Elves

The earliest history of the Elves state that Andorina is the land given to the Elves by the Lord and Lady. The large land is now home to many types of Elves. While most Elves usually do not travel far from home, they can now be found on every continent, if not as residents, then at least as visitors.
The Kingdom of Andorina consists of the main island, Lolimar, an island to the west and south, Elali, a collection of isles to the south and east, and Alixia, which is a collection of isles to the east and north.
Elves are also found in the lands of Arashnatar, Thalinaar, and Salinost. These countries are found on a continent to the west of the Andorina Kingdom, across the Talthanna ocean.
Elves tend to average just over five feet tall and weigh about 80 to 100 pounds. This gives them almost a childlike, waifish appearance when compared to other races of the same height. While the coloring of Elves vary greatly, each branch of Elvish people tend to have coloring that allows them to blend into their surroundings. Most Elves have a pale, almost translucent skin with high, prominent cheekbones and almond shaped eyes.
All Elves are protectors and have a special link to their land. Because of this link, they tend to know when the land and its people are out of balance. Each branch of Elves protect the land in their own way. Grey Elves are noble warriors. High Elves teach others to respect the land. Wood Elves protect the forests from dangerous intruders. Aquatic Elves patrol the waters to keep them safe. Desert Elves are fiercely protective of their lands as they are dependent upon it for their survival. Even Dark Elves defend the territory of conquered by their people as it is vital to their continued existence.
Elves have a very low birth rate. Because of this, the birth of a child is a blessing and a reason to celebrate. Gifts are given to the mother and the family helps the new family to adjust by providing food and assistance for at least one month. Elves trace their heritage through the birthing mother. This is true even if the child is accepted by another family. Adoption is a foreign concept to most Elves. If a child needs a home, one is found. The concept of not taking care of your people is not understood by Elves.
The genealogy of an Elf is reflected in his name. The first name is that given to the Elf at birth. The second name depends on the order of the child's birth. The first child born to the family receives the last name of the father followed by the last name of the mother. If there is a second or more children, the reverse is true. For instance, Daerlana was the name chosen for the new Elf's onoma, or birth name. Her mother's last name is Greentree, her father's Silverwind. If she is firstborn, her dhamanu, or family name, will be Silverwind- Greentree. This is so the mother's name will be passed on to her firstborn, as is the right of the gift of giban, or life-giver. If she was secondborn, her dhamanu would be Greentree-Silverwind.
When the child comes of age, she may choose to take her own name. She may choose this name, or it may be given to her. If Daerlana is an accomplished potter, when she completes her masterpieces, she may be given the name of Shangralen, meaning shaper of earth. Her name would then become Daerlana Silverwind-Greentree Shangralen, but only Greentree would be given to her first born.
Because of their slow metabolisms, Elven women have a difficult time conceiving children. Elven couples usually have no more than two children. Three children are considered a blessing. Elves very rarely have multiple births without outside help such as a deity blessing or drugs.
Because of this low birth rate, life is very precious. There is no punishment by death according to Elvish law. The most severe punishment is banishment, followed by lifetime slavery. Banishment includes a branding, so that it is plain to all that this person is not to receive hospitality. The Elf is then sold as a slave far from the area of their home.
Abortion is a horrifying concept to most elves, worse than murder. From the Elvish point of view, at least the adult had a chance at life, while the unborn will never have that chance and is that much further from Komain Cunae. Even children conceived of a rape are considered a blessing, a comforting gift for enduring a difficult time.
Most Elves settle down around the age of 200. While Grey Elves do not traditionally travel outside of Elven lands, some do take to adventuring throughout the Andorina Kingdoms. If they have not settled down before 200, they generally do at this time, feeling the call of family and kin. Many Elves start their families around age 150. Raising a family is a serious and joyous event. Children are rare for these long lived folk and greatly treasured when they are born. If both parents are living, they take an active role in the raising of the child. They receive much assistance from the grandparents, aunts and uncles, and other relatives.
Elven couples will mate for life. Most Elves develop a form of minor telepathy or empathy for their mate. This talent may also extend to members of the family, depending on the individual's ability, but not to the degree of communication that they have with their mate. While they are not able to exchange exact thoughts, they are able to sense their presence or lack of it. Some Elves will be able to sense an undercurrent of emotion or even images, which can be used as a form of limited communication.
Homosexuality is widely accepted among the Elves due to the limited form of empathy. While it does not occur frequently, when it does, it is accepted. Attraction and strong emotions are difficult to hide from your mate when he can sense your emotions. Likewise, the lack of attraction is difficult to hide also. As a result, very few Elves marry someone completely incompatible for them. While some marriages are still arranged, if the two are completely incompatible, they are not forced to marry.
Religion is very real to Elves. Of all the races on Gaea, they are closest to their deities. Each family usually has a healer, a medicine specialist that uses magical and non-magical means to heal. They are trained in herbals, anatomy, surgery, and healing spells. They usually have two apprentices; low level priests or priestess that will do simple spells or apply medicines. Apprentices spend quite a bit of time gathering herbs and components and learning spell theory.
Priests and Priestesses are marked as acolytes with the Mark of the Lady on the upper left arm and the Mark of the Lord on the upper right arm. Upon becoming a High Priest or Priestess, a crescent moon, a silver tattoo, appears on the forehead. Very rarely, a child is born with the mark of the crescent moon. Unless prevented somehow, this child will become a High Priest or Priestess.
A High Priest or Priestess is chosen by the Lord and Lady. With the passing of the previous High Priest or Priestess, a ceremony is held during the next full moon phase of Luna. It is a three day ceremony of all priests and priestesses, fasting in solitary meditation. By the end of the three day ceremony, the new High Priest or Priestess is 'marked' with silver hair and a crescent moon.
Elves live extremely long lives, compared to other races. Barring accidents, an Elf may live up to 1200 years, although it is rare. The average Elf feels the call of Komain Cunae long before the century mark. Komain Cunae is an ideal world with areas suited for each type of Elf, where they can live and interact peaceably. While similar to the Human concept of 'Heaven', an Elf may not die to journey there. Most Elves are met by an Avatar or other Elf that directs them on the journey to Komain Cunae.
This long life gives them a different attitude towards the other races. Elves consider themselves the first race created and tend to be exclusive of other races. Of all the Elves, only High Elves socialize with other races on a regular basis.

Common Blessings of the High Elf:
May the Lord and Lady light your path.
May you have many children.