Physical Pursuits (EoA)

Any discussion on Athasian elves must start with the obviousthe things we can see, hear, and feel. There is no mistaking an elf for a human or a mul, for example, because we can see that the elf stands taller and is leaner in form. We can touch the thick, callused skin of a dwarf and note how much more rugged it is as compared to the smoother, sleeker elven flesh. This is not to say that elves display no evidence of wilderness lifejust that elves weather it differently than other races.
The desert runners tower over halflings as the Dragon towers over all. From a purely visual perspective, the only thing these two races share is a tendency to be in top physical condition. Of the most common races, only half-giants and thri-kreens grow larger than Athasian elves, though neither has an elfs grace or pleasing form.
All of this falls under the heading of physical nature. There are certain physical traits, attributes, and bodily functions that all the elves of Athas share. From appear- ance and stature to natural physiological abilities and the effects of aging, elves are very different from the other races of Athas. This suits them just fine, for the elves con- sider themselves as beings above and apart from all others.
== Elves Under a Dark Sun ==
The crimson sun blazes in the sky, casting light and broil- ing heat upon sorcerer-king and slave alike. On the arid, barren plains of the Tablelands, where the last remnants of civilization huddle around pools of brackish water and clumps of withered vegetation, the elves of Athas run free.
To an elf of the Tablelands, the hot wind offers a promise of adventure, and the burning sun provides a challenge to be met head on. Only the best survive the fires of Athass wilderness, for they are made strong like a bowl in a craftsmans kiln. While any elf is quick to admit that others come through the challenges of sand and sun intact, few races do it as well or with as much fer- vor as those of elven stock.
Thousands of elf tribes wander the dunes and steppes of the Tyr region. They compete with each other and with the other races, battling for the food and water that will keep them strong. Moreover, the elves recognize no boundaries beyond the limits of the walls of the city- states (and even these they pay only surface homage to). As such, every mile of stony barrens, scrub plains, and salt flats is their territory; every caravan and solitary trav- eler fair game. Most tribes stake out a particular area for a time, wandering a specific path for months or even years. Then, when the mood strikes them, they abandon the ter- ritory for whatever lies over the heat-soaked horizon.
Athasian elves are forged in the endless desert burned dark by the sun, toughened by the swirling sand, and given strength and speed by the constant wind. Legends proclaim this and songs make it fact, for an elven adage states, If we sing of it, it must be so. Elves are tall, usually standing between 6½ and 7½ feet. As with all races, there are a few exceptions to these generali- ties, but most elves fall within these parameters. They are thin for their height, lean, and always appear in peak physical condition.
An elfs limbs are slender and longer than his body size would indicate. His legs seem to stretch forever, and it is easy to see why he is a born runner. Though lean, his limbs are not as fragile and weak as they might appear. Long, slender muscles ripple inconspicuously beneath robust, weathered flesh, giving the elf strength to flourish under the dark sun.
Unlike the elves of other campaign worlds, Athasian elves are not pale-skinned, delicate beings. Athasian elves pigmentation is as varied as the flesh of other races and as affected by the rays of the sun. They grow no facial hair, but the locks atop their heads come in all colors from sun-bleached blond to red to brown to darkest black. Finally, there are no subraces of Athasian elves.
They are not divided into High or Grey or Drow. There are only elves, and the only allegiance they hold to is that afforded their own particular tribes.
== Physical Pursuits ==
Elves are seen as lazy and deceitful, and in most ways they are. They strive to lead short, happy lives as opposed to long, sad ones. If work can wait for even another moment, then it will. For an elf, the future is a dark, deadly place, so he or she strives to make every now as enjoyable and full as possible.
Still, elves do work. In some ways, they work harder than members of other races. Because they do not farm and the only herd animals they raise are kanks, elves must spend a lot of time and energy hunting and foraging in order to supplement their diets. While they detest hard labor and will never voluntarily set out to construct anything more durable than a tent or small hut, they will spend hours on end haggling and negotiating with poten- tial customers.
If captured and forced to toil as slaves, elves will seek the first opportunity to escape. Only a few of those who cannot escape survive in captivity. Elven spirits crave free, open spaces, and many elf slaves quickly succumb to the claustrophobic cells, the restricting chains, and the joy- less labor.
In the wild, elves temper hard work with frenzied feast- ing and raucous revelry. For every hour spent working, two are spent celebrating the now. What good is the work, an elf adage asks, if you do not take the time to enjoy its fruits?
There are certain physical pursuits that elves do not consider tiring or boring. For example, an elf can practice with her long bow and long sword for days on end. She finds joy and fulfillment in honing her martial skills. Likewise, another elf spends every waking moment study- ing magic or thieving techniques if the rest of the tribe will let him. Try to get the same devotion out of a herder, and hell just laugh as he seeks some diversion to fill one of his frequent breaks.
This attitude makes other races think of elves as lazy. Elves apply considerable energy to activities others con- sider frivolous, while spending as little time as possible in gainful endeavors. Dwarves and humans toil the day away, but elves dance and laugh and run and sing. In fact, they have raised celebrating to an art form. There is noth- ing as beautiful or captivating as an elven dance, nothing as inspiring as the haunting music produced by elven instruments.
Between constant practice and naturally quick reflexes, elves are lightning fast in combat. Their swift- ness makes them extremely dangerous enemies, and there are few things more brutal than the savage tech- niques devised by elf minds. They prefer long, slender weapons that can be whirled with speed and agility. Swords and polearms are particular favorites. Elvenmade weapons are never cumbersome or bulky, for mobility in combat is preferred over strength of attack. Strike three times before your enemy knows you are there, advises an elven ballad. The sentiment has become a part of every elfs combat philosophy.
Elves will do whatever is necessary to keep themselves alive and prosperousbut no more. When the work is done, and not a moment later, the fun begins.