Sea Elf

The Sea Elves,, also known as Aquatic Elves are not as frequently encountered as other elf subraces, aquatic elves (also known as sea elves) are actually as common as their landbound brethren. They patrol the deeps of oceans and large inland waters, holding court beneath the waves. Often they are only seen when they frolic with dolphins in kelp beds.   Although their lives seem spent in frivolous activity, these elves play an important role in the underwater ecology: They serve to keep the seas safer for inhabitants. As do the elves of the forests and the mountains, sea elves keep the devastation of such creatures as sahuagin and ixitxachitl to a minimum. The sahuagin are to the aquatic elves what orcs are to land elves; they are a nuisance and a menace, but now a serious threat. Unfortunately, the sahuagin do not see things this way and often plan wars on the sea elves.   Sea elves commonly travel with elven ships, defending those aboard from attacks beneath the waves. Since they are accomplished at scuttling the ships of evil humans and humanoids, sea elves are feared by pirates and those who would prey on elven craft.   Sea elves often consort with dolphins and hippocampi, and the latter are bred as mounts. Dolphins and sea elves are usually on the best of terms and easily befriend one another. They serve each other's needs, giving mutual protection and aid.   Aquatic elf society consists mainly of those sea elves who dwell in a five-mile area. There is a titular king or queen to whom they pay homage, but he has no real power over daily life. Sea elves live as they please, coming together under a ruler only in times of undersea emergency or great trouble for the world in general. The lords and ladies of the ocean cities do little other than escort visitors and conduct the trade that sea elves find so enjoyable. The rest of the population consists of artists, hunters, and farmers, all concerned with making survival possible and life pleasant for the rest of the community.   These elves have cities of living coral, supplemented with glittering crystal domes. Their undersea paradise is marked by sea elf farmers tending schools of fish; it is also marked by the peace one can find beneath the waves. The wash of blue- and green-dappled light has inspired abovesea artists for years—and will no doubt continue for years to come.  

Settlements

Aquatic elven settlements are typically established in tranquil waters conducive to coral reef growth or the flourishing of seaweed forests. Their cities are constructed from living coral, adorned with mother-of-pearl and polished shells. Armed soldiers safeguard settlement perimeters, community hunters, and nearby cultivated kelp farms. Their sustenance derives from this farmed kelp and hunted fish. While most settlements house between 2,000 and 9,000 individuals, communities of significantly larger and smaller sizes also exist.   These communities prioritize self-sufficiency, rarely engaging in trade, and then only for non-essential luxuries. Oral messages are relayed between settlements by traveling heralds.  

Magic

Arcane Magic

The scarcity of arcane magic among aquatic elves is a subject of speculation. Rumors attribute this deficiency to the drow, fueling the aquatic elves' deep-seated resentment toward them.

Aquatic elves exhibit the lowest incidence of arcane magic among the Eldar. Arcane talent manifests in approximately one individual every two or three generations, a frequency comparable to dwarf communities rather than human or other elven populations. Those who do possess magical abilities dedicate their extended lifespans to rigorous study, achieving exceptional skill. In isolated communities, magical instruction is limited to the teachings of older practitioners and scarce written resources.  

Divine Magic

Divine magic, conversely, is significantly more prevalent. Deep Sashelas, is the primary deity of almost all aquatic elves. Corellon Larethien is acknowledged as their progenitor, and the rest of the Seldarine are recognized to a lesser degree. Serving as a priest of Deep Sashelas is considered a high honor within aquatic elven families.   Temples dedicated to Deep Sashelas are often constructed from living coral or natural materials shaped into expansive, seashell-like structures. These temples serve as both spiritual and cultural hubs. A cultural tradition dictates that adult aquatic elves undertake a service for the temple where their adulthood celebration occurred, ranging from artistic contributions to personal labor. This act is a gift from the elf rather than a response to the temple's needs.   Trishina is also venerated by aquatic elves. This shared worship contributes to their amicable relationship with dolphins. Some aquatic elves also worship Istishia.  

Magical Items

Their underwater existence has significantly influenced their crafting techniques. They have developed waterproof magical items and a unique underwater writing system using cured sharkskin or thick seaweed and highly viscous ink. Due to the challenges of underwater forging and rapid corrosion, metal is rarely used, obtained primarily through trade or salvage from shipwrecks. Gold, however, is an exception due to its resistance to corrosion and malleability; beaten gold jewelry is common. Most aquatic elven items are crafted from stone, coral, shells, and animal materials such as bone, narwhal horns, turtle shells, sharkskin, or chitin.   Among their unique creations are tridents of serenity, magical weapons that prevent nearby Sahuagin from entering blood frenzies, used by border patrols. They have also developed specialized longbows with kelp bowstrings that minimize vibrations and turbulence, allowing for effective underwater ranged combat with specially crafted arrows. Chitinous armor is commonly used, though some have developed sharkskin and tooth armor, a practice widely considered repugnant due to their aversion to sharks.