Elves

The elves of Valthor embody a harmonious balance between their long lives, profound traditions, and connection to the Essence. Their society is one of grace, resilience, and respect for the natural and spiritual world, making them both admired and enigmatic among the other races of Valthor.  

Biological Features

 

Lifespan and Aging

Elves are a long-lived race, with lifespans stretching from centuries to millennia. They age at a human-like pace until their late teens or early twenties, after which their aging slows dramatically, allowing them to retain their youthful vitality for the majority of their lives. Their longevity, however, comes at a cost—most elves have limited innate magical abilities as their Essence prioritises sustaining life and resilience over magical potential.  

Physical Traits

Elves are diverse in build, reflecting their varied lifestyles and roles in society. Their superior senses—sharp hearing, keen sight, and acute smell—make them highly aware of their surroundings. They exhibit unmatched balance and grace, excelling in activities that require precision and speed. Their natural resistance to illness and faster healing capabilities further set them apart.  

Magic and Essence

While most elves have limited access to magic, a rare recessive genetic trait among noble families allows some to wield great magical power without depleting their Essence. These individuals, often from Great Houses, are capable of extraordinary feats. For others, the overuse of magic risks Essence burnout, leading to exhaustion or even death.   Among certain families, such as the Variels, blessings from dragons enhance their abilities. These dragonkeeper blessings include resistance to fire, empathic bonding with dragons, and greater physical resilience. Red hair is a notable, though not universal, marker of these dragonkeeper families.  

Reproductive Features

Elves have low fertility rates, with most families having one or two children in their lifetime. Gestation lasts 2–3 years, reflecting the rarity and preciousness of new elven life. They believe fertility aligns with the balance of their community, with conception occurring only when it serves the greater harmony of Essence.  

Cultural Features

 

Hair Traditions

Hair is sacred to elves, representing heritage, status, and spiritual well-being. Only family members or close loved ones may touch an elf’s hair, and forcibly cutting it is a grave insult akin to torture.

• Long Hair: Symbolises wisdom and pride in one’s lineage.

• Short Hair: Represents disgrace or mourning, often self-imposed during times of loss.

• Braids: Used to signify personal achievements, relationships, and societal roles.

• Kinship Braids: Families braid strands of their hair into one another’s, symbolising unity and shared Essence.

• Dragon Braids: Worn by dragon riders to represent their bond with dragons.

• Mourning Braids: Complex patterns used during times of grief and remembrance.

 

Social Hierarchy

Elven society is structured with nobility holding exclusive power and influence. Noble families, such as the Great Houses of Odraria, Regalis, and Arkiri, are tasked with preserving traditions, leading their people, and wielding the rare magical abilities passed through their bloodlines.   Common elves, who form the majority, are respected for their contributions to society in fields like artistry, scholarship, and diplomacy. Dragonkeeping is considered a sacred duty, primarily carried out by families like the Variels, who serve as protectors and companions to dragons.  

Customs and Etiquette

Elves value precision, grace, and respect in all interactions. Formal greetings often involve a bow paired with a hand over the heart, symbolising trust. Nobles may add blessings such as “Essence guide you.” Proper titles and honourifics are vital, with incorrect usage considered a serious insult.   Hospitality is central to their culture. Guests are treated with great care, often receiving gifts and elaborate meals as symbols of goodwill.  

Traditions and Rituals

• Coming of Age: Marked by a family-braiding ceremony and the gifting of a crafted token symbolising adulthood.

• Seasonal Festivals: Celebrations honouring nature’s cycles, featuring storytelling, music, and spiritual rituals.

Funerary Rites: Elves see death as a return to Essence. During funerals, the deceased’s hair is unbraided and washed, symbolising release and renewal.   Artistry and Craftsmanship Elves are renowned for their artistic mastery, excelling in music, architecture, and craftsmanship. Their creations often incorporate subtle magical enhancements, such as glowing gemstones or self-repairing fabrics, blending beauty and utility.