Elves

The Elves are creatures of the Blades of Light and Shadow series.

History
The elven empire was once the greatest in the world, a glorious civilization spanning Morella and beyond. For a thousand years, elves lived in peace and prosperity. Their society was build on magic, and magic elevated them to greatness. But their magic was also their downfall. Their pursuit of ever-greater power opened a doorway to the Realm of Shadow, and the dark poweres therein. The Great War began, and a hundred years later, the elves were all but wiped out. The only survivors were those sheltered in the great sanctuary of Undermount. For nearly four centuries, they sealed themselves away, refusing all contact with the outside world. Now, elves have, somewhat reluctantly, reopened their gates. Undermount exists in an odd political space: while it exists within the boundaries of Morella, the humans have no jurisdiction over it, and it operates as an autonomous city-state.

Culture
After the great war, there are only five hundred or so elves left alive. Outside of a handful of exiles and outcasts, they all live in the city of Undermount in the north. An incredibly complex hierarchy exists among all the elven houses, with an ever-shifting ladder of rank and wealth. Social competition is a cornerstone of elven society, and many elves spend their whole lives trying to advance the standing of their house.

Lifespan and Characteristics
Elves are taller than humans, standing an average of just over six feet tall. Elves are also long lived; the average elf lives to three hundred years old. They reach maturity at about 50, and then maintain that appearance until their oldest years. All elves possess some degree of magical affinity. From an early age, elven children are sorted into magical schools which train their talents, from Green Naturalists to Purple Illusionists to Black Battlemages.

Politics
Elven political structure is notoriously complicated, a byzantine ever-shifting web of alliances, feuds, and schemes that often feels impenetrable from the outside. Elven society is divided into 50 different houses, which can loosely be understood as 'families', though the members are not always biologically related. Each house holds a certain rank within the elven society, and that rank confers with it political weight. The leaders of the houses meet in a conclave known as the Venesterium. Here, they vote on matters concerning elven society, with the members of the higher status having their votes count more. The highest ranked house is known as the House Ascendent, and holds the power to definitively break all ties.

Romantic Customs
Elven culture separates the concepts of Kilvali (Emotional compatibility) and Dinvali (Sexual attraction) into dinstict entities. The two are considered unrelated, deriving from different parts of the self. All marriages are political in nature, arranged by houses to advance their rank. Within a marriage, it is believed the partners must share great Kilvali, and operate effectively as one soul. Dinvali is not necessary in marriage. Most elves are not sexually monogamous, and maintain multiple sexual partners. While marriages ask for emotional loyalty, sexuality is seen as entirely distinct from that. There are exceptions to this, pairs of individuals who share both Kilvali and Dinvali and remain exclusive. This is incredibly rare, and often controversial.

Religion
Elves maintain the worship of what is known as the Shared Pantheon: The six Old Gods from the ancient era, and six New Gods, great elves who gave their life to win the Great War and were elevated to Godhood. Religion plays a significant role in elven life. Traditionally, elves begin and end each day with a meditation known as Erinza, fifteen minutes of silent communion with the Gods. Elves also believe that their ancestors live on in Elhalas, the land of the Gods, and that communion with those spirits is, under special circumstances, possible. To speak with an ancestor is the highest honor.

Appearance
Elves have pointy ears and various skin colors, such as black, white and blue.

Powers and Abilities

 * Immortality / Longevity: According to the lore tablets, the Elves can live up to 300 years.
 * Magic: According to the lore tablets, all elves possess some degree of magical affinity.
 * Incredible senses: According to the lore tablets, elves also possess incredible senses, capable of seeing the tiniest drop of a dew on a blade of grass or hearing a whisper two rooms away.

Other elves

 * Your Character (Blades of Light and Shadow) (Determinant)