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Feign Child

PostPosted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 1:46 pm


BoredTears
ame:Elf(Elves, Elven race[classic high elves])
Detailed Description: Tall lithe race, with a slender build, and muscles which mostly appear indistinct. The average hight is 6 feet 6 inches(198cm), though most are closer to 6 feet (183cm), with a portion of the population able to reach as much as 7 feet 8 inches(233cm). Their lithe build leave them with narrow shoulders, usually under 2 feet(61cm) wide even in the tallest of individuals.
Elven bones appear slim to most any racial standards, though its more to the structure of the bones, being more curved and having slim joints. The width of an elf's bones may be properly seen in their hands, which are larger then then the apparent bone structure would suggest. Also typical of elven hands are digits which are usually a third longer then the palm, and their thumbs are longer then most racial proportions. Similar to their hands, elven toes are slightly longer then usual.
Elven skin appears almost white at first glance, though in truth their skin has a reflective pigment thus taking on the colors of the light in the area.
The distinctive pointed ears of elves are actually a sign of age, with young elves having human sized ears with little more point to them then human. The older the elf becomes the longer their ears, as the ears never truly stop growing. Typically a hundred year old elf has ears which are 3 inches(7.6cm) long.
While elves have similar builds for both male and female even so far as the curve in at the waist. Their faces are distinct to their gender with only rare androgyny, with male elves having sharp lines which contrast with their curved bodies.(I would describe elves more but this may be to much as it is)

History of Origin: Elves believe that they share an origin with humans, though they believe that humans developed though mundane means similar to animals, where as they developed though magical and divine means.
Historically elves appeared before other races, though they did not develop culturally until interaction with the other races.
The other races tend to think that elves are physical embodiments of magic given a humanoid form due to magic taking on a form similar to those who use it. Though some have much more demonic interpretations of how elves are formed from magic.

Specialties: Elves have excellent eyesight, especially at distance, and their eyes work almost as well as dwarves in low light. Hearing and touch are also more acute then in other races, all of this is due to elves living in forested areas, where they needed to see as much as possible while being able to hear anything approaching them, and they needed to be able to tell wind direction, so as to keep themselves down wind of targets.
Elves are very fast(running up to 60mph/96kph), and though not usually stronger then other races they do possess a sort of explosive strength related to their speed, allowing them to preform acts of great strength if only for moments. This speed is from their need to reliably run down prey animals, or run from predators, as it is rare for them to rely on the strength of a group.
Its common for elves to have a faster recovery rate then other races, as well as an ability to regenerate much larger wounds without scaring, including an ability to regenerate limbs and damaged organs. It is even possible for small wounds to merely close up in minutes, though they will reopen with trauma.
Elves also have a large number of magical abilities, mostly coming from the single ability to easily absorb magic. These abilities typically need to be developed to be of use. The reason for their having this is that Elves being mostly solitary require more power then races who work in groups, and the ability to absorb magic makes magical use much more natural, as well as the ability to absorb magic allows elves an advantage against some creatures who use it.
The most common ability Elves gain from their absorption able to feel magic which can give them a clairvoyance almost like dwarves, this gives the a basic feel for their surroundings and allows them to sense anything magical or things which disturb magic. This ability is singularly common in that they use it to track where most animals use sent, as well as the use it has in the large forests of which elves originate, where the ability makes it much easier to move from tree to tree.

Combat: Elves tend to come into combat with other races more then anything, as even modest well mannered elves are subject the the stereotype that they are all haughty and believe themselves to be better then others, as well as a distrust or outright hatred for the magic that the race seems to embody.
They are also persicuted by large groups who distrust them or magic in general, leading them to be attacked and raided by such groups.
Lastly, though relatively few elves seek to become mercenariness, they are highly prized as scouts and thus highly sought after.
When fighting elves prefer small blades or ranged weapons that take advantage of their speed, though some use larger weapons and attempt to make use of their explosive strength. Mostly elves fight with many rapid slashing movements, as well as thrusts toward vitals, all the while focusing on dodging attacks.

Alignment tendencies: Elves vary more greatly the most races, though they tend to be individualistic, and generally seek to make the world a better place. Mostly they try to treat others fairly, and have good empathy, though it isn't rare for elves to be self centered and ignore what is good for society and other people in general, nor is it rare for elves seeking to change the world to believe quite strongly that the ends justify the means.
Though it is almost universal in elves to support nature and the environment, considering nature the most important thing to maintain for the improvement of the future.
Lastly elves tend to fall into two groups, the dedicated, and the wanderers. Dedicated elves have found something to devote themselves to, and will likely keep with it for centuries, leading their lives to be fairly structured. As where wanderers tend to be more indecisive, rarely keeping with something for long, and often not even keeping a daily schedule as simple as being awake during the day and sleeping at night.

Climate and Terrain: For terrain Elves are best suited to jungles, forests, marshlands, rocky areas, and other places that are seen as harsh, though they also enjoy plains and coastal regions as much as humans.
For climate elves take to temperate areas, preferring wet places.

Family/Organizational Structure: Elves usually live alone, even when in committed relationships, though they will live with others in cities, they do not typically live with family.
Elves do live together when raising young children,(elves under 15 years of age) to the point where there may be four adults per child. Elves tend to live on their own from the age of 15 and up, even though this would be like an 8 year old human living on their own, however both parents as well as a number of other elves will be living in the same area taking care of them. At age 23 elves tend to get some independence, though they will still be taken care of by friends and family. At 30 an Elf is seen as an adult, and they usually leave home immediately.
Most elves do not feel a family bond with siblings, as they are usually born 50 or more years apart, though twins and siblings who are born within a few years of one another are usually very close.
Lastly elves tend to think little of family bonds, and are far more concerned with friends then family.





I promise that the next time I get on I'll post my thoughts and suggestions on this race. Thank you for being so productive in this section! <3
PostPosted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 12:31 am


*Hmmm* Well... I would say that, paradoxically, there is very little to say here. BoredTears has done quite a good review of classical elves and added a thing or two, like the ear growth detail that could be kept if we want the world to have a "flavor of it's own" (even if I, personally, disagree or dislike, which is not of relevance here as this is not my universe).

However, there are certain things I would be wary of:

1) Be carefull with what respect to heights. Having told creatures is nice, but you have to be mindfull that size DOES matters in affairs of dexterity and, more importantly, of proportion. One might think that 233cm is simply "tall", but before giving such a limit, I would suggest to check out picture of people of such height in real life by the side of normal people. One of the tallest men alive measures about 249cm, and if you see the pictures of him, the man is technically "an small giant" already, who is TWO times a regular TALL man. So unless you want to have a "Na'VĂ­-like" elf going around, you should be very carefull about statures. Another way to approach this subject is that ALL creatures on this world are TALL on themselves, with regular humans having higher average statures that their earthling counterparts. This could due having a world with more satellites, which lessen a lot the gravity pull on organisms (many scientists believe now that what made dinosaurs big in the past was the presence of a possible second moon on our planet). Of course, there is nothing bad with keeping such a tall elf around, but I consider is something to be treated with care and consideration before made canonical.

2) To have your elven people having a high regeneration ratio sounds fine, as you would expect that of someone attuned finely to the natural world. However, in my humble opinion, granting them the ability to regenerate wounds in MINUTES and lost limbs is dangerous at best in affairs of game balance. (Just think of it: Aren't stuff like that the first thing players pick up when deciding for a race to play with?) It is of particular importance if you want to take a more in-deep (I would use the term "realistic", but it does not apply here) take into the race details. Having a humanoid race that regenerates lost limbs like a lizard (in matter of several days or months) or like a namek from DBZ (in mere minutes or seconds) means a whole world of differences at biological level (what would, somehow, demand for an explanation as to how a being with a completely different evolutionary stem developed into something very similar to a human in appearance). If handled properly, this can grant properly elves with a very distinct flavor of their own for this world and can open the path for very interesting origin stories, be them from mythological standpoint or evolutionary standpoint. Then again, my advice it to treat abilities such as this one with much care.

3) Well, elves are almost universaly magic attuned-beings. However, I think it is necesary to point that is RISKY at this point to make "magic-based" features/abilities for the races at this point as we still have to define WHAT magic IS in this world. Saying something like "they can channel magic" implies magic is some sort of "energy" in which case it would alter heavily many concepts, such of it being an ART or a METHOD properly used by a conjurer, spellcaster, etc. Additionally, if you have elves already comming as a sort of D&D sorcerer, you are either taking away the class or making it redundant or a sort of "consolation prize" for the other races that aren't as gifted (granted you are going to use a D&D-like class sytem for characters). I think this concept should be disscussed a lot before made canonical. My humble opinion.

Diana Yantra


BoredTears

PostPosted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 2:02 am


About the hight, I know how tall I made them, but the 223cm was for the tallest individuals, pretty rare, just a possible hight for them to reach.

I was figuring that it would end up rewritten with more detail later on, all of the races I have posted are actually what I would consider rough drafts.

The wound regeneration isn't meant to be as fast as it seems to come off. The basic idea is that if an elf gets a small cut, the cut will seal within a few minutes and stop all bleeding, if you were to poke the cut it would reopen, it isn't necessarily healed for days, it just doesn't cause quite as much of a problem.

As for the limb regeneration it was more the idea that they can do it, then it happens with speed. I would figure an arm cut off at the shoulder to be back to with luck in about 6 months.

For the magic thing, I just about ripped that out of what I have written about elves in other settings, it could change and I wouldn't mind much, but that is indicative of the kind of magic I tend to work with.
PostPosted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 7:55 pm


BoredTears
About the hight, I know how tall I made them, but the 223cm was for the tallest individuals, pretty rare, just a possible hight for them to reach.

I was figuring that it would end up rewritten with more detail later on, all of the races I have posted are actually what I would consider rough drafts.

The wound regeneration isn't meant to be as fast as it seems to come off. The basic idea is that if an elf gets a small cut, the cut will seal within a few minutes and stop all bleeding, if you were to poke the cut it would reopen, it isn't necessarily healed for days, it just doesn't cause quite as much of a problem.

As for the limb regeneration it was more the idea that they can do it, then it happens with speed. I would figure an arm cut off at the shoulder to be back to with luck in about 6 months.

For the magic thing, I just about ripped that out of what I have written about elves in other settings, it could change and I wouldn't mind much, but that is indicative of the kind of magic I tend to work with.


Well enough. I am here merely pointing out at things that I considered relevant to highlight and bring into the attention of our main manager of sorts, as I consider that I have my bit of experience in world/universe design after working for GameZone for some years. I am well aware I am not being paid to do this, and this is just an excersize of creativity, but I like approaching to things like this, even when just a hobby, from a proffesional perspective, but that's me. No ill will here towards anyone, I am simply here to assist Feign Child on request of her whenever I consider I can be usefull, even if just a bit. I am sorry if what I say or point out sounds attacking, harsh, or anything of the kind: I never meant to. Feel free to pay me no mind if such makes you more comfortable or helps you being more productive.

PD1: I did liked very much how you have summed up the details for the 3 races that have been presented so far. Detailed yet consize, I like it. Alas, my personal likings are of little relevance here. I am also quite aware this ARE drafts, that's why I am pointing out the things I consider that COULD BE (notice I stress "could be", as in not necesarily the case) troublesome in the future. Once things are made canon for this particular world, my job is done, as I am merely a contributor pretty much like you.

PD2: I excuse myself if I keep making embarrasing grammatic or orthographical mistakes. English is not my native tongue. I apologize in advance.

PD3: I brought into particular concern the stuff about height after watching the pictures of tall people, and how they start to have considerable health troubles after passing the 190cm in height.

Diana Yantra


Feign Child

PostPosted: Mon Oct 11, 2010 9:37 pm


I know that elves are one of those races that are very sticky, but over all I like what you've done. But I do have similar worries to Diana Yantra.

I know the top height is rare and even the exception to the rule, but I think the max height should be shorter. We could have a race of elfin giants, but I couldn't imagine such a lithe being growing to such a large stature without altering their bone structure at least a little... I'd like most humanoid type beings to have similar traits.

I also understand the feat of elves being able to run at a faster speed, but I think that 60mph is a bit excessive... I might say 12 to 15 unless they train and then I'd say the fastest would be around 20 to 30. Those stats could be done with ease for hours on end, but not indefinitely but truly extended times.

I agree that elves may have a slightly faster regeneration rate then humans...maybe several of the races have a faster regeneration rate or a slower...but the re-growth of a limb or organ is slightly excessive. Maybe their affinity with magic aids in the process of a healing spell regenerating things faster as well, but for the time being, I think that magic or an advanced medical procedure (possibly wit the aid of magic) is the only way to return a dismembered ligament to the body. I like the small wounds healing faster but anything deep or internal injuries should remain to magic or medicinals to heal or the natural process...

I know that elves are classically beings who are very close to magic or even come from magic itself in some cases, but I have never liked elves for that very same reason...they always seem to have a slight advantage in the magical arena and because they are lithe and beautiful and magical, too many people idealize them when playing. I'm talking from personal experience rather than actual fact...I'd personally appreciate it if elves were less 'powerful' when associated with magic. But I agree that they should be able to detect and almost see magic with an extra kind of sense and to be able to use it almost in the same manner as the dwarves do. As for the absorption of magic...I think it should be more of an ability to simply resist and possibly ease the total damage of a magical attack.

Elves are normally a weaker race because of their affinity with magic, but their usual intellect, magical traits, and long life outweigh such a disadvantage...So I'm thinking we could make them a bit less 'godly' in the realm of magic...As in because they believe themselves to be born of magic, they should devout part of themselves to magic or a god related to magic or their creation which allows them to have whatever abilities...maybe so they are blessed with a long life by the being who granted their race life [they have to pay their dues or else suffer the consequences].

Maybe it's just my general distaste for the race that has lead me to say most of this, but those are my thoughts. I am no saying that these things are a must, but that I either just don't like them or I feel we should come to a comprise of sorts.
PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2010 1:59 am


First the speed, I pulled the 60 as a top end animal speed. Though I would like to keep the top end of elves to be around 45mph(72kph), as something that elves that devote themselves completely to physical ability being able to reach. Though I see such humans in this world being able to reach speeds up to 30mph(50kph), as usually to balance humans you allow them to be very adaptive allowing devoted individuals to obtain levels only seen in other races.

For the regeneration of limbs, I was going to hand that to trolls as well. I was figuring something like a 1/3 of races could regenerate limbs, and the rest of them could by the use of potions and magic. Though that is just how I was thinking of when I wrote them up. I'm not to concerned with it, just how I was thinking at the time.

For magic, I wasn't planing on them being that much better then other races. More like they have a slight advantage at it, which could be seen more like skipping a couple of steps. As for the absorption, I was placing that as weaker then the dwarf's resistance, such as if you were to cast a spell on both an elf and a dwarf, the elf would likely be almost twice as affected, but a human being about three times as affected as the dwarf. This was also meant to be a double edged sword in that they would even absorb healing spells, preventing them from working right, as where a dwarf the healing spell would just be slower to take effect. I also figure that other races could could have individuals born with an an affinity for magic, just that for elves its almost everyone, as where in other races its sort of rare.

As for intellect I figure we should give them a learning disability. I mean usually people give elves a longer growth period as children, I figure we should extend that to their entire life, and make it so that they learn more slowly. Also to balance elves people tend to give them an experience debuff.

When it comes to the long lives, and a connection to a god for that, I'm not so sure. You rarely see them as even having gods, usually they are nature worshipers. Even when they do have gods you usually have emphasis on nature, and not the gods. You have talked about there being ideas for a corruption in magic where it is slightly poisonous, maybe we could make it so that elves are a form of that. Where other races could use magic a certain way, and be corrupted into an elven version, which not being elves could really mess them up. As where elves using magic in any other way could be a problem, they maintain their elven state, they remain immortal, they mess it up, they become mortal.

BoredTears

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