Elf

It is believed that Alanna created the elves. They share a general appearance with humans, exceptions noted below in individual elf varieties. When compared with humans, elves have larger and more almond shaped eyes (even when accounting for those of Moridian heritage), smaller bodies, and pointed ears. Their facial features tend towards the pointed, as well.

Like the goddess attributed with our creation, elves revere life and respect the order of things dictated by nature. In the eyes of many humans, their reluctance to interfere with this "natural order" makes them callous to the plight of the shorter-lived races.

Nearly all elvish folk have an affinity for craftsmanship and music, their 400 to 600 year life-spans gives them much time in which to perfect their trade.

The majority of elves reside on the continent of Silice, which is home to four distinct elvish linages. The physical appearance of an individual can often be used to determine their ethnicity.

Ra'drani

When the humans on Silice think of 'elves', the eastern Ra'drani are what come to mind. Few of their cities maintain a semblance of their former glory, and the majority of their cities are a mash of human and elvish architecture.

The Ra'drani have oak or birch-wood colored hair and earth-toned eyes. They stand just shorter than the average human, with a lither frame.

Naridian

Known for their city of Elfholm, the more northern folk of Naridia occupy the second largest elven territory on Silice. The capital of Narice La'rah lies nestled in the forests on the Isle in the center of the Mirrored Sea. Only blooded kindred are allowed free passage throughout he wall; outsiders are typically intercepted near the coast. The Isle of La'Rah is the only sovereign area in their former territory.

The elves of Naridia are possessed of a pale hue: having milky skin; hair of white, bright gold, or silver-blue; and irises tinted only lightly with grays, blues, golds, and, occasionally, soft islets. They favor the longsword and the bow in combat, and have a hereditary claim to the ornately stretched plate mail they typically ware.

Alaranni

The elves of Alaranna have been charged with the protection of Alanna's Temple and the surrounding territory that stretches to the Mirrored Sea. While often refusing alliances, the Alaranni engage in trade with the surrounding human governments. They have no sovereign territory, but refuse to integrate with the human-run governments.

The white marble columns and open, domed ceilings typify the architectural style common in their cities.

Physically, they tend to be just slighter smaller than their eastern brethren. The Alaranni have jet-black hair and vibrantly hued green eyes, with a rarer ocean tone also possible.

Wilden

Also known as the western elves, the Wilden have spawned two separate civilizations divided by a straight. Both share a common culture, appearance, and attitude towards outsiders, but distance has altered their laws and customs over time.

Unlike their more amicable cousins, Wilden elves have a long-standing tradition of shooting trespassers; as such, their lands are not shared with other mortal races. Few reports exist as to the nature of their civilizations, and trade is rare between these and the other elvish realms. It is uncertain how many artifacts can be traced to their manufacture.

As the Naridia are as wisps of light in the wind, the Wilden are as the roots of the trees. Scouts and hunting parties appear both thinner and shorter than your average human. Their skin runs in tones between a light clay and a deeper earth, but typically scores a few shades lighter than their thick, course hair. Their tresses, which they frequently wear braided with branches, carry the hue of the trees around them (rich and faded browns, bright reds, and occasionally muddied greens).

They dress in the colors of the forest: dark leathers, deep green silks, and mottled bark-armor. Discarded animal remains such as antlers and skulls are often worked into their headpieces. Their bows are of remarkable craftsmanship even amongst the elves.

The southern tribe of western elves prefers a long blade with a sharpened flat tip that extends down the length of the blade to a curve just above the tang. The norther group's blades end in a point.