Personality and Physical Appearance

Elf

Eternal Life and the Lyrandel

Elves mature at a much slower rate than other races, physically, and their lives are marked by ten significant milestones. In truth, if it weren't for the incessant questions by other races, the Elves likely wouldn't mark the passing of years at all after a point, as time is not something they really bother to measure. Unlike mortals, Elves do not die of old age. Their lives are marked by cycles of wakefulness and the Slumber of Renewal, a deep restorative rest that rejuvenates their Lyrandel and maintains their connection to the Valar. The Lyrandel, located near the heart, is the organ that stores an Elf's mana pool and sustains their Elven Grace. As long as the Lyrandel remains intact and uncorrupted, the Elf’s connection to the Valar is preserved, granting them eternal life. However, should an Elf’s Grace be severed from the Lyrandel—through corruption, damage, or divine punishment—the Elf becomes mortal, eventually succumbing to age and death.

Stages of an Elf's life

OOC NOTE:

Please keep in mind that, like any other setting, and shared play space, there are rules and norms that need to be adhered to in order to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy their time here. As you work through your ideas and design for your character, if you have questions that aren't clear here, please reach out to the staff team. Like everything else here, this is a volunteer effort, and we can't account for every possible scenario. That said, the bulleted items below must be adhered to, and if you cannot abide by them, roll in one of the other races:

• Elves are matrilineal; the union of a High Elf Female and a Hill Elf Male will produce a High Elf.

• Though they are matrilineal, that does not mean that their partner has no impact on their offspring. A Wood Elf child with a Hill Elf father, for example, may be slightly taller and have a larger figure than a Wood Elf born from the union of two Wood Elves

• Female Elves who produce an offspring with another race will yield a full-blooded elf, or not. (e.g. a Human mating with an Elf will produce a Human OR an Elf. Not a half-elf)

• Male Elves who produce offspring with another race will not produce an elf, as Elves are matrilineal

• If you are playing an Elf, they must be at least old enough to have reached the Weaving (see below)

• Ninvere Lanreci, the Elder Queen and current reigning Elven Monarch, is the oldest living Elf

If some of these rules seem a bit stringent, please consider the following:

This is a volunteer effort on the part of both the staff team who support the project and the people who play here. You are playing in a shared space. It is not reasonable to expect the staff team to accommodate whims completely out of the norm, such that they become the norm. That is a monumental ask in terms of mechanics and tailoring the scope of the game. It also puts a lot of pressure on the staff team members who assist with roleplay and storytelling. While we all like to tell good stories, if you are more interested in playing a main character with a predetermined destiny that only you control, where the world has no bearing on your character except when you let it? This probably isn't the right platform for you. It is unfair to ask the same of the people you are playing with. We are not averse to groups of players joining with their friends. You need to keep in mind, though, that as with anything else in life, that does not give you the right to run over the people who are already here. You should respect other people's time and contribution as part of this community. They will do the same for you.

The Awakening

• Common Equivalent: Birth

• Elven Milestone: The birth of an Elf, known as The Awakening, is a sacred event where the newborn's Lyrandel begins its lifelong connection to the Valar. The Lyrandel's first pulses signify the Elf's entry into the world and the initial flow of mana through their being. This event is celebrated with a ritual invoking blessings from the Valar to protect the newborn's Grace and ensure the Lyrandel develops in harmony with the Elf’s spirit.

First Rite (Around Age 20)

• Common Equivalent: First Words

• Elven Milestone: An Elf’s First Rite marks the first time they consciously channel their innate magic through the Lyrandel, expressing their unique connection to the Valar. This milestone is celebrated with a family gathering where the young Elf’s rite is shared with their kin, symbolizing their individual identity and their place within the larger Elven community. The First Rite is seen as an early indicator of the Elf’s future path and talents.

The Bonding (Around Age 50)

• Common Equivalent: First Friendships and Bonds

• Elven Milestone: The Bonding refers to the formation of deep, meaningful relationships outside of the immediate family. During this time, young Elves learn to synchronize their Lyrandel’s energy with that of others, forming bonds that will guide them throughout their lives. This milestone is marked by a ceremony where the Elf exchanges tokens of friendship, signifying the establishment of lifelong connections that will shape their future. This is usually when pairs are formed. Elves have a very low birth rate, and thus new generations of Elves are often small. This became even more pronounced following the Age of Chaos.

The Gleaning (Around Age 100)

• Common Equivalent: Starting School or Education

• Elven Milestone: Around their first century, Elves undergo The Gleaning, a period where they explore various disciplines—such as arts, magic, combat, or craft—under the guidance of elders. This time is crucial for the young Elf to discover how their Lyrandel harmonizes with different forms of magic and skill, helping them identify their natural affinities. The Gleaning is essential in preparing the Elf for their eventual role in society.

The First Dream (Around Age 150)

• Common Equivalent: Coming of Age (Teenage Years)

• Elven Milestone: The First Dream is a significant spiritual event, typically occurring around 150 years of age. It is believed that this is when an Elf receives their first prophetic dream from Seraphiel, the Vala of dreams and prophecy. The dream signifies the Elf’s deepening connection with the Valar, as their Lyrandel becomes more attuned to the ethereal realms. Elders help the young Elf interpret this dream, guiding them toward their destiny.

The Weaving (Around Age 200)

• Common Equivalent: Choosing a Career or Path in Life

• Elven Milestone: At around 200 years of age, an Elf undergoes The Weaving, a rite of passage where they choose their life’s path—be it as a warrior, mage, healer, or artisan. This decision reflects the maturity of their Lyrandel and its alignment with their chosen role. The Weaving is marked by a public declaration and a blessing ceremony, where the community acknowledges the Elf’s commitment to their path and their role within the larger Elven society. It is during this stage that Elves typically align themselves with a patron Valar, and choose one of the Orders. If an Elf should choose to wander beyond the safety of Arandor, it is normally during this time. This allows them to experience and engage with some of the other cultures and people's spread throughout the world.

The First Reflection (Around Age 300-500)

• Common Equivalent: First Major Life Transition

• Elven Milestone: The First Reflection is a critical milestone in an Elf’s life. During this time, the Elf enters reflects on their life and their Lyrandel undergoes a significant renewal process. This reflection rejuvenates both their physical body and their spiritual connection to the Valar. As they leave this stage of their life behind, the Elf is considered fully mature, with a strengthened Lyrandel and a clearer sense of purpose. This milestone often coincides with significant life events, such as forming a deep bond with a life partner or assuming greater responsibilities within the community.

The Second Reflection (Around Age 800)

• Common Equivalent: Midlife Reflection

• Elven Milestone: The Second Reflection marks another period of deep contemplation and reflection, during which the Lyrandel further solidifies its connection to the Valar. This allows the Elf to reassess their life’s journey and often results in a shift in their role or focus within society. The Second Reflection is a time of profound personal and spiritual growth, and the Elf emerges with new insights and a deeper understanding of their place within the world.

The Mantle of Wisdom (Over 1000 Years)

• Common Equivalent: Elder Status

• Elven Milestone: As Elves age, they reach a stage known as the Mantle of Wisdom, where they are recognized as revered elders and guardians of knowledge within their community. Their Lyrandel, now fully matured, allows them to channel powerful, ancient magics and wisdom that younger Elves have yet to master. This milestone is celebrated with a ceremony that honors the Elf for their contributions and solidifies their role as keepers of their clan’s traditions and history.

The First Slumber (Depends on Subrace/Clan)

• Common Equivalent: Retirement

• Elven Milestone: The First Slumber is the ultimate milestone in an Elf’s life, where they enter a The Slumber of Renewal for the first time. This event is not mourned but celebrated, as the Elf’s spirit becomes one with the natural world, contributing to the ongoing cycle of life and renewal.

Wood Elves:

Wood Elves are the untamed heart of Elvenkind—free-spirited wanderers, wardens of the wild, and eternal children of the forest. Their lives are woven into the rhythm of the natural world, and every breath they take is steeped in the scent of moss, leaf, and loam. To the Wood Elves, the world is a living song, and they move through it not as conquerors or custodians, but as siblings to the rivers and wind. Rugged, adventurous, and spirited, Wood Elves carry an innate desire to explore, protect, and experience. Where High Elves preserve and Hill Elves endure, Wood Elves adapt, shift, and flow. They are often thought unpredictable by their kin—fond of laughter in solemn moments, or prone to sudden departures to follow the call of a bird, a breeze, or an omen in the trees. Yet beneath this seemingly carefree exterior lies an unwavering loyalty to the forest, their kin, and the Valar who guide them.

Their appearance reflects this bond to the wild. Wood Elves often possess skin in tones of warm bronze, sun-kissed tan, or light umber, occasionally marked by faint, bark-like striations or subtle freckling that resembles dappled light through leaves. Their eyes gleam with hues of forest green, golden amber, or deep chestnut—bright with curiosity and depth. Hair flows freely, untamed and expressive, in shades of chestnut, mossy brown, autumnal red, or even deep green, adorned with woven feathers, beads, or petals.

Built for speed, stealth, and agility, Wood Elves are naturally slender and usually shorter than their Hill and High Elf kin, with sinewy muscle born of a life spent climbing trees, crossing rivers, and traversing root-choked glades. They move with a dancer’s grace, seemingly unburdened by armor or weight, able to vanish into undergrowth with barely a whisper. Their clothing reflects this pragmatism and reverence—crafted from leather, barkweave, and enchanted cloth, designed to be silent and blend with their forested surroundings. Cloaks of moss-green, tunics of bark-brown, and sashes dyed in the colors of fern or flameleaf are common, often accented with the small trophies of nature: a feather from a hawk, a stone from a sacred stream, or the bloom of a flower that only opens beneath moonlight.

Outside of Arandor Wood Elf society is loosely structured, guided by clans or circles rather than rigid hierarchies. While some dwell in sprawling treeborne settlements, others wander in familial groups, answering to no single leader but always to the will of the forest and the whispers of the Valar. Their spiritual life is deeply animistic—every glade, stream, and beast has a spirit, and songs are offered to both sun and soil. Festivals are wild and colorful affairs, marked by dance, ritual hunts, and storytelling beneath the stars.

Renowned for their skill as rangers, hunters, druids, and bladesingers, Wood Elves are protectors of their domains and fierce opponents of corruption and intrusion. Their knowledge of flora and fauna is unmatched, and their ability to wage guerrilla warfare in the thickets and groves of their homelands is legendary. Whether guiding a lost traveler or ambushing a warband in silence, a Wood Elf is never far from the reach of root or arrow. Despite their capricious nature, Wood Elves are deeply rooted in tradition and memory. Their laughter may come easily, but so too does mourning. They remember the scars of fire and axe, and while forgiveness may bloom in time, they never forget. Each fallen tree, each poisoned stream, is a wound they feel in their bones—and a call to action.

To be a Wood Elf is to live as part of the world’s breath—swift, fleeting, fierce, and beautiful.

High Elves:

High Elves are the crown of the Elven race—elegant, timeless, and touched by the arcane in both form and spirit. Where Wood Elves chase the wind and Hill Elves shape the stone, High Elves dwell in the stillness between stars, contemplative and luminous. They are the stewards of Elven memory, the scribes of law and myth, and the bearers of ancient magic whose origins trace back to the earliest Songs of the Valar. Scholars, magi, and philosophers, High Elves pursue perfection not in dominion, but in understanding. High Elven culture reveres artistry, history, and mastery; a poorly cast spell, like an ill-spoken word or an off-key note, is considered more than an error—it is a blemish on one’s discipline.

Physically, High Elves are statuesque and refined. Their frames are lean but deceptively strong, their movements precise and fluid, as though guided by unseen rhythm. Skin tones are pale to porcelain, sometimes bearing a faint luminous quality under moonlight. Their hair ranges from silver and snow-white to golden blonde or ink-black, often worn long and adorned with circlets or ornamentation signifying their house, Order, or scholarly discipline. Their eyes are their most striking feature: piercing shades of sapphire, amethyst, or violet that seem to see beyond the moment—beyond even time. Attire is formal, even in function. High Elves dress in layered robes, tailored tunics, and flowing cloaks—garments woven from enchanted silks or whisper-thin mana-thread, resistant to wear and imbued with subtle effects. Their preferred colors range from celestial blues and pale silvers to regal purples and deep midnight hues. Arcane sigils are often embroidered along hems or cuffs, not as decoration, but as enhancements—each garment a piece of personal magic, a testament to discipline and intellect.

The Slumber of Renewal is especially significant to the High Elves. Due to their immense mana reserves and the strain that prolonged magical study can place upon their spirits, they experience the longest cycles between hibernations. When they do enter the Slumber, it is not simply a rest—it is a cosmic retreat, a deep communion with the arcane lattice of the world. Many awaken changed—more focused, more distant, or more visionary—carrying dreams that reshape their pursuits for centuries to come.

In conversation, High Elves often come across as aloof or overly formal, though this is rarely intentional. They are deliberate with their words, viewing language as both an instrument and a responsibility. Wit is often dry, ironic, and exacting—weaponized as readily as magic. They do not rush to judgment, but once committed to a course of action, their resolve is absolute. High Elves are particularly known for serving in roles that require unwavering focus and mental rigor: archmages, battle-mages, loremasters, judges, and advisors. Their spellcraft is intricate and devastating, their enchantments lasting for generations. Many High Elves are also drawn to the priesthood, especially in service to Valar of insight and vision. Though they seldom serve on the frontlines, their magical artillery and battlefield control can turn the tide of any engagement.

They are not cold. Beneath the layers of refinement and self-restraint lies a capacity for intense emotion. Love, grief, ambition, and joy—when these do surface—are expressed not in bursts, but in long arcs: an epic poem, a slow-burning vendetta, a lifelong vow. High Elves do not forget, and they do not forgive lightly.

To be a High Elf is to walk beside the eternal—to seek not only beauty, but truth, not only knowledge, but wisdom. They are the memory of the Elves, the conscience of their people, and the flame that guides their long road forward.

Hill Elves:

Hill Elves are the steady hammer of Elvenkind—grounded, enduring, and forged by toil. Where Wood Elves are wild and wandering and High Elves are contemplative and arcane, Hill Elves are known for their unshakable resolve, practical wisdom, and the quiet pride of those who shape the world with their hands. They are the keepers of stone, the whisperers of metal, and the tireless architects of hearth and hold.

While they do not share the Dwarves’ instinctive bond with stone and subterranean life, Hill Elves are often considered a close second in matters of metallurgy, enchantment, and excavation. Their mines may not delve as deep, but they are laid with reverence and foresight. Their forges may not blaze as fiercely, but their crafts are touched with a grace no hammer alone could bring. Every tool, blade, or ornament they make is not just function but a statement—of patience, of perfection, of memory.

Physically, Hill Elves stand apart from their kin with a notably robust build. They are tall and broad-shouldered, with thick musculature honed through years of labor. Their strength is not only in their arms but in their stamina and persistence—the kind of power that endures long winters, rebuilds broken walls, and holds fast when others might fall. Skin tones range from sun-warmed tan to deep bronze, kissed by stone and soot. Their eyes gleam with earthen hues: russet brown, golden amber, and hazel shot with green. Hair tends to be thick, often wavy or coiled, in tones of rich chestnut, auburn, or a rare dark gold, reflecting the autumnal palette of their upland homelands.

Hill Elf clothing is practical, enduring, and modest. They favor tightly woven fabrics, rugged leather, and garments reinforced for utility—tunics with tool loops, belts with built-in sheaths, cloaks treated to resist weather and wear. Colors mirror the land they inhabit: slate gray, river green, oak brown, ember red. They value function over flair, but there is beauty in the durability of their work, and often a quiet artistry in their embroidery or inlaid sigils—typically clan symbols, craft marks, or ancient blessings from the Age of Harmony. Culturally, Hill Elves are steeped in tradition. Clans and lineages matter greatly, and while they are not rigidly hierarchical, honor and ancestry guide much of their daily life. Elders are revered, but leadership is earned through deeds rather than decree. Communal halls serve as places of gathering, judgment, and celebration, and every settlement is bound by an oathstone—an ancient monument where vows are made, festivals convened, and disputes resolved with dignity. Their stories are carved in stone, sung over forges, and carried in rings or talismans passed from one generation to the next.

Though often seen as stoic or even austere by outsiders, Hill Elves are fiercely loving and loyal. Their humor is dry and understated, but their laughter—when earned—is rich and deep. They may seem guarded, but once their trust is gained, they are among the most steadfast of companions. It is said that a Hill Elf friend is rarer than gold but worth ten times its weight in it. In battle, they are unyielding. Many serve as skirmishers, scouts, or frontline wardens, using their strength to hold chokepoints or crush through enemy lines. Others, especially in times of peace, become artificers, architects, and stone-singers, working with quiet focus to strengthen the foundations of Elven civilization. Their magic, when practiced, tends to be subtle—earthbound enchantments, warding runes, and durable infusions that outlast their casters.

To be a Hill Elf is to be shaped by stone, rooted in kinship, and tempered by time. They are not easily moved, but once they do act, it is with purpose, gravity, and lasting effect.

Elven Wake Cycles and the Slumber of Renewal

Type	Wake Cycle	Slumber Cycle
High Elf	2400 Common Years	70 Common Years
Wood Elf	1800 Common Years	50 Common Years
Hill Elf	1200 Common Years	30 Common Years

The Slumber of Renewal

• The Slumber of Renewal is a deeply sacred and ancient ritual observed by all Elven clans, taught to them by Serpahiel during the Age of Chaos. This marks a period where the Elves retreat into the earth for rest and restoration. This cyclical hibernation is not merely a physical rest but a profound spiritual and magical rejuvenation that connects the Elves to the very essence of their existence. During this time, they withdraw from the surface world, entering a state of deep, trance-like rest within the sanctity of the earth, allowing their bodies, minds, and magical energies to be restored. In the aftermath of the Age of Chaos, certain Valar were left without clans to worship or sustain them. The Slumber of Renewal serves as a crucial period for these Valar to continue their existence. As the Elves rest within the earth, their dormant spirits and latent magical energies provide a source of sustenance for these Valar, maintaining the delicate balance between the mortal and divine realms. In essence, the Elves act as vessels through which the Valar can perpetuate their existence, ensuring that their influence and guidance remain part of the Elven world. The High Elves, with their deep concentration of mana and their intellectual pursuits, hold a particular belief regarding the Slumber of Renewal. They theorize that, over a long enough period of time, members of the three surviving clans—Wood Elves, High Elves, and Hill Elves—can establish a permanent resonance with the Valar, akin to the harmony that existed in the eras preceding the Age of Chaos. This belief is rooted in the idea that the continuous cycles of the Slumber of Renewal, combined with the Elves' unwavering dedication to their respective Valar, could eventually lead to a state of perpetual communion. In this state, the Elves would no longer need to enter periods of hibernation to connect with the Valar; instead, they would carry the divine resonance within them at all times, fully embodying the wisdom, power, and guidance of their celestial patrons. The Slumber of Renewal is more than just a period of rest; it is a time of deep spiritual significance. The Elves prepare meticulously for this event, often engaging in rituals of purification, meditation, and offerings to their respective Valar. It is a communal event that strengthens the bonds within each clan, as well as their connection to the Valar and the earth itself. The Elves enter their rest with the understanding that they will emerge not only restored but also more attuned to the balance of the world and the divine energies that sustain it.

High Elves

• High Elves, with their high concentration of mana and strong focus on intellectual and magical pursuits, have the longest period between hibernations. Their deep reserves of magical energy allow them to sustain themselves for extended periods, but when they do enter the Slumber of Renewal, it is a profound and deeply restorative process.

• High Elves, with their focus on magic and scholarly pursuits, need a longer rest period to fully restore their significant reserves of mana and mental acuity.

Wood Elves

• Wood Elves, deeply connected to nature and the wilderness, have a balance between physical and magical needs. Their renewal cycle is longer than that of the Hill Elves, as their connection with the natural world allows them to sustain themselves longer before requiring hibernation.

• With their balanced connection to both nature and magic, Wood Elves require a moderate rest period to fully renew their strength and maintain their deep bond with the natural world.

Hill Elves

• Hill Elves, with their strong connection to the earth and physical crafts, require shorter periods between rests to maintain their vitality and resilience. Their bond with the earth allows them to draw strength more quickly, necessitating more frequent renewal cycles.

• Due to their strong connection to the earth and physical vitality, Hill Elves require a relatively short rest period to rejuvenate their energy.

Not From Arandor?

Check this page: Elven Settlements

Note from Staff

• Please keep in mind that suggestions towards classes are merely meant to help you shape a character that fits the game world. At character creation you are welcome to select whatever you wish.
• You cannot actually select one of these subraces at character creation, again some of this is simply meant to help you shape a character.
• There are differences in hair/skin hue applied during character creation to help you align with some of these descriptions.
• Effectively the Elven wake/sleep cycles are akin to their effective lifespan as far as the other races are concerned