Elves/Ellynyn

Elves are bipedal Sapients of generally slender physiques and light bone structures. They have a skeletal structure similar to that of Humans, though the bones are usually lighter and the features more angular. Elves are often described as having the bodies of dancers or gymnasts, and some of them can appear androgynous in their form. Their bodies are generally lean, with a toned, elegant musculature and a high level of flexibility, making them naturally slender and athletic.   Elven skin is smooth and hairless, save for eyebrows, eyelashes and scalp hair, and they can have a range of skin, hair and eye colours that vary depending on their heritage. When they come of age, Elves gain a coloured shimmer across the highlight areas of their bodies, such as the cheekbones, forehead, collarbones and hipbones. Until these colours come in, they do not have any form of markings or discolourations upon their bodies unless they have been artificially added, such as tattoos. The exception to this are Serenellynhil (Star Elves), who are known to have freckles.

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Elves are divided into a variety of sub-species and types based on inherent magical, physical, and aesthetic traits. Elves of all kinds are capable of reproducing with each other, though some sub-species or types or more likely show an insular reproductive nature due to their habitat or social inclinations.  

High Elves

High Elves, also known as the Firainellynyn or Firainellynhil, are well known for their affinity for the Arcane, and are considered closest to the Elves Dhaoinesìth kin because of this inherently magical nature.

• Sun Elves
• Moon Elves
• Star Elves

 

Sylvan Elves

Sylvan Elves, called Sylvanellynyn or Sylvanellynhil, are more closely attuned to the natural world, and have a greater connection toward Sylvan (Nature) magic.

• Wild Elves
• Wood Elves
• Stone Elves
• Snow Elves
• Air/Winged Elves

 

Aquatic Elves

The least magical of Elvenkind, Aquatic Elves are known as the Dyfrolellynyn or Dyfrolellynhil, and are known to be the biggest and heaviest of Elves in terms of mass.

• Sea Elves
• Deep Elves

 

Shadow Elves

Shadow Elves, otherwise known as Cysgodellynyn or Cysgodellynhil, are natives of Tìr nan Dubhar, caught in a state between life and death in service to the Raven Queen. They are rarely seen in the Material Plane as many of them find it uncomfortable.  

Drow/Lost Elves

Lost Elves, also known as Chollellynyn, Chollelynhil, Dark Elves, or most commonly, Drow, are descendants of Elves banished to the Chthonic Below when they betrayed Gwynrhi during the Schism of the Tylwyth of Caradog. They were changed by the energies of the Chthonic Below, and are generally recognised as the smallest of Elves.  

Astral Elves

Rare enough that some believe them to be a myth, the Astral Elves are also known as Anorffynellynyn, Anorffynellynhil, or simply "The Anorffyn", and are said to have been permanently changed by exposure to the Astral Plane.  

Feyborn Elves

The Feyborn, also known as Tylwythellynyn, Tylwythellynhil, or the Kindred Elves, are descendants of Elves who migrated to the Fey Realms prior to the Fey Retreat. They retain the majority of the physical traits of their Mortal Kin, but are tied by the Fey inability to lie.

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Elves are fertile once their "colours" (the shimmering highlights that appear on their bodies) have fully manifested, however they are considered of low fertility compared to other species. This is because child-bearing Elves only ovulate once every 210 days, while non-child-bearing Elves only have a 20% viable sperm count. Because Elves are long-lived, this is generally not an issue for them and most Elves are in no hurry to reproduce.   Elves choosing to reproduce will usually copulate in private, but the due to their low fertility it can take years for a child-bearing Elf to become pregnant. Gestation takes 270 days on average, and a single child is usually born. Twins amongst Elves are incredibly rare, and are often considered a blessing. Most Elven families only have one or two children over the course of their lifetimes, often with the span of decades, or even centuries, between them.   Elves are capable of reproducing up until death, though carrying a pregnancy to term becomes more difficult once over the age of 675.

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Elves grow and mature at a relatively fast rate considering their long life spans, reaching maturity between 18-20 years of age. Once they reach their early twenties, Elves age very little for the rest of their lives, with the only sign of an older Elf usually being a lightening or silvering of the hair when they reach 650 years. However, Elves remain infertile until they reach 98-102 years of age, celebrating their Coming of Age on their 100th birthday. It is around the time they become fertile that their shimmering highlights develop across their bodies. Until this point, Elves between the ages of 20-99 are considered Youths or Young Elves, only truly becoming and Adult when they reach 100 years.

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Elves prefer a more natural habitat, and even their cities are built to mimic, reflect and integrate with the natural world, blending in to the landscape as much as possible. They often build settlements into natural hollows or construct elaborate treeline structures that are perfectly hidden from prying eyes below. While Elves are not known for their stonework, they have been known to build parts of their settlements into natural caverns where necessary. Elven cities pride themselves on maintaining open spaces, and all cities feature many parks and natural formations.   Where an Elven settlement cannot fully blend with the nature around it, the more visible parts are constructed with exquisite beauty and grace, full of smooth, flowing lines inspired by the natural world. Spirals, whiplash lines, natural motifs and asymmetry feature heavily in Elven architecture.

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Elves are omnivorous, but are unable to consume any form of uncooked meat, which their bodies automatically reject. Many Elves show a preference for vegetarianism while amongst other species, generally as a means to avoiding embarrassing situations should meat not be cooked to their liking, though some Elves also consider vegetarianism to be "less impactful" on the natural order.   Elves have a highly developed sense of taste and smell and can easily become repulsed by overpowering odours and tastes, so most prefer to consume delicately flavoured foods. Elves can often smell rot or mold on food, finding it repugnant, and will actively avoid eating foods with even the faintest hint of decay unless there is no other choice.

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Elves tend to have smooth, angular features with high cheekbones and elegant jawlines. They are in possession of bright eyes and long, pointed ears. Elves cannot grow facial hair other than brows and eyelashes, but their scalp hair is often described as soft and luxurious. It is rare for Elves to go naturally bald.

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Elves possess highly developed, Keen senses which are considered some of the most sensitive amongst all Sapients, including their sense of touch. So sensitive are their senses, that it is possible for Elves to experience "Sensory Overload" in instances where they are unconscious for long periods of time, or are otherwise confined within a sensory deprivative environment. All Elves have some form of Darkvision and are resistant to charm effects. Additionally, Elves are capable of moving near-silently, and often artificially emphasise their footfalls around non-Elves in order to avoid making them uncomfortable.   All sub-species of Elves are capable of some form of magic, however the type of magic, as well as the ways that it can be used, can vary within sub-species. As an example, the High Elvish sub-species are well known for their natural affinity with Arcane Weave, while the Sylvan Elvish are more closely attuned to Sylvan Weave.   Elves do not sleep, finding the concept foreign and unsettling. Instead, they enter a semi-conscious meditative state known as the Reverie, and instead perform mental exercises that catalogue and sort through memories and experiences. This state, generally referred to as a Trance, allows Elves to replay aspects of their lives and, on occasion, recall information they had previously dismissed. This ability also renders Elves immune to magical sleep abilities, such as spells.

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Names are considered a gift amongst Elves, with the choice of a name said to be a reflection of the Soul of the Elf themselves. Elves are given a "child name" when they are born, and an "adult name" when they reach 100 years of age, which they are either gifted or choose themselves. Many Elven names are neutral names used by all genders, so it is common to meet Elves of different genders bearing the same name. However, some names are more often associated with the masculine or feminine, and incorrectly gendering these names can awkward interactions, such as the use of the term "princess" in a name for an Elf who identifies as male.   Elves use the surname of their parent, guardian or warden as appropriate. Elves without parents or guardians, or those who have abandoned or been disowned by their families, are known by the surname "Dygariad", which means "unloved" or "devoid of kin". People using this surname are often looked upon with pity, though it is not considered taboo to have this name.   Names are usually presented in official documentation as Adult Name - Child Name - Surname, though Elves are allowed to choose which of their names they wish to be called.   Elven names can be incredibly complex, especially if they are stringing together multiple thoughts and concepts. For this reason, most Elven names have a traditional Elven variant, which uses the Elven language, spelling and pronunciations, and a Common variant, which offers an alternative spelling and/or pronunciation for non-native speakers. Surnames are often translated into a Common-form "Enwhawdd" (pro: EN-oo-howth), or "easy name". While it is a preference as to which variant of the name an Elf chooses to use, Elves will tend to use their Elven variant names amongst other Elves and switch to a Common variant amongst non-Elves. Mixed heritage children and non-Elves married into Elven families will tend to use the Common variant in general company, though official documentation will normally utilise the Elven variant. Some Elves choose to use a Common variant of their name while travelling or breaking out on their own, so that they will not be linked to high ranking or famous individuals bearing their surname and ensuring that they can forge their own path in life. Alternatively, some will choose to use the Common variant of their name because they have not been officially acknowledged by their parents or guardian in some way.   Nicknames amongst Elves are common, but it is never wise to give an Elf a nickname without permission, unless they introduce themselves by one. Because names as a whole hold meaning and value to Elves, they prefer to only receive nicknames from those that they are close to, and will only accept terms of endearment from loved ones. Often, these nicknames hold special meaning or significance to an Elf, and it is considered a great offense to insult or belittle a nickname.

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The language of the Elves is called "Ellyniaith" in their tongue, but is often simply referred to as "Elvish" in the Common Tongue. While there are some regional dialects of Ellyniaith, all of these dialects are easily understood by anyone who knows the "base" language. The Elven alphabet/script, typically known in Ellyniaith as "wyddor" (pro: WUH-thor) or "abiéc" (pro: AH-beek) when describing decorative script, is smooth and flowing with beautiful loops and serifs.   The precursor to modern Elvish, Cymraeg, is still spoken amongst the Elven Gods and those who serve them in the major temples. It bears a great similarity to modern Elvish, but is not completely interchangeable.   Shadow Elvish (Cysgodellyniaith) is a variant of the Elvish language that splintered off from Cymraeg when Elves migrated to the Shadowlands. It is almost exclusively spoken by the Elves of the Shadowlands and the deities of the Cearcall Sgàile, who adopted the language alongside their native Sylvan.

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Religion

The majority of Elves follow one or more of the Gods of the Elven or Sylvan Pantheons, though the A'arden Pantheon is also frequently shown reverence. In Cnuic Ghlainne, the homeland of the Elves, the Elven Pantheon is shown most prominence. Shadow Elves almost exclusively worship the Cearcall Sgàile of the Shadowlands.  

Coming of Age

Elves traditionally hold a "Coming of Age" ceremony for their children or wards when they reach one hundred years of age. This is in part in recognition that the Elf is now considered an Adult due to being fertile, but is also something of a holdover from when the Elves were the Cymry, who came into and stabilised their abilities around the age of 100 years. Coming of Age ceremonies usually involve some form of acknowledgement ceremony where they will receive some kind of Coming of Age gift (usually in the form of a piece of jewellery), which is attended by the Elf's closest family and friends. The young Elf will then choose or have an "adult name" bestowed upon them, depending on the culture, with their new name being affirmed by an Elder or someone else in authority. This ceremony is then followed by a feast or party.

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Missing the Coming of Age

Elves consider the intentional missing of a Coming of Age a Sin of the Soul. If an older Elf knows when a younger Elf's Coming of Age is due, it is considered their duty to celebrate or recognise it, and purposefully missing one is believe to be a slight to the Elven Gods themselves. It is also thought to be a true tragedy should an Elf ever miss it due to forgetting their hemisphere, date and time of birth, as these facts are said to be "hewn among the stars".  

Refusing an Adult Name

Refusing to take an "adult name" is not necessarily taboo, but is considered an acknowledgement of fault, failure or immaturity. Elves that do not take an "adult name" at their Coming of Age, or who choose one late, are often thought to be "damaged" in some way, and some Elven families have been known to disown children that refuse to take a name for too long.

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In ancient aeons past, Elves were once an offshoot of the Sluagh Àrsaidh (Ancient Sìthe), a type of Sluagh known as the Cymry, the “Changeable Ones” (Rhai Cyfnewidiol), and those that became the Gods of the Elves were powerful Archfey of the Cymry with strong ties to the Seelie Court. These Cymry and Cymry Archfey hailed from a realm known as Cymru, which was a peaceful place, bright and vibrant, with a love of art, music and dance. It was also a place of great Arcane and Sylvan (Natural) power, with a direct connection to Arboria itself, known as Bwa’r-Enfys, the Rainbow Arch.   While still Fey, and therefore under the guidance of the Goddess-Queen Titania, the Cymry had their own language and culture, and were known as the most versatile and changeable of the Fey. The Archfey of the Cymry had no fixed form, but adapted themselves to whatever their needs required at the time, while the Cymry leaned heavily into their Seasonal natures, switching between seasons and forms on a whim and being mostly androgynous in nature, though many had a preferred "gender-form" to take. Many of the Cymry Archfey chose to move around in an energy form, adapting a physical form only when interacting with other Fey beings. The Cymry were competent users of magic, of both Nature and Arcane origin.   The leader of the Cymry was Caradog ap Cymru, assisted by their offspring, the twins Gwynrhi and Thywyll. Caradog most often took the form of a handsome Fey male, inspired by Oberon, the Green King, whom they admired greatly. Caradog was a much beloved leader, highly respected by both the Sylvan Pantheon and the Tuatha de Danann, and known for their benevolent and wise rule. They were also on good terms with the Cearcall Sgàile, most likely due to Cymru’s closeness to the Planes of Empyrean through Arboria. But peace was not to last, as shortly after the Antimagic Curtain of A'arde was removed, a path was torn between the Planes of Navia and the Realm of Cymru by desperate Titans seeking chaos in their death-throes.   Like many beings before them, Fiends seeking the Cymry’s powerful transmutation abilities attacked Cymru, and as ever, the staunch Archfey-King Caradog led his people in the defence of their homeland. However, the Cymry did not anticipate the lengths that the Fiends would go to, nor their lack of understanding of the power they sought. The Fiends destroyed Enaid Cymru, the Soul of Cymru, and the magic of the realm began to fluctuate, creating devastating magical effects that killed both Cymry and Fiend alike. When the magic of Cymru destabilised in Dyffryn y Blodau (the Vale of Flowers), killing Caradog and threatening the continued existence of the Cymry themselves, Caradog’s son, Gwynrhi, begged the Goddess-Queen Titania for help.   Unable to send her own forces to help rescue the Cymry, Titania responded by lifting Gwynrhi and his fellow Archfey to Godhood, thus making them capable of repelling the forces of the Navian Planes. However, it was not enough to save the magic of Cymru, which continued to fluctuate, loosening the Cymry's grip on their own existence. Titania gave Gwynrhi a lifeline, telling him of a place she had a claim over, but had no need to use, in the Material Plane of A’arde, Cnuic Ghlainne. It was a highly magical place, influenced by both Arcane and Nature magics, and though it was not strong enough to stabilise the rapidly deteriorating mutable forms of Gwynrhi’s people, it might prove to have some use. Gwynrhi accepted the lifeline and transported his people to the Material Plane of A’arde. Once there, he took advantage of the new, stable magic; building the Cymry new, static forms of earth and arcana in order to preserve their lives.   Once Gwynrhi was done with his work, the A’arden God, Haul, was impressed with the beauty of the new race, describing them as “Ellyr Ahnyn”, “Beautiful Spirits”. This held some similarities to the name of a type of Cymru Spirit, the Ellyll, and from that first description, the word “Ellynyn” was born. The Cymry Sluagh therefore became the first Ellynyn (Elves), known in history as the “Cymryellynhil”, the “Elves of Cymru”, or the Plant-Cymru, the “Children of Cymru”.

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Gwynrhi Chrewyrellynhil ap Caradog

Once an Archfey of the Cymry, and the leader of the Cymry after the death of his father, Gwynrhi ap Caradog (alongside his fellow Archfey) was lifted to Godhood by the Fey Goddess Titania in an attempt to save his people from destruction. When he could not save his homeland, he instead teleported the surviving Cymry to Cnuic Ghlainne in the A'arden Material Plane, where he crafted new, Mortal vessels for his people with the assistance of the other Gods. This effectively saved the Souls of the Cymry from annihilation and saw Gwynrhi earn the epithet "Chrewyrellynhil", the Creator of the Ellynyn.

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The Hunt of Deadhallows

It has been 10,000 years since the Wild Hunt rode freely upon the world of A’arde. Tragedy led to the Fey Retreat, and the Hunt all but vanished into myth. As the Age of Chaos reigned, Spirits of all kinds found it easy to shed their shackles and roam freely, bringing yet more troubles to the already struggling world. Arawn Farchognos, the Elven God of the Dead and the Hunt, hated that he could no longer pursue the wayward spirits as he once had, and was not permitted to petition for a Hunt himself. Instead, he sent his Chosen to do his bidding, imbuing them with all the power that he could. But it remained inadequate. Until one of Arawn’s Chosen, a Wild Elf by the name of Nosddu (pro: NOS-theh), decided to petition the Gods for a Hunt himself. He used all his skills to find his way to the home of the Hunt, and bargained for Arawn’s bindings to be released, offering his own soul as collateral. Arawn attempted to dissuade them, for he valued the life of his Chosen, but the other Hunters saw sense in Nosddu’s request. The Spirits were running rampant; a Hunt was needed. So the Hunters made Nosddu the first of the Shade Host, and allowed Arawn to ride on but a single night; Deadhallows, when his power was strongest. And so began the ride of the Shade Host, the last remnant of the Wild Hunt, and the one thing keeping spirits in check.  

Riverthorn

A mythical longbow supposedly crafted by Berwyn Gwylltionwyrdd, the Elven God of Mountains, Rivers and Wilderness, as a gift for his lover, Aerona Ergydwir. Riverthorn was one of Aerona’s favourite bows, and she was heartbroken when it was stolen from her by Cyfrinach Calonwyllt, the Goddess of Rebellion, Betrayal and Wild Magic. Cyfrinach attempted to corrupt Riverthorn to her preferences, but a sentience within the bow awoke and rejected the Wildheart Lady, teleporting itself away to safety. However, the now-sentient bow did not know where on A’arde it was, nor how to get back to its beloved “parents”, and its magical power was all but spent. So, Riverthorn prayed for help, hoping that Aerona or Berwyn would hear its call. And hear they did, but they did not recognise the Soul that was calling them. They asked for Arawn’s help in identifying the Soul, but he did not know it either, and so the three went on a Hunt to find this mysterious call. When they finally found Riverthorn, Aerona and the bow were both delighted, and Berwyn was pleased with Riverthorn’s loyalty. He crafted the bow a new, Elven body, and Riverthorn became Anhun Riverthorn, Aerona’s closest Knight and most powerful weapon.

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Elves are commonly seen as arrogant and haughty, and are often judged as aloof, cold and distant from other Species when they are met for the first time. This is likely due to their long-lived natures, which can see them outlive many generations of the shorter-lived Species. However, Elves that follow the Cylch Cannaid do not hold any particular animosity toward other Species, and are easily able to make friends amongst them. Elven craftsmen are held in high regard, and some of the most valuable wines in the world are crafted by Elven hands. However, older Elves may on occasion see the shorter-lived Species as impulsive, obnoxious and greedy, and can sometimes come across as elitist in diplomatic situations, particularly if from city-based cultures.   The Cylch Tywyll, however, view other Species as "lesser" creatures that need to be dominated, and followers of the dark Elven deities are often maliciously cruel to non-Elves. In particular, they view Species of "monstrous descent" as little more than animals and actively hate dragons, whom they perceive as a threat to their status as higher beings.