OVERVIEW
Sun elves are closely associated with the Sun Goddess, embodying her principles of light, strength, and constancy. They are known for their long lifespans, magical prowess, and a societal structure that values tradition and excellence.
Their perceived aloofness and sense of superiority have distanced them from other races, particularly the shorter-lived ones.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Pictured: Nelaros, a spoiled merchant's son seeking adventure, stands alongside Talia, a no-nonsense Solari soldier with something to prove.
Appearance
Lean and wiry; warm skin tones that range from bronze to brown.
Hair ranges from bright blond to deep gold, and their eyes are typically shades of amber, gold, or (occasionally) bright blue.
Low sexual dimorphism; men often look “feminine” by the standards of other races, sometimes leading to confusion.
Lifespan
Very long-lived, often reaching up to 700 years or more, letting them accumulate vast amounts of knowledge and experience.
GENERAL PERSONALITIES
These personality traits reflect the common behaviors and attitudes shaped by societal upbringing in the major cities of each race.
Remember, people are often products of their environment, and your character’s background and upbringing should greatly influence their personality.
These are not cookie-cutter formulas, and no character needs to embody these traits fully—feel free to explore and create unique personalities!
Prideful & Stoic
Sun elves are known for their pride and stoicism. They carry themselves with a sense of dignity and purpose, often appearing reserved and contemplative.
Disciplined & Diligent
They value discipline and diligence, striving for excellence in all their endeavors. Their society places a strong emphasis on magical studies and martial training.
Detached
While many sun elves—especially adventurers and travelers—can be friendly towards other races, their compassion is often tempered by a sense of detachment.
It is not uncommon for Sun Elves to view themselves as guardians, caretakers—or, in extreme instances, pet owners—of shorter-lived races, rather than equals.
WAYS OF LIFE
Magic and Scholarship
Sun elves have a deep connection to magic, with many pursuing careers as wizards, scholars, and arcane researchers. Their major cities are renowned for their libraries and magical academies.
Art and Beauty
They have a profound appreciation for art and beauty, reflected in their architecture, music, and visual arts. Sun elven cities are filled with elegant buildings, statues, and gardens.
SOCIETAL STRUCTURE
Noble Houses
Sun elven society is organized into noble houses, each with its own lineage and traditions. These houses comprise of powerful families who hold significant political and social influence.
Monarchy
The elven kingdoms are governed by a single monarch, currently an elven Queen who upholds traditional values and champions an intolerance towards change.
Hierarchy and Meritocracy
Nobility and social hierarchy are deeply respected, with social status primarily determined by birth. While rare, individuals can occasionally rise in status through significant accomplishments in magic or combat.
RELIGION & BELIEFS
Sun Goddess (Dawnbringer)
Many sun elves remain devout followers of the Sun Goddess despite her recent absence, viewing her as their patron deity (and, to some, only theirs).
Sun elves worship the Sun Goddess as the Dawnbringer—a fierce warrior clad in shimmering light, with eyes that gleams like the sun’s rays. Her temples are magnificent structures of crystal and gold that capture the first light of dawn.
They hold regular rituals and festivals to honor her, particularly during solstices and equinoxes—these festivals have died down a little following her silence, but some continue them religiously.
WORLDLY REPUTATION
The Good
đź’š Sun elves are admired for their beauty and magical prowess, their long lifespans and wisdom often making them respected scholars and top-of-their-field mages. Many sun elven paladins seen as paragons of virtue, embodying honor and courage, and their cultural achievements in art and architecture are celebrated.
The Bad
â›” Sun elves are often perceived as aloof and elitist. Their sense of superiority and condescension towards shorter-lived races can be patronizing. Historical conflicts with dwarves and dark elves especially have left lingering animosities, and their rigid adherence to tradition can make them seem inflexible and out of touch.
More detailed information can be found in Sun Elves: Interactions with Other Races
Other Names
Friendly-Neutral Names
High elves (widely considered a pretentious name, used only by traditionalist sun elves themselves)
Dayborn, Sunfolk, Goldens, Sunnies, Shimmers
Derogatory Names
Sun-kissers, Lighters, Blinders, Torchies
PRESENCE IN FORTUNE'S REST
The dignified sun elves are few and far between in the lawless city of Fortune’s Rest.
Usually operating in organized squadrons dispatched their major city of Sol'Verryn, aim to enforce law and order— believing that Sunhallow rightfully belongs to them, for it was created by the Sun Goddess.
Their presence usually involves disciplined patrols and efforts to regulate the chaotic adventurer activities. However, all these attempts have been fruitless and met with violent resistance from the local populace, who resent their interference.
SOLSTICE
With the backing of noble and wealthy houses from the sun elven capital Sol'Verryn, the sun elves have sent military forces aboard Solstice, a vast floating island hovering over New Edeni like an ever-watchful sentinel. These troops aim to bring order to the chaotic city below, in an attempt to enforce law and assert dominion over Sunhallow.
While Solstice serves as a militaristic base of operations rather than a hub of diplomacy, its high vantage point allows the sun elves to maintain a visible and authoritative presence over Fortune's Rest.
From this lofty position, the sun elven leaders seek to forge alliances, establish trade routes, and stabilize the region—through negotation... for now.
Whispers in the shadowy corners of Fortune's Rest tell of a rogue sun elf adventurer known as the Luminary. This hooded figure roams the depths of Sunhallow, cutting down anyone unfortunate enough to cross their path.
The Luminary's true motives remain shrouded in mystery, but one thing is certain: they are a force to be reckoned with in the treacherous depths of the chasm.
THE ALCOVES
A few rebellious and disillusioned sun elves find themselves in The Alcoves, where they navigate the labyrinthine residential area and engage in the city's darker dealings.
These elves have usually abandoned the strict codes of their homeland, becoming involved in the adventuring and artifact trade, as well as illegal deals. Their knowledge and skills make them formidable players in the lawless environment of Fortune's Rest, though they must constantly evade their more law-abiding kin.
