Elves of Oacca-Seri

**Elves** are relatively diverse, filling multiple environmental niches and capable of living in much harsher environments than humans. Elves posses several magical qualities as a result of their development; while they are genetically evolved from the Nambas, they manifested their magical qualities as a result of the myths and superstitions of humans. The first elves are estimated to have evolved in West Baze around 40,000 A.K., and much of their language and culture is shared with human Northans. All elves possess an innate connection to the seelie, and can often travel to it at will. Elves also have the ability to communicate with one another empathetically, though the communication is stronger amongst elves of the same ethnic group, outlined below. However, the communication is strongest among elves with an emotional attachment with one another, superseding any ethnic relations.

## Deep Elves

Deep elves, also known by their old Northan name Svartalfim, are creatures of the night. Living in total darkness, they have the ability to echolocate, feeding on bugs and bats deep beneath the surface. Deep elves cannot reproduce; they are born when an elf goes into labor under the darkness of a full moon. Often being born as twins or triplets, these elves are abandoned at the mouths of caves as they are said to bring a curse upon the family that sires them. If they can survive (baby elves have no need for nursing, and mature to a walking state within a month), they will grow into the feral creatures that lurk in the darkness.

## Dark Elves

Unlike Deep elves, dark elves (also known as Morkalfim) are generally accepted in elf society. They live both on the surface and underground, and tend to integrate relatively well into other societies. Their appearance is off-putting to some of the more high strung elves, given their skin ranging anywhere from lavender to ebony and their opaque white eyes, but they are considered a vital resource to society in many cases, as their lungs and bodies can adjust to the pressure and lack of air that can occur in the twisting underground. There are rumors of clandestine dark elf societies buried deep beneath surface cities, but the majority of dark elves live as normal folk.

## Sea Elves

Sea elves (also known as Vannalfim) are elves with amphibious qualities, able to survive both on land and in water. Unlike most elves, very few members of this ethnic group ever integrate into society, and form insular civilizations in the deep sea. Given the fact that they live under the immense pressure of the water, these elves often suffer from gigantism, growing upwards of 10 feet tall, with translucent skin and bioluminescent eyes. Their society is generally considered a mystery; they are able to reproduce asexually and yet their society includes a complex system of gender roles and mating rituals.

## Wood Elves

Wood elves (also known as Gronnalfim) are indigenous to the many forests of Baze. They often participate in society, occasionally fighting in wars and participating in politics, though very few wood elves are actually known to make their home in most settlements, preferring instead to live off of the land. Their skin ranges from deathly pale to deep green, and is the texture of bark. Wood elves usually assimilate into the societies to which they belong, adopting their customs and cultures. At adolescence, these elves choose a tree in their native forest to bond to, and their appearance begins to take on the appearance of that tree; A wood elf that bonds to oak will be sturdy, with dark skin and bushy, leafy hair. Conversely, an elf that bonds to a conifer might be wiry, with lighter skin and long, flowing hair. Wood elves raised in urban areas often bond inadvertently with simple wooden objects of personal significance, such as bowls, or even larger structures such as an entire house, giving them the appearance of roughly cut timber.

## High Elves

High elves (also known as Hvitalfim) are the most likely to integrate into society. They live at every level of the process of civilization, and different societies of high elves have different views and beliefs, but they tend to shun menial tasks, preferring to act as nobles or scholars. There exist, however, certain societies of high elves, isolated from other societies.

## Sun Elves

Sun elves (also known as Orkenalfim) are the most human-like of all elves. Dwelling in desserts rather than temperate forests, their skin is significantly darker than other elves and their eyes are a piercing orange. They have an affinity for the innate magic of the world, and are often sorcerers or druids, with the most skilled being able to manipulate belief and thought into true reality. They often participate in society and have a place as leaders and shamans.

## Moon Elves

Moon elves (also known as Nattalfim) are similar to sun elves, though their skin is an ashen gray and they are indigenous to the mountainous regions of Oacca-Seri. They are also commonly druids and sorcerers, but unlike sun elves, they tend to avoid society, living in isolated cloisters. As a result, these ethereal elves are poorly-known and commonly thought to be little more than myth. Though appearing different on the surface, they are genetically and conceptually very similar to deep elves, and are unique in their ability to both sire and communicate with the deep elves. This connection is a closely guarded secret and considered forbidden knowledge in all elf societies due to the political disruption it would cause.