Elves

Forests and grasslands of the Prime Material Plane. Large numbers of the Eladrin sub-race dwell in the Feywild and most Drow dwell in the Underdark.

A mix of elegance and functionality.

As elves are exceedingly long-lived, the idea of strictly monogamous partnerships are almost unheard of. Marriage is common enough, but monogamy is not considered the norm.

Elves take pride in their technological and engineering skills, both magical and mundane, particularly in the realm of architecture. All subspecies of elves excel in adapting their environments to their living needs. (See specific subspecies for additional information)

They favor elegant clothing in bright colors, and they enjoy simple yet lovely jewelry. Wood elves also prioritize functionality, and leather armor is common for hunters and

Elves can live well over 700 years, giving them a broad perspective on events that might trouble the shorter-lived races more deeply. They are more often amused than excited, and more likely to be curious than greedy. They tend to remain aloof and unfazed by petty happenstance. When pursuing a goal, however, whether adventuring on a mission or learning a new skill or art, elves can be focused and relentless. They are slow to make friends and enemies, and even slower to forget them. They reply to petty insults with disdain and to serious insults with vengeance.   Like the branches of a young tree, elves are flexible in the face of danger. They trust in diplomacy and compromise to resolve differences before they escalate to violence. They have been known to retreat from intrusions into their woodland homes, confident that they can simply wait the invaders out. But when the need arises, elves reveal a stern martial side, demonstrating skill with sword, bow, and strategy.

To speak of the devious drow in polite company is considered a forgivable first-offense for outsiders to elven society. A second warning is typically in the form of a quick removal of the offender from the premises. There are considerably more taboos and social rules among the eladrin than among wood elves, whom are generally more relaxed and genial.

Once, the elves were a single race — today known merely as the True Elves — ruled by the Seldarine. The Seldarine, led by the god Corellon and his wife Araushnee, were peaceful, beautiful, the quintessential artisans, crafters, and magicians, making up a thriving, prosperous civilization that existed on the hazy, ephemeral borders of the Prime Material Plane. As the long centuries passed, hesitant contact was made with the humans of the Prime Material Plane, among others, such as the dwarves, halflings, and dragonborn, who brought trade and additional prosperity to the Sylvan Isles.   But with prosperity came greed. Araushnee, the goddess of destiny and artisans, steadily grew dissatisfied with her position as second to her husband, Corellon, and lusted for power. By conspiring with Gruumsh, god of conquest and destruction, to kill her husband, Araushnee began the War of the Seldarine, forever altering not only her followers, but the Sylvan Isles themselves.   This conflict of gods split the Sylvan Isles into factions that were both physical and mystical in nature. Araushnee dragged the Sylvan Isles on waves of infinite spiders to collide with the Prime Material Plane. And thus Araushnee was no more and the goddess Lolth rose in her stead, leading her followers deep into the earth, carving out dark places for them to thrive — the Underdark.   Physically, the Isles were brought along, but the magical, wild nature of the Isles was left behind, creating it’s own land, now known today as the “Feywild.” The elves left behind are the closest of all races of elves to the “True Elves” and take pride in this, calling themselves the Eladrin, Descendants of the Seldarine.

Although they can be haughty, elves are generally gracious even to those who fall short of their high expectations—which is most non-elves. Still, they can find good in just about anyone.