Post by Samantha on Dec 9, 2013 1:47:34 GMT
IMPORTANT: The elves, and indeed the humans as well, were already in existence when the Elementals took on dragon form 20,000 years ago. However, the Elementals themselves, as Elemental essences, are much older than either race.
This post contains a lot of information found elsewhere in the thread, and will eventually be removed.
***
Here is the current, up-to-date information on the elven race, taken from the old page on Neo. As little has been established in plot so far; this is subject to change. Anyone can suggest a critique, addition or amendment; or suggest a new species of elf pending approval.
~PHYSICAL:"Elf" is a fairly loose term, used to refer to any of the numerous magically endowed species which inhabit the "elven" plane. It is most often used to describe the pointy-eared humanoids, whose magic is varied and who generally look like tall and wiry human beings.
In fact, they may be closer to human beings than to other species of elf. Most elven species can not have children outside of their own variety. But there are a few human/pointy-ear hybrids, indicating some similarities between the two races.
Aside from pointy-ears, the more humanoid elf species include gryphons. Gryphons have noticeably pointed ears, but their muscular build means that they are hard to confuse with the generally more slender pointy-ears. Gryphons also have the somewhat unsettling ability to transform into...well, gryphons. There are at present no gryphon Riders and, in any case, their fiercely protective natures make them hard to cope with. They live in small social groups, like a pride of lions, with a rigid social hierarchy. However, even the lowest ranking individual will consider itself above the leader of a rival group.
Chupacabra (s=chupacabras) are unusual and comparatively rare creatures. They are known for being tricksy and troublesome; associated in human folklore with the killing of goats. In truth, while they do partake in strange and ancient rituals involving the consumption of blood, they are not violent creatures as a rule. They are clever, cunning and troublesome to be sure, but of little danger to other elven races.
Unlike the aforementioned elven species, chupacabra are only humanoid in the way that they stand. They look a little like giant lizards, minus the tail. They are covered in scales and have reptilian faces, and speak a language that is unique to their species.
That said, they have the full capacity to master a wide variety of other languages. They are adaptable creatures, to be sure. However, don't even think of trying to capture one and make it your interpreter, unless you're particularly good at setting traps. They are remarkably fast and agile, and usually won't stay still for long if they feel that they are in any danger.
Chupacabra are the smallest elven species, standing at an average of about 4'5".
~SOCIETY: Most elven species are social creatures, although chupacabra are one exception to this general rule.
Elven "pointy-ear" society, as folklore tends to suggest, teaches the importance and benefits of harmony with nature. In some areas, the population is almost entirely vegetarian. In others, there are individuals who will only eat animals that have already died, and vegetation that has already fallen to the ground. In general, though, the elves eat both meat and vegetation, but do so in moderation so that they don't upset the ecosystem.
Gryphon groups can be likened to a pride of lions, flock of birds or pack of wolves; depending on the location and on the individual group. In any case, a group of gryphons is highly structured, as mentioned above.
Gryphons tend to live on the plains and wild spaces beyond the main elven cities, although there are a few groups who have made their homes within the city limits. They do not always get along well with other elven races, or even other gryphon packs. But, then again, what race isn't prejudiced in some way against strangers?
Mermaids are born from volcanoes, and live in the ocean in adoptive family groups. Some groups, such as that of Aislinn the Water Rider, even live in the waters patrolled by the Elemental Olorzxx. All mermaids are female.
Chupacabra are largely solitary creature, although they may make their homes (if they even choose to have them) within cities, to allow for their favourite pastimes. Some chupacabra have a few select friends whom they associate with on a reasonably regular basis. Others are almost entirely independent.
~LANGUAGE: There are multiple "pointy-ear" elven languages. Although it would be hard for us here on the site to create even one believable vocabulary, some of the names will be noted in case they need to be referenced. If anyone wishes to offer a new language, reply to this thread with your idea and a member of staff with the relevant power will add it to the list.
Kecn: This language is old, and spoken by few. It is probably the hardest for English speakers to learn, because of how different and strange it sounds.
Arenn: The most commonly spoken language. Natives of Karet, Arenn, Heshe, Wauid and Taen learn it as a first language; while those of many other places may learn it alongside their first or as a second language.
STUFF STUFF BLAH BLAH BLAH PLEASE COMMENT GUYS! This stuff has not been adjusted in over a year. xD
This post contains a lot of information found elsewhere in the thread, and will eventually be removed.
***
Here is the current, up-to-date information on the elven race, taken from the old page on Neo. As little has been established in plot so far; this is subject to change. Anyone can suggest a critique, addition or amendment; or suggest a new species of elf pending approval.
~PHYSICAL:"Elf" is a fairly loose term, used to refer to any of the numerous magically endowed species which inhabit the "elven" plane. It is most often used to describe the pointy-eared humanoids, whose magic is varied and who generally look like tall and wiry human beings.
In fact, they may be closer to human beings than to other species of elf. Most elven species can not have children outside of their own variety. But there are a few human/pointy-ear hybrids, indicating some similarities between the two races.
Aside from pointy-ears, the more humanoid elf species include gryphons. Gryphons have noticeably pointed ears, but their muscular build means that they are hard to confuse with the generally more slender pointy-ears. Gryphons also have the somewhat unsettling ability to transform into...well, gryphons. There are at present no gryphon Riders and, in any case, their fiercely protective natures make them hard to cope with. They live in small social groups, like a pride of lions, with a rigid social hierarchy. However, even the lowest ranking individual will consider itself above the leader of a rival group.
Chupacabra (s=chupacabras) are unusual and comparatively rare creatures. They are known for being tricksy and troublesome; associated in human folklore with the killing of goats. In truth, while they do partake in strange and ancient rituals involving the consumption of blood, they are not violent creatures as a rule. They are clever, cunning and troublesome to be sure, but of little danger to other elven races.
Unlike the aforementioned elven species, chupacabra are only humanoid in the way that they stand. They look a little like giant lizards, minus the tail. They are covered in scales and have reptilian faces, and speak a language that is unique to their species.
That said, they have the full capacity to master a wide variety of other languages. They are adaptable creatures, to be sure. However, don't even think of trying to capture one and make it your interpreter, unless you're particularly good at setting traps. They are remarkably fast and agile, and usually won't stay still for long if they feel that they are in any danger.
Chupacabra are the smallest elven species, standing at an average of about 4'5".
~SOCIETY: Most elven species are social creatures, although chupacabra are one exception to this general rule.
Elven "pointy-ear" society, as folklore tends to suggest, teaches the importance and benefits of harmony with nature. In some areas, the population is almost entirely vegetarian. In others, there are individuals who will only eat animals that have already died, and vegetation that has already fallen to the ground. In general, though, the elves eat both meat and vegetation, but do so in moderation so that they don't upset the ecosystem.
Gryphon groups can be likened to a pride of lions, flock of birds or pack of wolves; depending on the location and on the individual group. In any case, a group of gryphons is highly structured, as mentioned above.
Gryphons tend to live on the plains and wild spaces beyond the main elven cities, although there are a few groups who have made their homes within the city limits. They do not always get along well with other elven races, or even other gryphon packs. But, then again, what race isn't prejudiced in some way against strangers?
Mermaids are born from volcanoes, and live in the ocean in adoptive family groups. Some groups, such as that of Aislinn the Water Rider, even live in the waters patrolled by the Elemental Olorzxx. All mermaids are female.
Chupacabra are largely solitary creature, although they may make their homes (if they even choose to have them) within cities, to allow for their favourite pastimes. Some chupacabra have a few select friends whom they associate with on a reasonably regular basis. Others are almost entirely independent.
~LANGUAGE: There are multiple "pointy-ear" elven languages. Although it would be hard for us here on the site to create even one believable vocabulary, some of the names will be noted in case they need to be referenced. If anyone wishes to offer a new language, reply to this thread with your idea and a member of staff with the relevant power will add it to the list.
Kecn: This language is old, and spoken by few. It is probably the hardest for English speakers to learn, because of how different and strange it sounds.
Arenn: The most commonly spoken language. Natives of Karet, Arenn, Heshe, Wauid and Taen learn it as a first language; while those of many other places may learn it alongside their first or as a second language.
STUFF STUFF BLAH BLAH BLAH PLEASE COMMENT GUYS! This stuff has not been adjusted in over a year. xD