Most people know how Elves look like: tall and lean, pointy ears, preferably long hair and with beautiful features... some even radiating a beauty out of this world. It is said that the Elves were the first sentient beings to walk this world, which explains their wisdom and calm nature, as well as their deep love for everything living. As such, they manifest an often odd gentleness with the creatures of the world. They are usually slow to anger, but if roused, few can stand in their way. Because of their deep bond with nature, they are unparalled spellcasters as far as the Magic of Nature is concerned and have also mastered some of the areas connected with that. 

They are immune to sleep, drifting in a state that many describe as daydreaming, remaining alert at all that surround them but resting their minds, which cures them of tiredness. Elves do not know old age as other sentient beings of the realm. They just grow wiser in the ways of the world. Their lifespans reach centuries and they are not likely to die of old age. In a way, they are immortal, though they can be killed by spells and weapons. Their long lives make them take a different view on things, sometimes taking ages to make up their minds to act one way or another, though they can also be resolute and act swiftly when needed. What they perceive as need in the greater scheme of things might however not coincide with the needs of other races that have been blessed with a shorter life and less worries about the fate of the world.

Many Elves become Rangers or Druids, dedicated to the protection of nature, or talented Healers. As far as weapons are concerned, they have a preference for bows of all sorts and generally weapons that require quickness and dexterity rather then strength. In melee, they usually use long slender blades. Ancient Elven empired had troups of so called Blade Dancers, wielding two deadly blades in combat, that they used in stunningly fast attacks. Still many others dedicate themselves to crafts and arts. Some of the innate enchantment of their race passes on to everything they create, be it songs, weapons, sculptures or musical instruments - they are all forged with love.

The so called High Elves have built true cities in deep forests, bending the growth of trees to their will and have forged kingdoms and empired throughout the ages. They have a rather rigid society, with a hierarchy of leaders and formal schools and its members dedicated to the prosperity of their nation. The Wild Elves prefer small communities and the pursuit of individual goals rather than the forging of empires. They are more likely to take to becoming Bards and Rangers and are more prone to wanderlust. If you encounter Elves in cities of other races, they are more likely to be Wild Elves gone adventuring or following a plan of their own, than one of the haughtier and more separatist High Elves. A race apart are the Drow or Dark Elves, delves of caves and labyrinths underground. 

Throughout the ages, Elves have mixed with various other races, human or non-human. A feature all of their offspring inherit is prolonged life and a certain native talent for magic, as well as a grace apart. These crossbreads are usually interesting individuals, though they are often looked down upon by pure blood High Elves, who consider their blood tainted. Apart from that, they may inherit a variety of features or skills from their Elven parent, creating interesting and sometimes contradictory mixes with the other half of their inheritance. It is thus easy for them to be caught between two worlds, not belonging completely to any... or to carve out a special place for themselves, making used of combined talents, depending on the individual.