SEA ELF
For most of their history, sea elves, also known as aquatic elves, were among the most isolated of their kind. Their origins are mysterious and they seem content to keep it that way. The two most popular theories are that they were either high elves who took it upon themselves to become stewards of the depths or that they were common wood elves that gradually adjusted to life under the waves. Regardless, they kept to themselves by far and large, their population never growing large even by elven standards, with the majority settling in a single kingdom in the Vilayet Sea in Hyboria. Considering their isolation, it’s ironic that they would have a direct hand in starting one of the most cataclysmic wars in history.
The sea elves of Vilayet had long known the coastal goblins and orcs as enemies but had never been truly challenged by them in combat. This changed when two things happened. The first was great magical plague that swept through the elven population, cutting their already modest numbers down dramatically. The second was when a powerful Orc warlord realized this had happened and sought to capitalize on their weakness, bringing together a horde the likes of which the world had never seen, striking at the coastal communities of their rivals at every opportunity. For the first time, the sea elves had to seek aid from their land-dwelling brethren to the west. High elves answered their call without hesitation and a small legion of surface elves helped their aquatic cousins beat back the horde but this victory made them foolhardy and they pushed further when they should have stopped. The high elves pushed the assault further, seeking to “civilize” the remnants of the horde but this backfired horribly. Not only did they fail and get rebuked, but they also triggered an even more dangerous horde from forming and launching an assault on the west.
There are other aquatic elf races that prefer to reside in fresh water or swamp areas. They share racial information with sea elves, but can be found in rivers, ponds, lakes, swamps, underground caverns, and other bodies of water around the world.
The Sea Elf’s culture varies from region to region, and often village/tribe to village/tribe. Some may have underwater cities, with many the same luxuries as one would find in any land city, and do brisk trade with land folk. Others live in isolation, spurning contact with 'land walkers' entirely, and the darkest of them, often loners, may try to bring harm to any land born that cross their path.
STATISTICS
AGE
Sea elves have a slightly longer lifespan on average than their brethren. They reach maturity at 120 years and are considered middle age by 200. Their golden years begin around 375. Some Sea elves can live for up to five centuries.
APPEARANCE
While sea elves are dead average in terms of elven height (IQoL 0.9 - 1.1), they display more variation than most other subraces in appearance. Their skin tone matches their environment, coming in an array of deep blues, greens, and mixtures thereof. Sometimes, they develop slight patterns on their skin reminiscent of saltwater fish. Their eyes come in shades of green, blue, black, or white, while their hair comes in blue, green, red, black, or white. They also tend to have webbed toes and fingers as well as gills.
DEMEANOR
Sea elves have a tendency towards mistrust of others, particularly land-dwellers, including other elves. This doesn’t rise to the same level as that of dark elves but it is not something easily overlooked. They are very withdrawn and guarded, sometimes aloof, to outsiders, and it takes a great deal of effort and time to earn their trust, let alone their friendship. To many they seem secretive and this is sometimes true. Sea elves disdain loud, sudden sounds and very rarely raise their voice; a sure way to get on their bad side quickly is make unnecessary noise. While at times they are slow to show emotions, they are intensely passionate creatures, whether they are feeling anger, love, hatred, or joy. If harm is done to someone a sea elf considers a true friend or loved one, there is little in the world that can protect the perpetrator.
SOCIETY
Traditionally, sea elves have a simple but effective society, which puts the local community above blood or political faction. The concept of marriage is almost foreign to them and monogamy isn’t far behind. Usually, when it is time to procreate, a small group of close friends/lovers will engage in several impassioned nights of polyamory, agreeing that should any offspring come from the event, all participants will act as parents. This communal sentiment permeates sea elven communities; all are raised together and considered part of one family.
For some aquatic elves, they have adapted to their watery habitat. Their artisans craft tools in special forges that burn a special algae. The fire algae, cultivated in special caves by the elves, burns with a cold fire when mixed with certain seaweeds, and is entirely inert outside of water.
For others, certain seaweed can be worked to produce a kind of paper, paired with quid ink, they have been able to produce scrolls that can withstand water.
Aquatic farmers cultivate underwater flora and fauna, as well as keep special dome-like 'corrals' of fish, crustaceans, and other sea creatures.
FAVORED PROFESSION
Fecunds are by far the most common profession found amongst sea elves, followed closely by faith mystic. Artisans can also be found within their ranks, although the type of items crafted are generally for use in the water.
ENEMIES
Sea elves have a cultural aggression towards Goblins and Orcs.
RESTRICTIONS/ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Sea elves must live in or adjacent to water and must roleplay the inability to survive for extended periods of time on dry land.
Sea elves diet do not eat meat, fowl, or fish and are restricted to plants, nuts, and berries.
Sea elves can survive for 10-12 hours (IRL time) out of water before they begin to suffocate. The suffocation process begins at 10 hours, and by the 12th hour death will occur.