As one of the distinctive races in Carseld, the elves (or Laeclans) live in the land of Laecla on the other side of an enchanted forest that serves as a barrier. Their capital city is on the large river that runs through their land, (no name for it yet...searching) made of white stone that is common in Laecla. (pronounced lake-LUH) The city is half on one bank, half on the other, with bridges joining the two sides. Style is similar to that in this picture: (i.e. tall, hard, cold and proud) kind of like the elven people themselves. They love plants, and ivy covers a lot of the city.
The elves have about as much diversity as humans do, with the exception that none of them have brown hair. Hair colors include blond, white/silver, red and black. Skin colors range widely. Example: Elves have enhanced agility, heightened senses, etc. but do not get magical gifts like humans do.
Elves are also known for their healing abilities and metalworking skills. Ships are another favorite pastime, as they live on the coast w/ a river also.

Tell me what you think! Would welcome any additions.

Eruwaedhiel

EDIT: The river-city is not the capital city. It is actually farther south near the border, it's called Tulirend. (for now)

EDIT EDIT: (lol) Ok, now I have a race called Tulirans, so I obviously can't use that for my city name. Changing it once again . . . *sigh*

I really like it! Very well developed insofar as I can see. I especially like the link with the architecture.

How secluded are they from the outside world? And how does that affect their culture?

What kind of cuisine do they have?

They are very isolated, virtually no humans are allowed in except in special cases. I've been working on their cuisine, but I haven't settled on anything yet.

Tips on cuisine:
First, figure out what plants and animals are native to the area. Then, figure out what their beliefs are relating to plants and animals. For instance, if they believe that it is a sin to kill an animal or something, they will probably end up as veggetarians. Are they against burning or destroying trees? If so, they might not use fire.

Just some ideas.

Some more about the elves:

Typical hairstyle is long to very long, with the hair pulled back from their faces with pieces of leather, then braided down the back. It is also worn loose, in which case there are usually no bangs.

They have a lower pain threshold and less pain tolerance than humans.
(Funny story-I told my mom about that when I first came up with it. She cocked her head and considered it for a moment, then said "We're not happy about that."
She's not schizophrenic, and though she is crazy [thank God for crazy moms who really appreciate us and our weirdness! ] I didn't expect anything like that, so I promptly said,
"What?"
She says: "Yes, I've been talking to Aaron, Earis, and Iri, and they're not happy about that. Especially Earis, since you plan to kill her." lol Anyway...)
This means they will naturally be able to withstand less pain than a human would before breaking down emotionally and/or physically.

Also, at one point in their life, some (or all, I can't decide) elves are given a small silver box containing a very powerful salve. The box at first seems to have no lid, but there is a small white six-pointed star jewel in the center. The elves are also given a twin jewel, only black.
The box can only be opened by bringing the black star next to the white one, and that opens the box kind of like a magnet.


Whaddayathink?

i think it's amazing. And I'm glad that you're giving your elves some weakness (although that sounds rather cruel.)

A lot of times i think people will turn them into demi-gods and it's terribly annoying. I love what you've done with them.

Yeah Mindy, that is really annoying. As soon as I knew I was going to have Elves in my story, I started coming up with ways to make Elves and Humans more equal, with the Humans slightly superior even.

Elves are also a very conflicted people. They have a lot of inner turmoil. Most of the time, at first glance they seem to be perfect, but deep down they all have some sort of fight with themselves, so to speak. Some examples:
Aaron is trying to get over his fear of heights, but anger at Iri (the guy who killed his dragon) is getting in the way. Iri has given in to evil, but his good side is always trying to push its way through. Earis has a secret about who she really is that she won't tell just anyone, and she is needed desperately by her people, but she feels she can't go to them because they'd expect too much of her. Etc, etc.

*Grin* *HIGHFIVE*

it's awesome.

Do they do a lot of trade, etc. Are there any elf pirates? (I'm wondering cause you had mentioned the boats.)

YESH.
lol
I'm not a strange fangirl or anything, but I liked his characters in both of those movies. Er, those six movies :P

Oooo... Elf pirates!

I really like that your elves have a weakness, Lady Eruwaedhiel! It kind of bugs me that elves are always so superior to humans! And the weakness you thought up is really creative, too.

About the pirates . . I honestly don't know. I suppose I could make some . . . lol I don't know what everyone here thinks is so cool about them. Though I can see some possibilities there. . . ditto about Orlando.

Oh, I love it. So creative! You are doing a great job with your elves, although I can sympathize with Earis and Co. about the lower pain tolerance. BTW, are your elves immortal?

This does it, I officially need to restart work on my own cultures. Some of them seem invincible, and that needs to change.

No, Ciela, they're not. If you'll look here, I explain it. Sorry for the late answer.

It's not that low, Inesdar. And that's an interesting implication about the sense of touch. I'll consider that. More later.

Stronger shields!? lol

Actually that might work, they could have expert smithies. They could have long arms so they could slice apart their opponent before the opponent could reach them!