The High Elves are a subrace of Elves who are typically seen as the most cultured and "Elvish" of the Elves. Culturally, they strive to maintain or emulate the noble ways of the Elves during the First Age. In its best forms, this leads them to become paragons, constructing great monuments of civilization and culture, such as Fangardh. However, in its darker forms, it can lead to views of Elvish superiority and violent enforcement of "purity", such as in Malam. The High Elves are seen as more beautiful and graceful than most Elves, and many Elves view them the way that other Beldkind view Elves.
Subraces
The High Elves are divided in three subraces.
Sun Elf
The Sun Elves are characterized by features of typically "sunny" colors. Their skin ranges from bronze-colored to various human skin tones. Their hair is typically white, blonde, golden blonde, and red, though black is also common. Their eyes are usually green, though gold, black, and orange are also common colors. Sun Elvish eyes typically "gleam", seeming to almost glow, very brightly reflecting light shone onto them. Sun Elves are the most geographically widespread and common of the High Elves, and "High Elf" is often used as a byword for the Sun Elves.
Silver Elf
The Silver Elves are native to the realm of Fangardh, and as such they are sometimes called Fangardh Elves, Coastal Elves, or Star Elves. They are characterized by hair that ranges from silver to light blonde to white (though some have brown or black hair colors), and a sort of divine glow. The Silver Elves, living on the Starlight Coast, are devout worshippers of Sirda and her starlight. They are imbued with the holy starlight of Sirda's stars, and glow a faint white. Living on the coast of Yekare, they are master seafarers. Culturally, the SIlver Elves give birth on the shores of Fangardh, with newborns being "baptised" in the starlight-infused sand of the realm. This is an act of great religious and cultural significance. The act also has real power, as an Elf born to two Silver Elves but not born in the sand will not be a Silver Elf but rather an Elf which resembles a Silver Elf (they will lack the characteristic glow).
(META: These replace the Moon Elves)
Snow Elf
The Snow Elves are native to the snowy forests and tundras of the far northern continent of Kendramar. They are few in number, having been largely scattered and shattered after the fall of Lysbar. They were once the greatest of the Elves, with Lysbar being the greatest Elvish city in history, however they have been brought low for several millennia. They typically live in small and isolated realms in the icy wastes. The Snow Elves are typically pale skinned, with some having blue or greyish skin. Their eyes are usually either blue, grey, or white. The largest Snow Elf settlements are located on the coast of Kendramar and primarily get by through trade.