Elves of Flanaess | Calenor, - Traits

This is 'TGL Lore' NOT Greyhawk Canon!

Note from Oronir:

I’ve always felt that Greyhawk carries a distinctly Tolkienesque essence. However, it stands apart with its deeply involved gods and entities, its array of peculiar monsters, and its abundance of priests and magic users. That said, the elves of Greyhawk often feel too much like typical D&D elves, missing the timeless and otherworldly qualities that Tolkien envisioned. All too often, elves are played as humans with low-light vision, which makes me question—why bother? Elves should feel like a distinct species, not just humans with a few extra traits. To address this, I’ll be creating a series of articles exploring the elves of Greyhawk as I imagine them. Take from these ideas whatever inspires you!

Grey skinned elf

This is the second installment in my Elves of Calenor series. One of my players recently asked about elven age, appearance, and emotions, which inspired me to write this article exploring how I envision these aspects in my Greyhawk. I may expand on this list based on questions from readers or my players, but for now, this serves as a solid foundation.

Age - Length:

Becoming physically mature by the age of 25 and emotionally mature at around 125, they are also famously long-lived, capable of living 350 years or close to half a millennium and remaining physically youthful. Some rare individuals have become 1000 years however.

Age - personality:

Longevity gives them a broad perspective on events that might trouble the shorter-lived races more deeply. They are more often amused than excited, and more likely to be curious than greedy. They are slow to make friends and enemies, and even slower to forget them. Their extended life span allows elves to take the long view in nearly every endeavour. Elves rarely hurry, preferring to take the time to contemplate an action and its potential consequences before committing to it.

Physical:

Possessing an innate unearthly grace and fine features, they appear hauntingly beautiful to many humans and members of many other cultures. They are generally slightly shorter and are more slender than humans, weighing only 50 to 70 kg. Males and females are about the same height, and males are only marginally heavier than females.

They have no facial hair, little body hair and their skin colour can range from pale to brown and in the case of having Flan blood in one's heritage could be dark brown. Even though their bodies grow weaker, they enjoy good health and physical beauty until the moment of death.

All elves have point tipped ears and beautiful and unique hazel eyes (blend of brown, green and gold).

Self-sufficiency:

More than any other trait, an inherent respect for individualism shapes an elf’s behaviour. Elves strive for both self-sufficiency and harmony with the land, fostering an attitude that assumes others are equally capable of caring for themselves unless visibly ill or injured. This perspective can make elves seem aloof, indifferent, or even unhelpful to other cultures.

In reality, elves are no less compassionate or willing to assist those in need than others. However, their deep respect for personal boundaries often keeps them from offering unsolicited aid, particularly to those who appear capable of handling their own affairs and have not explicitly asked for help.

Expression of emotion:

Elves view the free expression of sorrow and joy as both a personal right and a societal cornerstone. To them, emotions are meant to be shared openly, without judgment or stigma. Laughing or crying in public is seen as natural, and an elf who evokes such emotions in others through story or song is celebrated. However, elves who spend significant time among other races often adapt to cultural norms, learning to temper their emotions in public. They frequently use dry humor to veil profound feelings, maintaining composure while still expressing themselves subtly.

A unique aspect of elven existence is their innate ability to share experiences, emotions, and lives with those they love implicitly. This deeply personal connection, known as communion, can only occur between elves who hold no reservations or doubts about one another. For communion to succeed, the participants must achieve complete serenity, focusing wholly on the other and shedding all judgments or prejudices. This preparation can be lengthy, sometimes taking a fortnight or more before the bond is formed.

Once in communion, the elves share a profound connection, allowing them to sense one another’s heightened emotions or stress across great distances. At times, their dreams intertwine, feeling vivid and almost real, though the sleeping elves have no control over these visions. (Game system note: Communion does not grant free telepathy.)

This intimate bond reflects the elven emphasis on trust and unity, forming a link that transcends physical boundaries and reinforces the depth of their relationships.

Fascination with Art:

Elves, with their extraordinary lifespans and patience far exceeding that of most other cultures, possess a profound appreciation for intricate art in all its forms. To them, art encompasses music, dance, sculpture, poetry, architecture, painting, and virtually any craft one can imagine. Their deep connection to the natural world is reflected in every creation, as their works often draw inspiration from the beauty of the land around them.

Elves approach art with meticulous care, striving to perfect every detail, no matter how small. This pursuit of excellence is not driven by haste but by a desire to evoke emotion and capture the essence of their subject. Renowned elven artists hold a revered place in elven society, for their creations often stir profound feelings, leaving an indelible impression on those who experience them.

Whether through a haunting melody, an intricate carving, or an awe-inspiring structure, elven art resonates deeply, embodying the harmony between their culture and the natural world they cherish.

Elven Names:

Elves are considered children until they declare themselves adults, which typically happens sometime after their hundredth birthday. Before this period, they are called by child names. Upon declaring adulthood, an elf chooses an adult name, though those who knew them in their youth may continue to use the child name. Each adult name is unique to the individual, though it may be inspired by the names of respected figures or other family members.

There is little distinction between male and female names in elven culture; the names listed here reflect only general tendencies. For elves, the act of choosing an adult name marks a significant milestone in their life, symbolizing both their growth and their connection to the world around them.

Family Life:

Visitors to elven communities are often puzzled by the apparent absence of family life as they might expect it in other cultures. In truth, elves love their families just as deeply as humans or dwarves do; however, they do not feel the need to spend all their time in constant proximity to their relatives. With lifespans that span centuries, elves have ample time to nurture family bonds, but they also value pursuing other interests and connections throughout their long lives.

When an elf is pregnant, she is expected to adjust her activities as needed to ensure the health and safety of both herself and her child. Elven children are rare, making each new life an immensely precious gift to the entire community. It is a shared responsibility—everyone in the community contributes to supporting the expectant mother and caring for the child once it is born. The elven saying "It takes a village to raise a child" is not just a metaphor for them, but a literal and cherished practice.

Religion:

The elves have various rituals, but what you see of religion tends to fit more under the looser label of spirituality. Religion-wise they worship a pantheon rather than a singular deity and their way of worship differs considerably from human ways.

Faegildin:

It translates into common as the 'Spirit Spark'. The Faegildin is within every single elf in the world but in various degrees from barely noticeable to obviously visible. Those elves that are older than 500 years old have become so old because the Faegildin is strong, or grown strong, in them. These elder elves have a special 'aura' around them, sometimes even having some minor physical alterations, and the reason humans call them Grey Elves in awe. The Grugach need a special mention for they are naturally gifted with the Faegildin which can be noticeable as a Fey-like physical element or emotional characteristic.

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It is important to note, however, that while most elves do not differ significantly in physical appearance, their culture is heavily influenced by where they live. The environment in which an elf grows up plays a crucial role in shaping their values, behaviours, and social structures. This cultural variation is explored further in the Elven Heritage chapters.