High Elf
The High Elf is known for being one of the most predominant races in the world, only second to Humans. Many High Elves believe that they were the first of the Elves to grace this plane, explaining why they have such a large population and deep history, but in reality, it is because High Elven traits are dominant in their mixed race children, and, High Elven culture values large families and child-rearing.
Many High Elven cities prize art, literature, and architecture, however, the shiny surface of most of these cities is built on a past of cruelty and war. Most High Elves tend to hide their people's history because of their past abuse of Dark Elves. Many High Elven cities' wealth is rooted in of decades of buried slave labor and blood. For this reason, many High Elves are apologetic for their history, and often-times develop savior complexes towards races they deem as "less fortunate." Some High Elves even choose to outright deny this history, claiming that the abusers of the Dark Elves were actually the Dwarves.
High Elven culture is also often viewed as luxurious, especially by the Humans they often intermingle with. High Elven jewelry, clothing, and art is often exported into larger Human cities, and, being able to afford such things, cements one's social status. Many richer Humans tend to learn the High Elven dialect, which is seen as one of the oldest languages in the world, only second to Ancient Dwarven and the original Elven dialect.
In The City
High Elves tend to have a low tolerance for that which is deemed as disgusting or filthy, and, for that reason, High Elves have an entirely different, and nearly impossible to reach, beauty and hygiene standard. A High Elf that does not bathe every three days becomes much too dirty, pests such as cockroaches and rats are to be exterminated on sight, and, even whilst in the middle of surgery, one must wash their bodies in order to prevent grime from accumulating. It is these high hygiene standards that actually are to blame for the High Elves longevity compared to other Elves, as well as their mortality rates in childbirth or war, giving them something truly unique over any other species.
High Elves are also known for having seemingly ridiculous standards in other aspects of their lives (these "high" standards possibly being the reason for their name-sake), making way for some of the most prestigious institutions, libraries, and museums in the world. However, the negative aspect to these standards is that many High Elves fail to meet them, causing their people to be plagued with near-constant depression.
Many High Elves value having large families, as well as those expectations placed on them by their families and peers. For this reason, many High Elves are stubborn, tend to be superficial, and rather power-hungry, for, being regarded as successful from a family member is one of the highest honors one can achieve.
The most common motto for a High Elf is "reach for the stars, and, when you touch them, reach even higher," since their culture fosters competitiveness, drive, and passion. No matter where a High Elf is, peasant or King, there is always something "more" to achieve.
Racial Relations
- With High Elves: Positive. Many High Elves have a shared respect or even fondness for one another, and it is not uncommon to see High Elves forming packs or large groups within other cities.
- With Wood Elves: Neutral. There is a general belief within High Elf culture that, if one refuses to join you in your beliefs, desires, and compulsions, it is better that they stay out of the path of them rather than be crushed underneath them. The Wood Elves' natural desire to stay away from cities, and High Elves, prevents most of the tension High Elves tend to radiate.
- With Dark Elves: Terrible at worst, strained at best. The majority of the High Elven ruling class would rather have nothing to do with them and their shared histories whenever possible. Dark Elves are often discriminated against in one way or the other, whether that be because of past tensions or because of the High Elven savior complex. Many High and Dark Elves tend to butt heads.
- With Dwarves: Neutral. High Elves do not much care for the Dwarves, except for those that work for them. A good Dwarf is a cooperative Dwarf, and a bad Dwarf is a lazy one. They share many traits such as their inherent stubbornness, but rather than getting along, it tends to get both parties in trouble. Though, one thing a High Elf will never pass up is challenging a Dwarf to a drinking contest.
- With Orcs: Neutral. High Elves and Orcs do not typically have a shared history, mainly due to the High Elves natural gravitation towards Human settlements, and repulsion against the harsh conditions that many Orcs tend to live in. High Elves are easy to sunburn, and would not get along well in the deserts most Orc Tribes call home.
- With Humans: Positive. Many Humans enjoy the company of High Elves, and vise versa. There is a reason there are so many Human-High Elf hybrids in the world.