Elf

The eccentric elves are children of the strange gods of the eastern realm of Indus, known for their turns between vivacity and solemn meditation. Elves value their privacy and traditions, and while they are slow to make friends, at both the personal and national levels, once an outsider is accepted as a comrade, such alliances can last for generations. Elves are generally optimistic and patient, and become very industrious in maintaining their traditions and culture. The Bayari elves thrive in the deepest deserts of western Smykron, forever roaming across burned and parched lands.

Physical Description: Although generally taller than humans, elves possess a graceful, fragile physique that is accentuated by their long, pointed ears. Their eyes are wide and almond-shaped, and filled with large, vibrantly colored pupils. Although diverse, elven hair and skin tend toward rich, dark hues. While elven clothing typically emphasizes bright colors, and those elves that live in cities tend to bedeck themselves in the latest fashion.

Society: Elves are a diverse people divided by castes, which typically define their profession from birth. Movement between castes is generally difficult, and elves rarely question the system. Elves celebrate deep spirituality and have an inborn patience, which makes them well-suited for monastic life or wizardry. Elvish music and dance is well known, and fine artistic pursuits are glorified among elves.

Relations: Elves are prone to dismissing other races, writing them off as rash and impulsive, yet they are excellent judges of character. An elf might not want a dwarf neighbor, but would be the first to acknowledge that dwarf’s skill at smithing. They regard gnomes as strange (and sometimes dangerous) curiosities, and halflings with a measure of pity, for these small folk seem to the elves to be adrift, without a traditional home. Elves are fascinated with humans, as evidenced by the number of half-elves in the world, even if they usually disown such offspring. They regard half-giants with distrust and suspicion.

Alignment and Religion: Elves are emotional and capricious, yet value kindness and beauty. Most elves are chaotic good. Elves worship the gods of Vudra, who extol freedom of worship and spirituality personal experience and self-realization. They generally believe in a cyclical nature of existence, where one’s actions influence their karma and future mortal incarnations.

Adventurers: Many elves embark on adventures out of a desire to explore the world, leaving their secluded jungle realms to reclaim forgotten elven magic or search out lost kingdoms established millennia ago by their forefathers. For those raised among humans, the ephemeral and unfettered life of an adventurer holds natural appeal. Elves are known as inventive and effective warriors, but generally favor classes such as monks or wizards.

Names: Male - Aryan, Bahkim, Devya, Gautam, Ishaan, Kabir, Nikhil, Suraj, Rahul, Rishi, Sanjay, Vidhya; Female - Abhaya, Bhavani, Chandrakala, Durga, Indira, Kalyani, Rageshwari, Shreya, Vrinda