Elf

**Elves** are the mortal descendants of both gods and faeries, they are the residents of the Eluydal Isle. Known for their longevity and adept magical prowess, their services are well sought after by others that attract travellers from across the land or the sea. The Eluydal elves are divided into five separate kingdoms (Aevrad, Mevura, Taerin, Saevrryn, and Cervyll), with few independent settlements across the mainland.

## Overview

The elves were originally creatures born from the union between the faeries and the first gods who took a physical body. Initially living among their parent races, the elves were of great use in the construction of many divine cities and weaving magic throughout Erdyn. However, many gods departed for their own realm near the end of the Primeval Age, along with the faeries doing the same. Losing the protection of their forefathers, the elves were brought to near extinction, forcing them to abandon the mainland and escape for the Eluydal Isle. The remaining elves erected a mystical barrier with all the magic they could muster to prevent any pursuers and went on to rebuild what was left of their civilization.

It wouldn't be until well into the Heroic Age did the elves of Eluydal re-establish contact with the mainlanders, only to find their enemies now extinct. While many in their population still held grudges against any non-elf, the elven kingdoms began to set up proper diplomatic and trade relations with neighbouring human nations.

## Characteristics

Elves are a supernatural race of mortals that vary the most from the others of their kind, notable for their magical capabilities and longevity. Using their magic, they are well connected to nature all around them, granting the elves a significant advantage in agriculture and warfare. As they were born with an innate source of magic flowing through their veins, elves are able to harvest it in ways that other races cannot. The nature of elves are often seen as half-spirits as they have some of their weaknesses.

While they have their differences with humans, elves are capable of interbreeding with them to produce hybrids. Half-Elf/Human offspring possess the innate magical abilities of their elven blood, along with the sturdier physical form that goes along with the potential to grow to greater heights that neither parent had.

### Appearance

As elves descend from gods, they have an appearance that resembles that of the gods and of humans, but a closer inspection can show their differences. The magical aura surrounding the elves ensure that their pale skin is nearly flawless with very little dirt or grime to cling to their clothing and bodies however, they are able to appear dirty should they desire. Contrary to the opinion of other races, elves are capable of growing facial hair.

## Powers & Abilities

All elves have powerful magical abilities that allow them to enact a diverse group of spells and rituals that would require multiple spellcasters for other races. Their power comes from their origin as beings born from fragments of the arcane mist and the souls of deceased humans, granting them a unique connection to nature that exceeds that of other mortals. Because of their connection, they are one of the few who have a all-around alliance with many other nature spirits, such as nymphs. The magic that has been intertwined with their existences has allowed them a long life, but the deprivation of magic can lead to ageing at a rapid pace and other fatal side effects should it last for too long.

* **Magic**: All elves are magically gifted to the point of matching mid-level human magicians and dwarven specialists. They are naturally attuned to the forces of magic and the energy that emanates from nature itself, allowing a subtle level of symbiosis.
* **Longevity**: Elves are all long-lived mortal beings, surpassing that of humans and dwarves, but they do eventually die of old age. Their longevity is fuelled through the magic within their veins and surroundings, making it should they be deprived long enough, they will begin to age at a human-like rate.
* **Conversion**: For the purpose of increasing their population, elves are capable of discarding a portion of their own essence and implanting it within the soul of deceased humans. This process would form a new elven soul that would be given a physical form through powerful magics.