Elves

**Elves** are a humanoid liminal species that are physically identical to humans in nearly every way but for their ears being more elongated than a typical human's ears. Described in (Norse-)germanic mythology (called "Alfr" or "Albs") as a highly magically inclined race, they are legendary for possessing long lifespans and slender/attractive figures; bearing no cosmetic imperfections or blemishes.

## Description

Elves are humanoid beings with exceptional lifespans and magical inclination, depending on the lore. In general, elves resemble slender, youthful, graceful humans. Some versions of elves are close to human size, others are diminutive, and still others are taller than humans. Though some human-sized elves could pass as particularly attractive humans, most have one or more distinctly elven trait. Pointed ears are the most common, but some elves have large eyes, skin/hair/eyes of an unusual color, and/or (rarely in modern fiction, but not uncommonly in folklore) hollowed-out backs.

The long-lived elves are children of the natural world, similar in many superficial ways to fey creatures, though with key differences. While fey are truly linked to the flora and fauna of their homes, existing as the nearly immortal voices and guardians of the wilderness, elves are instead mortals who are in tune with the natural world around them. Elves seek to live in balance with the wild and understand it better than most other mortals. Some of this understanding is mystical, but an equal part comes from the elves' long lifespans, which in turn gives them long-ranging outlooks. Elves can expect to remain active in the same locale for centuries. By necessity, they must learn to maintain sustainable lifestyles, and this is most easily done when they work with nature, rather than attempting to bend it to their will.

Elves back in the old days used magic to help across the world. Because magic wasn't easy to master, elves continued doing a simpler technology such as using modern appliances and adapting to newer technology for an easier way to get through, alongside other mythical creatures.

### Appearances

Generally taller than humans, elves possess a graceful, slender physique that is accentuated by their long, pointed ears. It is a mistake, however, to consider them weak or feeble, as the thin limbs of an elf can contain surprising power. Their eyes are wide and almond-shaped, and filled with large, vibrantly colored pupils. The coloration of elves as a whole varies wildly, and is much more diverse than that of human populations. However, as their coloration often matches their surroundings, the elves of a single community may appear quite similar. Forest-dwelling elves often have variations of green, brown, and tan in their hair, eye, and even skin tones.

### Abilities

* Elves have pointed ears, as opposed to the rounded ears of humans. Much like animals, their ears can perk up when they are feeling positive emotions such as excitement and joy, and flatten when they are feeling negative emotions such as embarrassment, fear or anger.
* The elves possesses pointed ears which are more streamline and therefore hear "better" when their head is down and moving fast (i.e. less flapping around). Pointy ears are useful to users in triangulating sound sources, perhaps higher or lower frequency sounds than in the human range. The point may act as a wave guide for high frequencies that amplifies them in the ear canal.

## Notable Elves

* Laurel Brightmoon