Elves

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A humanoid race, **elves** have a slender, lithe build, large eyes, and pointed ears. Long ago, the elves were the dominant race on Thedas, and their advanced civilization was based on nature, the Fade and magic. After the fall of their great city of Arlathan and the empire of Elvhenan, plunder by the Tevinter Imperium and the subsequent generations of slavery, the elves lost most of their cultural heritage and identity. They attempted to rebuild their society in the Dales, but after three centuries the Dales fell to one of the Chantry's Exalted Marches.

Since then, the elves have separated into two distinct groups: the Dalish, who choose to lead nomadic lives and strive to keep elven culture alive rather than submit, and the city elves, who live alongside humans, usually as impoverished outcasts, and have adopted many human customs. Many elves are still held as slaves within Tevinter, and many others have joined the Qunari in hopes for better lives. Overall, the elves are now a people associated with poverty, crime and barbarism, and are often used as scapegoats for humanity's difficulties. In Ancient Tevinter elves were called "rattus". Modern humans use the racial slurs "bat face," "knife ears", "slant-eared" or, less cruelly, "rabbit". Though most of the elven language has been lost, they once referred to themselves as "elvhen", which means "the People".

## Religion and Beliefs:

The elves believe in a pantheon of gods that have been around since before humans came to Thedas. To read more about them, please move to The Elven Pantheon.

## Naming Conventions:

City elves follow the Fereldan standard. Though they have family names, they are rarely used outside of formal settings. Dalish elves generally only identify themselves by first name as well, but they also have a clan name. These clan names are shared among all members and have been passed down for generations. Clan names are said to date back to a time before the reign of humans, though this is hard to prove given the lack of historical evidence from that era.

### **Sample Female Names:**

Adanna, Ashalle, Desta, Elora, Hanan, Maram, Lanaya, Rinalla, Shianni.

### **Sample Male Names:**

Athras, Falos, Harel, Lindel, Masarian, Nethras, Pellian, Ralath, Sarel, Zathrian.

### **Sample Dalish Clan Names:**

Alvar, Brightmore, Brunwyn, Ellwood, Fadrick, Litwyn, Redway, Winbow, Yonwyn.

## General Appearance:

#### Height:

Elves are generally shorter than humans, with an average height ranging from 5 to 6 feet (150-177 cm)

#### Age:

In the Dragon Age universe, elves have a shorter lifespan compared to other fantasy settings where elves are often depicted as immortal or having significantly longer lifespans. The elves in Thedas have lifespans more similar to humans, and there are lore-based reasons for this:

1. Cursed Legacy: According to the tales, the elves once had a longer lifespan, but their connection to the Fade and the consequences of their actions during the time of Arlathan led to a curse known as "the Quickening." This curse dramatically reduced their lifespans.
2. Downfall of Arlathan: Arlathan was the ancient elven capital, and during its fall, the elves faced tremendous upheaval and strife. The consequences of their actions, including dabbling in forbidden magic and their role in the enslavement of the dwarves, are believed to have contributed to the curse.
3. Loss of Immortality: The elves' connection to the Fade, which is the realm of dreams and magic, was also severely affected by the Quickening. This loss of connection to the Fade is considered a significant factor in the elves' reduced lifespans.
4. Cultural and Social Impact: The shorter elven lifespan has profound effects on their society and culture. It contributes to a sense of loss and nostalgia among the elves for their once-great civilization. It also influences their outlook on life, as they try to preserve what remains of their heritage.

##### Build:

They tend to have a slender and agile build, emphasizing agility and finesse rather than physical strength.

##### Ears:

One of the most iconic features of elves in Dragon Age is their elongated, pointed ears. These ears are a defining characteristic and give them an ethereal and otherworldly appearance.

#### *Facial Features:*

##### Eyes:

Elves typically have large, expressive eyes with a distinctive almond shape. The color of their eyes varies widely, including shades of green, blue, brown, and violet.

#### Facial Structure:

Elves often have delicate and fine facial features, with high cheekbones and well-defined jawlines. Their faces convey a sense of elegance and grace.

##### Hair:

Elven hair comes in a variety of colors, ranging from the typical human shades to more exotic hues like silver, white, or pale gold. It's common for elves to wear their hair long, and intricate braids or adornments may be used to accentuate their natural beauty.

#### *Skin:*

##### Skin Tone:

Elven skin tones vary, but they generally have a fair complexion. Some may have a slightly ethereal or luminescent quality, especially those with a stronger connection to magic.

##### Tattoos and Markings:

Some elves bear intricate facial tattoos or markings, which often have cultural or personal significance. These markings may denote achievements, lineage, or religious affiliations.

#### *Distinguishing Features:*

##### Glowing Veins:

In some cases, elves may exhibit glowing or luminescent veins, especially those with a strong connection to magic. This visual cue reflects their historical ties to the Fade and the magical realm.

### Elven History

#### Ancient Times:

##### The Elvhenan:

In ancient times, the elves were a powerful and advanced civilization known as the Elvhenan. They were ruled by god-like beings called the Evanuris, who were both powerful mages and rulers. Elvhenan was a prosperous and magical realm.

##### The Veil:

The elves' prosperity came to an end with the creation of the Veil, a barrier between the physical world and the Fade, by the mages of the Evanuris. This act had severe consequences, leading to the downfall of Elvhenan and the elves losing much of their magic and immortality.

#### The Dales:

##### Fall of Elvhenan:

After the fall of Elvhenan, the elves faced persecution from other races, especially humans. They lost their ancient glory and were reduced to nomadic tribes wandering the wilderness.

##### The Dales:

Eventually, the elves found refuge in the Dales, establishing their own city-states. During this time, the elves attempted to preserve their culture and traditions, distancing themselves from the outside world.

#### Conflict with Humans:

Tensions between elves and humans persisted, leading to the Chantry's declaration of the Exalted Marches against the Dales. The elves faced persecution once again, and their cities were destroyed.

##### City of Arlathan:

The city of Arlathan, the last remnant of Elvhenan, was destroyed during these conflicts, leaving the elves without a physical connection to their glorious past.

#### Current Era:

##### City Elves and Dalish:

In the current Dragon Age era, elves are divided into two main groups: city elves and Dalish elves. City elves often live in human cities, facing discrimination and poverty. Dalish elves, on the other hand, lead nomadic lives, preserving ancient elven traditions and resenting human influence.

##### The Blight:

The elves, like other races, face the threat of the Darkspawn and the Blight, which further complicates their already challenging existence.