The concept of “elf” across Altera, as one of the great mythological races, is one of the better documented myth groupings. It is frustratingly however, also one of the more contradictory. As with all mythological groups, elves seem to have limited affinity for shapeshifting which may account for some of the conflicts however, we must use care that this does not become a catch-all excuse when something does not fit an established theory. There does seem to be a ruling class of elf who maintained loyalty of the subservient species, but it is unclear if this was through some sort of magical binding, social structure convention, or other means of control. What is clear though, is that for a race not known for their physical bearing, the hierarchy did seem to be based on stature. Or given their shape shifting nature, perhaps their stature was a result of their social standing?
Every time that the creatures called elf come up in a mythology, they seem to break down into two distinct roles. The ruling class of elf are the epitome of grace and courtly etiquette holding titles such as Lord, Lady, King, or Queen. These are the first and only race to use the concept of such ranked social strata. As such, we scholars must ask ourselves, did we as humanity learn this concept from the elves or is their mythological social structure simply a reflection of our own cultures? Beneath the nobility of the “High Elves” is a significantly more varied sub-grouping. These “lesser elves” tended to be smaller in stature, with some legends claiming they were no larger in size than an acorn. It was said that not only could they change their size to temporarily interact with the human world but could affect a similar change on humans, allowing them access to a hidden miniaturized world that was otherwise undetected.
Adding to the complication of elf classification is a wholly separate grouping that represented both “High Elf” and “Lesser Elf” within each region. Here we see three distinct types of elf cultures however, they still maintained the same general social structure. “Woodland” or “Forest” Elves seem to have homes anywhere a copse of trees could be found and in the denser forests of what is now Calakmel. “Cave” elves or “Dark” elves were found in mines, caves, and the dark places of the world. Finally, there seems to be a third grouping of elf we currently call “City” elf or “Home” elves. Each one seems to have had unique social qualities based on their chosen dwelling, but still maintained the general social structure based on height of all things.
Physically speaking, all creatures that I categorize as “elf” have pointed ears to some degree. This can vary wildly from the mythical Sidhe of Altera who were said to have elegant and slightly pointed ears to the comically long ears of Larana’s Kobolds. Examples of the different elf species are listed below for further study.
- Altera: Sidhe
- Calakmel: Aluxes (Aluxob is the plural), Dimmea
- Larana: Kobolds
- Mathuradu: Ribhus
- Moragon: Domorvoy
Restricted Attribute: Brutality
Difficult Attribute: Resilience
Elven Character Modifications
Upon purchasing each racial tier, the player must choose one Behavioral or Makeup modification for their character. You may not choose additional modifications beyond your racial tier.
Behavior
- Never accept a gift without returning a gift of equal value within 24 hours
- Never offer an apology
- Provide at least 5 minutes of artistic critique (positive or negative) regarding clothing, craft, or building directly to the owner once a day.
- Never use mental magical effects
- Never strike animals of the wild unless attacked first
Makeup
- Must wear “ear tip” prosthetic of any type
- Cheek highlights of soft browns, greens, yellows, or charcoal
- Eye highlights of soft browns, greens, yellows, or charcoal
Cost Summary
| Tier | Pre-Reqs | XP | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50XP | 8 | Resist Disease or Resist Poison |
| 2 | 100XP | 8 | Building Conceal or Nature Conceal |
| 3 | 150XP | 8 | Natural Repair or Side Step |
| 4 | 200XP | 8 | Calm Animal or Haste |
| 5 | 250XP | 8 | Break or Concealed Walk |
| 6 | 300XP | 8 | Legerdemain or Dominate |
Elven Racial Powers
Resist Disease
Once per day the character may resist a single Disease effect. This resist takes no activation time to prepare. This does not protect against Contagion or other potentially unique diseases.
OR
Resist Poison
Once per day the character resist a single Poison effect. This resist takes no activation time to prepare.
Building Conceal
Once per day the character may use homes, shops, and any other type of constructed dwelling to conceal themselves. This is an instant effect. Concealed characters must keep hands steepled over their heads while concealed. Concealed characters may not move from that location or use any other skills without ending the conceal effect. This must be called as “Elf – Natural Conceal”.
OR
Nature Conceal
Once per day the character may use dense shrubs or trees to conceal themselves. Shrubs must be larger than the character’s full silhouette, trees must be large enough that the player cannot fully encircle it with their hands. This is an instant effect. Concealed characters must keep hands steepled over their heads while concealed. Concealed characters may not move from that location or use any other skills without ending the conceal effect. This must be called as “Elf – Natural Conceal”.
Natural Repair
Once per day the character may instantly repair a broken item. This is called as “Elf Natural Repair”.
OR
Side Step
Character may twice per day Dodge combat ability. This expressly breaks the normal limit on defensive combat abilities. This must be called as “Elf – Dodge”.
Calm Animal
Once per day use of the Calm Animal ability to affect up to 5 animals. This is called as “Elf – Natural Calm Animal”.
OR
Haste
Once per day use of the Haste effect. This is called as “Elf – Haste”.
Break
Character may once per combat use a Break effect. This may be used either by packet or weapon strike called as “Elf – Natural Break [Item]”.
OR
Concealed Walk
Once a character is concealed by any source they may take up to 5 steps at a time so long as where they stop moving also meets the requirements of their specific conceal effect.
Legerdemain
Character may, once per day, retrieve all objects from trapped location (such as boxed, bagged, or other difficult location) without triggering any traps or magic wards. Must be done bare handed. They do suffer effects of any contact poisons on the item if applicable. They must be within arms reach of the container to use. This is called as “Elf – Legerdemain”.
OR
Dominate
Character may, once per day, use a Dominate effect as a point effect or a packet effect. This is called as “Elf Dominate [Command]”.
Inspiration Images
[pin_board url=”https://www.pinterest.com/Alteraawakens/elf-racial-ideas/” size=”custom” image_width=”100″ board_width=”100%” board_height=”300″]