.

Subspecies

High Elves

By far the most prevalent type of Elfkin, the High Elves inhabit the vast majority of Delenor's territory--Though there is some dispute over whether they are in fact the 'oldest' type of Elf. They are very gifted in the Arcane arts, and most of the realms most renowned scholars and archaeologists belong to this race. Generally highly intelligent, they make great researchers, and are responsible for the majority of new magical developments.

Night Elves

The Night Elves are a deep purple-skinned species of Elf that inhabit the largest forest in the realm--both in width and height--Creation's Garden. Some of these trees reach as high as the clouds themselves. They have a deep connection with nature and the earth, with great cities built into the massive trees. These are the Elves with the most physical prowess of all the Elven subspecies, and their height averages at 6'8 to 7'2, towering over most races other than Giantkin and Half-Giants. They are a fearsome bunch that are not to be trifled with, and their society is a more brutal, martial-like structure.

Wood Elves

The Wood Elves share The Garden of Creation with the Night Elves. These Elves are the polar opposite of the Night Elves--They're the shortest and lithest of the Elven species, but they're also incredibly dextrous and gifted at climbing. It is said they have an ancient art of bodypainting that allows them to blend into any environment. Their cities hang high in the trees, buildings connected by rope bridges. Some of the most renowned archers, and also thieves, come from this race.

Highland Elves

The Highland Elves are closely related to the High Elves. These Elves live mostly in the grassy plains and plateaus of northern Delenor. They're lithe, but tall, and are known to be very gifted with all forms of plant life--able to nurture and grow even the most difficult of plants and crops. They make excellent alchemists and herbalists, and are a generally peaceful people.

Drow

The Drow are a reclusive, secretive bunch of Elves that live within a great network of underground caves and caverns located beneath Creation's Garden. They are extremely weary of outsiders and considered the most aggressive of Elven races, but they are not outright warlike. Their hierarchy consists of noble houses--whichever house currently has the most influence is the one in charge, with no single governing leader. Drow society is the one place where practicing darker magics is not frowned upon. They are naturally gifted with Shadow and Dark magics.