Elf

Elves (Tel-quessir)

Elves, or Tel-quessir in their own tongue, are an ancient, long-lived race renowned for their grace, beauty, and natural affinity for magic. They are one of the most iconic and culturally influential races across the Forgotten Realms, embodying harmony with nature and mastery of the arcane.

Physical Appearance

Elves are slender and athletic, standing between 5'4" and 6' tall, and weighing 130 to 170 pounds. Their features are often described as delicate and otherworldly, with an elegance that many find mesmerizing. Skin tones vary among subraces:

• Wood elves display copper or pale skin tones.
• Wild elves often have darker pigmentation.
• Drow (dark elves) are known for their jet-black or obsidian skin, contrasting with their stark white hair.

Their movements and expressions exude a natural grace that belies their physical resilience.

Culture and Society

Elven culture is steeped in an appreciation of art, music, nature, and magic. Their societies reflect their long lifespans, dedicating themselves to perfecting crafts and living in harmony with their surroundings. Most elves form settlements in forests or magically rich lands, blending seamlessly with the environment.

Elves place a great emphasis on individual freedom and creativity. Their communities often lack rigid hierarchies, preferring consensus and mutual respect. This fluid societal structure contributes to their reputation for being enigmatic and aloof to other races.

Faith and the Seldarine

Elves revere a pantheon of deities collectively known as the Seldarine, led by Corellon Larethian, god of magic, warfare, and artistry. The Seldarine represents the ideals of elvenkind: creativity, freedom, and a connection to the natural world.

Notable deities in the Seldarine include:

• Sehanine Moonbow, goddess of the moon and dreams.
• Rillifane Rallathil, god of nature and forests.
• Labelas Enoreth, god of time and history.

Each elven subrace often holds different deities in higher esteem, reflecting their unique cultural perspectives.

Subraces of Elves

Elves are divided into several subraces, each with distinct traits and traditions:

• High Elves (Eladrin): Masters of magic, often found in highly magical cities.
• Wood Elves: Stealthy, nature-loving inhabitants of forests.
• Wild Elves: Reclusive and primitive, often tied to ancient traditions.
• Drow (Dark Elves): Exiled to the Underdark, often associated with the goddess Lolth and infamous for their treachery and cruelty.
• Aquatic Elves: Living beneath the waves, they thrive in underwater cities and seas.

Each subrace embodies a unique aspect of the elven spirit, from their harmonious connection to nature to their aptitude for arcane arts.

Relations with Other Races

Elves have a long and complex history with other races, ranging from friendship to enmity. They often ally with humans and dwarves but maintain a cautious distance due to their differing values and lifespans. Conflicts with orcs and drow are legendary, as elves frequently defend their homes and ideals against these ancient enemies.

Legends and Influence

Elves have played pivotal roles in the history of the Forgotten Realms. They are credited with the creation of grand kingdoms like Myth Drannor, whose rise and fall remain a cautionary tale of ambition and pride.

Despite their long lives, elves cherish fleeting moments and are known to approach both love and art with passionate intensity. Their legacy is etched across the realms in their art, ruins, and the lingering echoes of their glory.