Heredity

The origins of elves are unclear, with most having forgotten them long ago. Various ideas still persist, and some people even believe elves originated from a different plane of existence, but no theory has actual proof. What is known, though, is that elves currently come from other elves, as one would expect, and they come in four specific types: the bluish-toned moon elves; the coppery-skinned wood elves; the darker complexioned wild elves, and the bronze-colored sun elves. The specific sub-race a newborn falls into is often, but not necessarily, dependent on the parents; elves are born of the sub-race that closest matches their personalities, which usually is akin to at least one parent but need not be. Elven personalities, it should be noted, rarely—-indeed virtually never—-change drastically due to the tenacity inherent in having such a long lifespan, so it is undocumented as to whether drastic personality shifts could alter a race; theorists say no.

Commonalities

As their heredity suggests, elven sub-races share a lot in common, but a few traits are common across the entire race: ability to see in low light conditions; resistance to sleep and charm effects; lifespans that approach one thousand years; sharpened senses; skill with the longsword and rapier as well as bows, and a natural propensity for the arcane. Most elves, it could be argued, also harbor attitudes of superiority for their own sub-race and disdain for other races, though this isn't quite universal.

Within the sub-races themselves, moon elves seem to be the most tolerant of others and the most adaptable; they prefer civilized areas, but small towns or large cities are both home to their kind. They are also the most plentiful of the sub-races. Sun elves, conversely, tend to dwell only in the must developed and luxurious of cities, and they also have a great fondness for art, music, and wine. Wood elves tend to dwell on the outskirts of civilization, preferring more rural communities, and have a fondness for the wilderness. Wild elves, as their name implies, are mostly feral and usually avoid settlements altogether; they dedicate their time to the care and understanding of the wilds.

In Society

Elves leave their homeland of Gallalica very rarely. When they are found in other cultures, it is usually in the most beautiful and developed parts of those societies, though the wild and wood elves have been known to visit more primitive regions. Many elves can get jobs as artists or magicians in cities or as guides or hunters in the wilds, and they almost always earn a high price for their wares or services. However, their demand for respect and disdain for other races causes most people to have an equal amount of disdain for elves, at least among the commoners. Wealthy and noble individuals often try to strike good relations with traveling sun elves, and occasionally moon elves, due to the prestige it brings; if an individual's hospitality is good enough for an elf, then that person must have a true appreciation of the elegant and beautiful. Regardless of a person's wealth or noble status, though, few will dispute that elves are rare and magical beings deserving of one's curiosity if not respect.

Player Expectations

Elves typically provoke one of two reactions from even their own race: wonder or contempt. Other sub-races of elves will likely look down upon if not outright disrespect your character, and several non-elves will as well. In the more rural areas, people will be more awed by elves, but in the larger cities, that awe tends to be overridden by previous experiences with elven superiority. Many will expect your character to only want the best of things: the finest wines, the nicest lodgings, the prettiest artworks. Many will also expect your character's work to be equally eminent. Overcoming such expectations will require disproving the stereotypes born of so many elven tales and songs.