Einir
The Einir, a humanoid race with ancient roots, share a close kinship with the Alfir. While they are generally slightly shorter and of lighter builds than Humans, their resemblance to humans is more pronounced compared to their southern cousins. Einir possess elongated, pointed ears and more angular facial features, giving them a Fae-like appearance. Their skin and hair exhibit a similar range of colors to humans, though vibrant and unusual hues are not uncommon among them.
Lifespan and the Sundering
In bygone eras, the Einir were renowned for their exceptionally long lifespans, with many living over 800 years. This remarkable longevity allowed them to accumulate vast wisdom and experience, making them venerable sages and guardians of ancient knowledge. However, the Sundering brought about profound changes, especially for the Einir. Once long-lived, Einir now experience lifespans rarely exceeding 250 years.
Additionally, where the Einir once had a deep innate connection to magic, the sundering has all but broken that connection.
Culture
Though many Einir hail from the illustrious city-state of Eindonallan, their presence can be found all across Gradia. The dispersal of the Einir has led to a rich tapestry of cultural expressions for Einir, yet a shared sense of identity persists among them.
Many Einir pride themselves on their sophisticated culture, often considering themselves more “civilized” than their Alfir cousins. This sense of refinement is particularly evident in Eindonallan, where the pursuit of knowledge and contemplation is highly valued. Einir society tends to places a strong emphasis on learning, with many dedicating their lives to philosophical and intellectual endeavors. Their long lives have historically allowed them to delve deeply into these pursuits, contributing to a rich tradition of scholarship and introspection.