Elves

Along with Humans, Elves are the most populous species on the planet. They are found in almost all the continents, but prefer to live in the mountain peaks. Across the continents, they are known as the artisans of Dankar, as many Elven cultures value objects made by the hand. They are often found doing jobs in art and design, but many also work in engineering and construction, depending on their powers and interests.  

Location

Elves can live anywhere on Dankar, but prefer to live in places of higher altitudes. In the Known World, many Elves live in the high peaks in the northeast of the continent. Many live in Veloras, one of the richer countries in the Known World.   The New World has the largest Elven population in the world. Most Elves live in the Jade Rainforest, especially in Yifrana and Asmara, both in the south. Some Elves live in the Red Desert, and are often confused with the native Alopari. The Desert Elves are the only Elves in the world with tanned or darker skin.   It is currently unknown if there are any Elves living in the Old World because it remains relatively isolated from the other two continents. Not many locals have ever seen an Elf, so it is assumed they don't live there. But based on some descriptions of the Settlers, it is thought that they might be of Elven heritage.  

Anatomy

"I don't know why, but Elves are very sensitive about their ears. So whatever you do, never call them 'knife ears' or anything like that. Or suffer their wrath."

— A traveller talking to their friend

  Elves have a similar body structure to other humanoids, but they tend to be more slender. They are about as tall as the average Human. One noticeable difference is that Elves have pointy ears. Their sensitive ears allow them to hear more sounds than most other species and can tilt towards the sound they are focusing on.   Pointed ears also show what a person is feeling, depending on how they are positioned. When an Elf is angry, their ears tend to lie flat, whereas if they are happier, their ears are more relaxed and open.   Elves have many different hair colours as well, depending on their ethnicity and powers. Those who live in the Jade Rainforest and the Red Desert tend to use the Elements and Flora, so their hair colour is linked with their environment. The Northern Elves of the Known World have an affinity for the other domains. So their hair colours are linked with the domains of Tech (blue), Kinetics (black/brown) or Psyche (purple) instead.    

History

Based on old Elven legends, it is thought that the early Elves came from an forested kingdom in the south. These people called their kingdom Verudaya, which meant "forested land", and called themselves the Daya, meaning "of the forest".   In the past, the Daya could only manipulate the Elements. But when the first Spirit Portals were opened, they were some of the first to gain new abilities and knowledge. This knowledge was known as Necranis, because it came from the Spirits. The Verudaya Kingdom used the magic to advance their society, but it started corroding their environment. In the end, the corrosion spread throughout the land and was making everyone very sick. So the Dragons had to destroy the kingdom and its neighbours to ensure the corrosion did not get out of hand.   The remaining Daya escaped to the north and resided in what is now the Jade Rainforest. There, they rebuilt their culture over the next few centuries, with more emphasis on taking care of the environment and the people. This became the foundation of the modern Elves and the start of their religion, the Guardians of the Realms.