Right, being on HW for so long has finally brought me to this. I'm creating a race of elves. But like Lady Eruwaedhiel pointed out, it's hard to find original elves in fantasy stories. But here's my best shot at it. (or on another note, maybe they aren't even elves, maybe they're some sort of sylvan creature). Thoughts? Comments? Criticism?

So far, this race is a wood elf species, known as Felinath until a better name is found. They live in human territories, but they remain unknown to us, thanks to their shapeshifting abilities.
Each elf has a distinct feline shape that they can assume when necessary. The extent of the shapeshift depends on the mental strength of the individual, if they can concentrate hard enough, they can look either completely 'human' or 'feline'. Most of them have a relaxed state, distinctly human/elf, but with feline traits (tail, catlike ears, large eyes, enhanced flexibility and agility, maybe partial fur, but I'm not sure).

As individuals, there is no distinct genetic pattern for features and shape among the elves, other than medium stature (5'6 to 5'10), slender bodies, and intelligent minds. Eye colors can range anywhere from blue to purple to brown. Skin can be pale to dark, and hair can be any natural color. This helps them to blend in to most cultures, instead of forming one themselves. In feline form, they retain their individual traits (eye and skin color). The felines often have a horselike mane running from head to shoulders, and some males may have a lionlike mane instead.

Instead of creating their own culture, many of these elves choose to blend in with others. Among their own kind, they are solitary and loners, it is rare to find more than one of them in the same area. However, they may create strong familial bonds with humans or other elves outside of their species. Individuals mostly have a quiet, impassive personality, but when they're around friends and family, they relax and are friendly and even mischieveous.

By now, you're probably thinking "Wow, Ciela is really a feline nut." Really though, I’m not quite the cat person I appear to be. Just thought I’d clear that up.

What do you think?

And these are elves how? Thus far, other than dwelling in the woods, I see nothing elf-like. They're not even called elves . Not saying that's a problem, I think we all agree that fantasy won't suffer without more elves being thrown into the mix. But what exactly makes you think of the Felinath as elves?

Well, they started out as elves. That's what they originally were.
Then I threw in shapeshifting, and mixed them up with feline abilities, and then made them loners . . . .

Hmm. They went a pretty long way. I can see your point. I'm not sure whether to make them more elvish, or whether to put them in a whole other category altogether.

I don't think you should make them more Elvish, Ciela! They are really unique and interesting the way they are!

And, personally, I like the name Felinath.

I agree with Princess, there's no need to make them more elvish. They're fine just the way they are.

I think it's a pretty cool idea

Don't change them to be more like elves! They are unique and different; I like them better for it.

I like them as they are! Please, don't change them!! And as for them being original, I don't think you'll have any problems with that.

Great! Thanks guys, that helps.

So they're no longer elves, but their non-feline forms are distinctly human/elven/something-like-that.

I do think, however, that Felinath reminds me of the Lone Islands in the Voyage of the Dawn Treader: Felimath, Avrea, and Doorn.

eruheran

Lady Eruwaedhiel pointed that out as well. My pet peeve is finding out that my names are the same or similar to those of other authors; that seems to happen quite a lot with me. Maybe I have a gift for copying people absentmindedly?

But anyway, if anyone has any good name suggestions, I'd like to hear them. Until I find a better name, these are still Felinath.

For the record, I'm changing the name Felinath to Felanai. It sounds unique, and I have another race of creatures called the Canai, who are the same (except they shift into wolf instead of feline forms). So now their names sound similar.

Thoughts?

I like them. And their new name.