...In Index, Races

elves

elves are a race of highly secluded people, though not out of prejudice or hate - more often than not, they hide away just because it's what they're used to. originating from the deep caves in the central part of teres, they have more desaturated skintones and are sensitive to light. the main thing to note is that their eyes tend to reflect light rather harshly, and have the appearance of gemstone-like textures in the iris.

history

to be added

culture

• family structure: elven families are small, often consisting of grandparents, parents, and children. communities tend to be made of 5-7 families, with all of them being close-knit and living in carved out cave-houses.
• languages commonly spoken: elven, which has uncountable dialects. elven names are generally related to nature or time!
• art: elves are cited to be the inventors of metalwork and gemsmithing, which would make sense as they've lived underground longer than anyone else.
• sexuality and gender: to be added
• values: exploration, survival, and creativity are the pillars of elven society.
• religion: elven religion revolves around celestial bodies, such as the moon, the sun, and the stars. one of the core beliefs was that since light comes from an orb high above, darkness comes from an orb down below; these two always face each other and take turns talking, which is how day and night happen. the sun is a confident friend who shows everyone where she is, but the dark is shy and hides where no one can find her, and needs the moon and stars to help her. the moon was badly wounded several centuries ago, with the scar causing strange shapes in the shadows at night...
• traditions: to be added
• death rites: to be added

biology

• notable characteristics: elves tend to be of a more lanky build, but strong musculature due to working with heavy rocks. they have sharp teeth, pointed ears, desaturated earthy skintones, and thin body hair. their eyes are especially worthy of note, having gemstone-like textures that reflect light harshly. however, they do tend to be a little colourblind.
• diet: generally pescitarian; rich foods tend to make elves sick.
• preferred climate: elves traditionally always lived in underground tunnel and cave systems, though usually avoiding the ones that are either very moist or very dry, since both could present hazards such as food spoilage or cave ins. in modern day teres, most elves have moved above ground due to ease of access to community and services in larger settlements, but it's not unheard of for elves to still live in underground towns.
• sex: biological sex in elves is analogous to biological sex in earth humans.
• reproduction: elves reproduce sexually, give viviparous birth, and can mate with humans, beastkin, dwarves, and other elves.

trivia

• most families of elves have the same or similar eye colours, and use slightly luminescent ink made from precious minerals (ones that match their eye colour as close as possible) and glowing mushrooms to tattoo markings on themselves. the most common tattoo is one small circle on the cheek under each eye to give the illusion of a second pair of eyes, in hopes of scaring off predators in the dark.
• there are several ethnic groups within the elven race, such as sea elves, aptly named based on where they live. sea elves have cooler skintones and more fin-like ears, along with a more clearly matriarchal society.

gallery

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