FROST ELF
Frost elves are known by some as ice elves - both equally applicable if unimaginative terms. Stories link them with wild elves, saying that they diverged from this stock naturally generations ago, adapting in the way that elves do to the environment around them. They evolved both physically and culturally, transforming their bodies to be better at home in the arctic while at the same time modifying how they lived therein. They cleaved to their origins as wild elves, retaining their specialty as hunters, but no longer organizing themselves into packs. Much like their terrain, they became severe and unyielding.
STATISTICS
AGE
Frost elves age as most elven subraces do. They reach maturity at 110 years, middle age at 175 years, venerable age at 350 years, and can live up to four-and-a-half centuries.
APPEARANCE
Following a theme common to all elves, frost elves have naturally attuned to their environment. The spectra of their skin and hair are the fairest of all elves, ranging from snow white to light blue in both. For some unknown reason, however, the full gamut of eye colors are present among them. They are among the very tallest of elves, standing between 6’1” and 6’7” (IQoL 1.0-1.2)
DEMEANOR
Frost elves are among the most serious of their kind. They have an intense drive to not only survive within their glacial habitat but to become the apex predator therein. In this they are very similar to their wild elven cousins, though they stress self-reliance above the immediate group. They are simple, to the point, and short of word, rarely raising their voices. Frost elves approach everything as if it were a hunt, utilizing every skill and advantage they have to bring down their “quarry.” Introversion runs strong in their number; they rarely give up any more than is necessary about themselves.
SOCIETY
Contrary to common elven culture, frost elves are fairly personal individuals who do not seek nor gain special comfort from the community. This doesn’t mean that they are selfish; rather, they think that the best way for them to serve the elven population in their niche is to be as independent as possible given the extremes they deal with every day. Relationships are fluid and up to the individual; some frost elves partner for life while others never choose a mate. The most common unit is the nuclear family, which tends to be at least semi-nomadic, although every family calls several lodges safe havens. Each such lodge can host anywhere from a single family to a dozen or more depending on the time of year.
FAVORED PROFESSION
Warriors are found in great number among frost elves. Frost elves show an innate affinity for magic like others of their kind, though they rarely pick up the path of arcana. Thus, fecunds are the most common mystics, with faith and sorcerers very distant seconds. Both artisans and entertainers hold a special place in frost elven culture, the first for their ability to give others tools to be self-reliant, and the latter for their ability to rekindle spirits in the harshest of times.
ENEMIES
Frost elves have the expected list of racial enemies: half-orcs, orcs, and goblins, with a particularly intense animosity towards frostblood orcs and half-orcs. They are more friendly than most elves with dwarves - specifically, frost dwarves.
RESTRICTIONS
Frost elves do not consume any kind of red meat, but they can eat fish, fowl, nuts and berries.