ST: 9 (-10)
DX: 11 (+10)
IQ: 11 (+10)
HT: 10 (0)
Racial Advantages: Attractive (+5), Combat Reflexes (+15), Magical Aptitude (+15), Musical Ability+2 (+2), Unaging (+15)
Racial Disadvantages: Code of Honor (To live elegant lives, -10 Pts), Sense of Duty (Nature, -15 Pts)
Racial Skills: Bard +2 (2 pts), Savoire-Faire +2 (1 Pt.)
The Elves of Altera are a reclusive folk, hiding within their last bastion on the continent, known as Aralon to the outside world. To the elves, it is "The Deepwoods."
Everything the elves do is an endeavor in beauty, and oneness with their natural surroundings. Their homes spiral and arbolesque from trees, their crafts are elaborately designed, and even their instruments of war display stunning, flashy work.
Their music is unparalled - and the tongue they speak has a soft, polysyllabic sing-song quality to those who do not understand the language. Names are multi-syllabled, and flowing, often something in Sylvan that represents nature such as "Silver Mountain".
Theirs is an eternal life of play, elegance, and patience - at least, before The Empire came.
GOVERNMENT:
Elven government is a loose thing - the only "ruling class" are the Council of Elders, who make the difficult decisions for the clan in times of war or famine. There are 9 Elders at any given time - the ninth being the eldest and holding the most precedence. (The current Ninth Elder of the Deepwoods is Taurnil Eledhwen.) The sons and daughters of the Council of Elders are considered "Princes and Princesses" by humans who don't know any better, but hold no higher standing than any other elf of a given community. In the past these sons and daughters were raised to one day serve as elders, though the practice has long past come to disuse.
BRIEF HISTORY:
Humans have many presumptions about the elven people - in fact, the elves were given their name by the first humans of Gardjief and Jenin. (The elves did not think of themselves as "Elves.") Rather than taking the name as a slight, they adopted it and have been known as such by the human tribes ever since.
Elven history is recorded in song - the "Singers" of Aralon are an honored tier of elven civilization, and only the most gifted of voices are allowed to learn the Songs. These songs can go on for hours, requiring incredible vocal agility and endurance. At times, mutliple singers are required to complete a song as the harmonies and rythmns swirl together as one.
The elves and dwarves have never mixed well - but it is the dwarves that hold onto their grudge, which even they can't remember. (Many dwarven legends speak of breaking free of their elven oppressors, however, which any elf would scoff at as untruth.)
In recent years, the elven population of Altera has been declining - and the appearance of the "Erudesh" seems to mark the elves as a vanishing race, combined with the insane genocidal need The Empire feels towards them.
ST: 10 (0)
DX: 10 (0)
IQ: 11 (+10)
HT: 10 (0)
Racial Advantages: Attractive (+5 Pts), Magical Aptitude (+15 Pts),
Extended Lifespan (+5 Pts) (Aging begins at 140 Years, average lifespan lasts 180 or so.)
Racial Disadvantages: Social Stigma (-5 Pts)