The Ljosalfar
Elves (sing. Elf, adj. Elven)
The elves are fae of light, fertility, and healing. They serve as guardians of forests, waters, and all places on the surfaces of the earth. As creatures of radiance, elves prefer places touched by the sun and are unhappy underground away from the sky, moon, and stars. Their name for themselves is ljosalfar (lee-ohss-al-far, hidden beings of light)
Personality: The elves are generally pleasant in nature, with a capricious, inner joy that shines in their faces. They are naturally curious creatures, but for all their good natures, elves can have very bad tempers if treated poorly. This race of fae wields two fearsome weapons, the elf shot (ylfagescot) and the elf burn (alfabrun), which can cause fatal illness in those stricken. Elves take offense quickly and can strike out in anger before they rationally think of the consequences. Often, they later regret their hastier thoughts and deeds.
Physical Appearance: These fae are fair and beautiful. Hair color tends to be silver, gold, or light auburn. Eyes are often blue, gray, or green. Physically elves tend towards being tall and slender, with slight points to ears and almond-shaped eyes. They live for many hundreds of years, barring death in battle.
Relations with Others: Elves are respectful of sidhe, maintain a love-hate with the dwarves, and show cautious goodwill towards humans. They despise orcs and half-orcs and are particularly fond of halflings and gnomes.
Society: Elves live in loosely banded communities, usually in primeval forests or near the sea. Their government is quite laissez-faire and each individual is in essence responsible for his or her own actions (and whatever rewards or penalties follow). Each band has its own de facto ruler, but this person seldom takes a title such as king or queen; more often, they are simply called Lord or Lady So and So. Children grow swiftly and have a great deal of freedom, though ultimate responsibility for the child’s well-being rests with his or her parents. There is strong equality between elven males and females.
Lands: Small communities at the junctions of rivers, in deep forests, or near the sea.
Religion: They hold dear two types of beings: the Vanir and the spirits of nature called the landvettir, or Land Spirits. There are places in the elven lands where blood may not be spilled, for in these areas do the landvettir dwell. As a general policy, elves don’t discuss their religion with other races, even other fae; it is a personal and private matter.
Language: Elves can and do speak Common and the language of the Sidhe, Gaelic, but they also have their own tongue, Light Alfar (ljosalfaren), which is more nasal and singsong in tone. Bonus languages: High Alfar, Giantish, Common, Cimbri, and Sylvan.
Adventure Concepts: Elves are by nature curious and interested in others. Little if any excuse is needed for them to pack up and roam.
