Elf

Distinctive Characteristics

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The most clear trait of all elves, and those with elven blood, are their long, pointed ears. These ears are highly expressive, able to be flattened back or perked forward, or be moved individually.
  The species is mildly sexually dimorphic, with females typically being taller with longer ears than their male counterparts.
  Elves have the same basic body plan as other bipedal races, with two arms and legs, walking in an upright position. The average state of an elf is quite thin, almost delicate in appearance, which lends itself to the superstition that elves are fragile as glass. It takes a great amount of dedicated effort for a pureblood elf to gain significant muscle mass, though half bloods have an easier time.
  Elven body hair only grows in select zones on the torso and head. The thinnest hair is a fine velvety covering that grows over their shoulders and down the spine to the small of their back, like a shawl. The longest hair on the top of the head extends lower than in humans, growing from the brow to nape of the neck and between the shoulder blades as well, and can reach lengths all the way down the back to the knees.
  A rare mutation from generations of interbreeding with other races also allows some elves to grow similar fine hairs on their faces, though never to the degree of a full beard seen in other races. This can appear on either gender.
  All elves possess darker countershade markings across their bodies, the patterns being inherited from the parents to a degree. Spots, stripes, and even swirling or patchy patterns have been seen. They also have silver freckles, though to what extent and visibility is heavily dependent on the elf’s birth variant, simply because silver stands out against dark grays far more than pale golds. Natural eye colors can be many shades of hazel, gold or silver.
 

Light Elves

Born under the light and warmth of the sun, light elves are heavily shaped by the forces of day. Their skin is always a shade of gold, though pale bronze or even faint orange tones have also been witnessed. Their hair is most commonly light, typically blonde or even silver, however black and dark brown has become fairly common. Their hair can be any texture, but always has a glossy, metallic sheen, which can extend to the velvety fur on their body as well.
 

Dark Elves

Born under the gentle light of the moon, dark elves are formed by the night skies. Their skin tones resemble the softer shades of night, either in grays or vivid dark blues and purples. Their skin can be pale, but the pallor comes at the cost of saturated color, giving these pale dark elves a gray complexion. Their hair, like their light brethren, can be any texture with a glossy gleaming quality. It is most commonly dark, either black or browns, but silver and faint highlights of blonde have been seen.
 

Eclipse Elves

The most rare variant of elf, for unfortunate reasons. To be born under an eclipse results in a child who is eternally sickly and malnourished. Their bodies cannot gain enough energy from basking in either sun or moon alone, and none have been known to live long enough to bask beneath a second eclipse. In spite of every attempt made by their parents to sustain them, these children simply fail to thrive, and the threat of their fate makes every elven mother fear the possibility of an eclipse when they are nearing their delivery.
 

Additional Information

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Magical Prowess

Elves are naturally adept wielders of divine magic that pulls energy from the celestial bodies, able to be more delicate and detailed in their uses then many others with greater years of practice.
  Arcane magic, before the knowledge was lost to the world, was difficult for them. Elves are so attuned to the celestial bodies in the skies that they are almost devoid of ability concerning the science and arcane arts. Those arcane casters that did exist only gained their abilities through spending the majority of their lives in study to overcome this block.
 

Perception and Blindness

The variants of elves are opposite in their senses of sight and what their limitations are.
  Light elves have exceptionally keen eyes during the day, able to see over long distances like birds of prey. This incredible sight in the light is paid with their utter blindness in any environment darker than dim light, even worse than humans’ sight in the dark. Their eyes do not adjust to the dark, unless they have the light of the full moon and illuminated star War to illuminate more than just shapes and shadows.
  Dark elves are the opposite, where they have superb vision in even the deepest darkness. They can even differentiate colors in the darkness, without any light to shine upon what they see. However, they are perpetually blinded by the harsh light of the sun, or particularly well lit areas. They can see for a few feet in any direction by squinting or shielding their eyes from the worst of the light, but beyond that, they cannot see beyond the brightness.
 

Dietary Needs and Habits

Elves have an average diet similar to humans and giants, needing a balance of meats, vegetables, fats, and plenty of water.
  However, they also have a need to soak in the energy of their associated celestial bodies regularly to remain healthy. Light elves need to spend time basking in sunlight, and likewise dark elves need the moonlight. A minimum of an hour each day or night is typically sufficient, though some that skip these 'meals' may take longer when they break their fast.
  Because they need to bask without excessive layers of coverings, or spending energy, it is typically not suggested to attempt strenuous activities at the same time.
  Those unable to bask for long periods of time become sickly and lethargic, regardless of how well they are cared for otherwise. Universally, elves are considered to be fragile in body, and though their slight stature is typically made up of wiry, lean muscles, all other races see it as weakness. They are also typically seen as quite beautiful.
  Though exceptions define the rule, elven genetics favor the mother heavily when a child of mixed blood is conceived. Children born to elven mothers will typically inherit the traits of elves more heavily, while those sired by elven men will resemble the mother’s race with only subtle traces of elven heritage, most commonly their delicately pointed ears.