Elf

**Aelnari**, refereed to by humans as **Elves**, are a race of proud and fair people with extraordinary lifespan. Many elves consider themselves to be the most civilized race in the Anbenor, as, in their own opinion, they've brought culture to other, lesser races in form of language (common is based upon elvish), singing, magic and art. We must however remember that even tho, this sentiment is widely spread in an Aelnari culture-circle, not all elves are so snobbish. However, this emphasis on cultural superiority derives from enormous amounts of cultural practices in elvish society.

## Appearance

Elves are very similar to humans with few major distinctions. The most recognizable feature of elven races are their pointy ears, and sharp facial features. Even tho, elves are genetically compatible with humans, they also have different physiology. Their bones are much lighter and more fragile, they don't have as much muscles as other humanoid races and they do not possess hair on other body parts apart from their head.

Elves are known for their beauty. There is something intrinsically mystical in their appearance. Something that nearly all humanoid races find irresistibly attractive, however no one can exactly point at the exact feature. One elven legend suggest that elves beauty was given to them by the Fey Queen - ruler of spirits in Aelnafey.

## History

### Origin

Elven history is as mysterious as is mythical. By the accounts of legends and The Radiant Song, Elves actually originates from Anbenor. They lived on the mysterious island known as Alaxon, that was sunken during the troubled times of Godsrada. Elves suggest that they were saved from this cataclism by the God of Sun and Magic - Surael. He sacrifised his life to give the elves opportunity to leave this world, and travel between realms in a search of the new home. This event kickstarts the period in elven history known as The Exodus - the time were elves were forced to travel between many realms in search of refugee.

### The Exodus

During this nomadic voyage on the deck of hundreds city-like Golden Barges, elves preserved their culture, customs through rich celebrations and wave of artistic inspirations and created their new religion: The Radiant Song - cult of great heroes and heroins of elven history and folklore, who are believed to transcend mortal flesh and soul and be reborn as minor spirits in the First Realm - world of Gods.

Elves traversed many realms, but they've found new home in the world of Aelnafey, also known as Feywild. In this land, they've forged an alliance with the twisted spirits residing in this realm, commonly known now as Feys. Many legends describes the deeds and chaotic everyday life in Aelnafey. From them we can deduct that elven civilization evolved their into a new hides, but with a cost of constant tribute to appease the Feys. This was a big humiliation in the eyes of proud elves and as such, they decided to try to return to their original home - the island of Alaxon in Anbenar.

### Return

The process of opening the gates between realms is a secret even the wisest scholars of this world cannot uncover. We know however for certain that elves used this unimaginably powerful spell to create a rift in the reality and left Aelnafey. They've returned in a year 1 of the New Era (this is a date that starts this new age), landing on the island of Sarr - bridge between continent of Wescann and Bulwar. And from that point, history of elves diverge into a history of new people - Sun Elves, that had colonized the sun-kissed lands of Bulwar; Moon Elves, that went north in search of the new patron goddess; Wood Elves - the souls lost in the Forbidden Woods and Dark Elves, who strayed from the path of Surael and consorted with dark spirits.

## Society

Elven culture and society now is maybe not as diverse, like humans, but still it differs from land to land. The common cultural pillar of all elven communities is their admiration for great deeds. Because elves are taught to emulate the heroes of old, they are value ambition and their raise their kin to be great, wise and talented. Merit is the greatest indicator of someones value in the elven society. As such, many elven realms are meritocracies, were even skilled non-elves can achieve high rank.