High Elphs

## The High Elphes

The High Elphes are a distinguished and venerable race of Elphes renowned for their exceptionally long lifespans, which stretch over centuries. Originating from a pivotal moment during the Dissolution of the Elphes, they opted to forge a society driven by the pursuit of knowledge, innovation, and industry, in stark contrast to their Wood Elphes counterparts, who chose to remain in harmony with nature.

### Physical Features:

* **Elegance and Grace:** High Elphes are known for their grace and elegance. They possess traits such as pointed ears, delicate features, and a slender physique. Though their skin color can range all the way from deep ebony, to pure white, to a dull gold color.
* **Distinctive Eyes:** Their eyes are often a striking shade of silver, gold, or ethereal blue, and they seem to hold the wisdom of centuries within their depths.
* **Aging Gracefully:** High Elphes show little physical signs of aging until they reach an advanced age, at which point their features may mature gracefully, giving them an air of timeless wisdom.

### Culture and Society:

* **Pursuit of Knowledge:** High Elphes have established a history driven by the relentless pursuit of knowledge, science, and industry. Many high Elphes view these pursuits as the path to progress and enlightenment.
* **Scholarly Traditions:** Their culture values education, scholarly pursuits, and innovation. They are often pioneers in fields such as magic, engineering, and the arts. This mindset often pushes High Elphen parents to push their children hard to succeed academically.
* **City Dwellers:** High Elphes typically inhabit grand cities, true marvels of architecture and invention.
* **Long-Term Vision**: Due to their extreme lifespans, High Elphes are burdened to think in terms of centuries, and their plans and projects often span millennia. They are known for their meticulous attention to detail and patient, methodical approach to their goals.

### Interaction with Wood Elphes:

* **Diverging Paths:** The Dissolution of the Elphes marked a profound split between the High Elphes and the Wood Elphes. While the Wood Elphes continued to live in harmony with nature, the High Elphes opted for a more industrious and city-based existence.
* **Occasional Friction:** While both races share a common heritage, their differing philosophies and lifestyles sometimes lead to friction. High Elphes are seen as too ambitious to the point where they're allowing innovation and industry to hurt the planet, while Wood Elphes are viewed as too traditional, and fearful of modern society.
* **Exchange of Wisdom:** Despite their differences, there is an understanding of the value each race brings to the world. High Elphes appreciate the natural wisdom and the dedication to tradition that the Wood Elphes display, while the Wood Elphes can see the merit in the comfort and opportunity presented by modern comforts.

### Legacy and Influence:

* **Guardians of Wisdom:** High Elphes are often regarded with high esteem, as they are credited with having preserved and advancing knowledge and innovation for generations, contributing to the development of the world.
* **Long-Term Impact:** Their patient, forward-thinking approach has left a rich history of big names and their profound legacies of discoveries, inventions, and advancements that continue to shape the world, even beyond their extraordinarily long lifespans.