Эльф, Морской

Водные эльфы (обычно называемые морскими эльфами, сами себя называют Alu'Tel'Quessir) - сородичи наземных эльфов, которые умеют дышать под водой. Они живут среди волн, в океанских глубинах, а в числе их союзников - дельфины и киты. Оружие водных эльфов - трезубцы, копья и сети. Большинство водных эльфов поклоняется Глубинному Сашеласу, подводному богу знаний и красоты.

Хотя они принадлежат одной субрасе, водные эльфы Великого моря отличаются внешне от эльфов моря Упавших звезд. У первых темно-зеленыя кожа, покрытая коричневыми крапинками и полосами. У последних - кожа голубого цвета с белыми полосками и пятнами. И те, и другие крепкого телосложения с длинными конечностями и длинными перепончатыми пальцами. У них обычно густые волосы, цвет которых варьирует от голубого, серебристо-черного до рыжего. Самая необычная их черта - жабры, которые можно заметить на шее и над ребрами.

Морские эльфы или очень легко одеты или не одеты совсем. Их одежда сделана из подводных растений, а потому она обычно черных, коричневых или зеленых тонов. Воины стригут волосы, а остальные эльфы носят их длинными и распущенными.

Aquatic elves were the last of the elven races to reach Faerun, and have always kept themselves somewhat apart from their land bound kin. At first they were nomadic wanderers but gradually they began to form separate communities. Sea elves have had a somewhat warlike history. They attempted to stay aloof from the Crown Wars, but this failed and the destruction and turbulence spread to their homes, driving some of the Great Sea elves north into the Sea of Fallen Stars[3]. They have repeatedly battled with the evil underwater races, especially the sahuagin, but at times they have also fought against merfolk, and other goodly races. One such war led to a group of refugees forming the colony in Lake Sember.

Aquatic elves are isolationist by their physical nature, and by choice – though they are not quite as reclusive as the wild elves. They trust only themselves, their clan, and no others. They cannot understand why the surface elves do not understand that community and alliances mean survival, whereas rivalry and factionalism means death[3]. Their alliances with other elves are not based on racial affinity but on gain. A clear example of this is the alliance between the sea elves of Lake Sember and the land elves of Semberhome. The aquatic elves merely want to maintain their colony in Lake Sember and protect Semberhome as part of the deal[1]. However this caution is tempered with curiosity and sea elves can spend much time secretly observing the land bound races.

Sea elves are the least magical of the elven races, although they still have as many mages as human realms. Those who are spellcasters devote their long life spans to study and become extremely skilled. They have developed a range of waterproof magical items, and a system of writing underwater.[4]

Aquatic elven society is based on family and clan – and although females can and do wield power they are patriarchal. Noble families rule, but in a benign and loose fashion rather than with an iron fist. Families or individuals may own their dwelling but most other property is held in common. Such communal ownership means theft is almost unknown.[3]

The special acoustics of a watery environment lend themselves to music, and sea elves are exposed to the eerie and beautiful songs of the whales and other denizens of the deep. It is not surprising that aquatic elven bards have a range of powerful and evocative songs.

The majority of aquatic elves live in the Sea of Fallen Stars, and the Great Sea. However smaller communities can be found along the western coast and in Lake Sember.

A large community of several thousand sea elves exists around the island of Evermeet. King Elashor, residing in the city of Iumathiashae (or "Mother of Pearls"), holds sway over this realm. The sea elves of this area defend Evermeet from the many undersea threats such as sahuagins and scrags.

Источник: Forgotten Realms Wiki