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.

• 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 have a deep connection with the natural world and thrive in the wilderness. They possess a rugged and adventurous demeanor, always seeking new experiences and challenges. Their appearances reflect their affinity for nature, with earthy-toned skin ranging from fair to tan, often bearing faint patterns reminiscent of tree bark. Their eyes shimmer with vibrant hues of green, amber, or brown, mirroring the colors of the forest. Wood Elves have long, flowing hair that matches the shades of the forest, including variations of brown, auburn, and green.

With a slender and agile build, displaying a graceful posture that allows them to move swiftly and silently through their woodland domains. Their attires consist of lightweight and practical garments crafted from natural materials, blending seamlessly with their surroundings. They favor earthy colors such as greens, browns, and tans, often adorned with leaves, feathers, or other natural embellishments. Wood Elves are skilled hunters, rangers, druids, and fighters, utilizing their deep knowledge of the wilderness to survive and protect their homes.

High Elves:

High Elves are renowned for their mastery of both magic and swordsmanship, embodying elegance and sophistication. They possess an aura of regal authority and often assume leadership roles within Elven society. High Elves stand tall, with their slender yet graceful figures exude an air of poise and confidence.

High Elves' physical features are marked by their flawless, fair complexions, which seem to glow with an inner radiance. Their eyes shimmer with enchanting colors, ranging from piercing sapphire blues to vibrant emerald greens. Elven features are delicately chiseled, and their long, flowing hair often takes on shades of platinum blonde, silver, or raven black, sometimes accented with subtle highlights of ethereal hues.

They dress in elaborate and meticulously crafted garments, adorned with intricate embroidery, fine silks, and precious gemstones. High Elves favor regal colors such as royal blues, deep purples, and shimmering whites, reflecting their noble status and magical prowess. They are the core of Elven arcane society, and Arandor's leadership has historically been selected from among their ranks. They command Arandor's armies and society with unparalleled strategic acumen. Those who take on the role of warrior, are nearly unmatched in their martial prowess. They make up the majority of Arandor's Mages , Clerics, and Knights.

Hill Elves:

Hill Elves are renowned for their exceptional skills as artisans, enchanters, and miners. While not possessing the same natural affinity for earth and tunnels as Dwarves, they are considered a close second. Hill Elves often exhibit a sturdy and muscular build, reflecting their dedication to their chosen crafts and showcasing a solid and robust physique.

Hill Elves' appearances feature warm-toned skin that ranges from light tan to deep bronze. Their eyes are vibrant and expressive, mirroring shades of earthy browns, rich ambers, or striking hazels. Their hair is usually thick and wavy, with colors varying from chestnut brown to reddish hues, echoing the colors of the hills and mountains they inhabit.

In terms of attire, Hill Elves favor practical and functional clothing suited to their artisanal pursuits. They often don garments in earthy tones such as browns, grays, and greens, incorporating elements of rugged leather, durable fabrics, and practical pockets. Hill Elves who venture beyond their artisan roles tend to favor professions such as scouts or skirmishers, utilizing their keen senses and agility to navigate challenging terrains and protect their communities. A rare few take on roles as warriors who use their more solid and robust physique to wade through battle lines.

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