Elves are magical folk who tread the line between humanoid and fey. They are generally graceful creatures with unparalleled natural beauty, and are particularly captivating to humans. Their understanding of time is very different to other races, many elves living 800 years or more. Elves also come in many shapes and sizes, some of these being categorised into distinct sub-races:
Elves also sometimes find partners of other races and bear children, these are known as half-elves.
You can find information on how to create elvish characters on D&D Beyond.
Distribution
Elves are said to have come to The Known World from The Light Echo, a plane of fey creatures. During their time on the mortal plane they have adapted and lost some of their faerie appearance. Their distribution across the world is fairly uniform.
Arauglbrok
Elves are rare in Arauglbrok, the rocky islands offer no safe natural haven for the fair folk, and many of the settlements are below ground.
Consult with your DM if you wish to play an elf on this continent.
Haelspur
The elves of Haelspur are mostly wood elves and eladrin who live deep in the continent's vast forests.
It should be fine to play an elf on this continent.
Korona Morska
In the predominantly human archipelago of Korona Morska, elf society has not yet taken hold. Most elves here are solitary or live in small family units, and most of them are high elves.
Consult with your DM if you wish to play an elf on this continent.
Rhak
Many wood elves call the rainforests of southern Rhak home, and there are many settlements where humans and elves coexist. In the northern deserts there are several shadowy cities of surface-dwelling drow.
It should be fine to play an elf on this continent.
Tabasamu La Miungu
Elves in Tabasamu La Miungu are fairly common, though few originate from this area. Most have emigrated from nearby Pauviel, seeking warmer climates – these elves have integrated well into the human cultures of the islands.
It should be fine to play an elf on this continent.
Tide
In Tide, both wood elves and high elves are abundant; particularly in Pauviel where they make up the majority of the population.
In Theder elves are less common, but most folk will have seen an elf or two in their lifetime, even in the far west.
Elves are not welcome in Lagatpulgoruz. There are tales of outcast drow attaching themselves to tribes who value magic, but even this is rare.
It should be fine to play an elf on this continent.
Vatan
Elves are very rare in Vatan, and there are no predominantly elvish settlements. Those that do live here are normally travellers from faraway lands.
Consult with your DM if you wish to play an elf on this continent.