Physiology of the Celestial Kin

Aether Elves, native to the floating islands of Moonhaven, are a unique subspecies of elves whose physical forms have adapted to the magical forces of the skies. Standing taller than their elven kin, typically between 6 and 7 feet, they possess lean, graceful frames that seem to almost float as they move, a result of their innate connection to gravity and the stars.
  Their skin is cool to the touch and tends to reflect the serene colors of twilight skies, ranging from soft blues and silvers to lavender and pale pink. Hair colors range from moonlit white and starlight silver to soft, pastel hues of light blue, violet, or pale gold. Their eyes gleam like the night sky, with irises that often sparkle with the light of unseen stars, making them appear almost otherworldly.
 

Culture of the Stars

Aether Elf society is deeply spiritual, with an emphasis on understanding the cosmic forces that govern the world. Their cities, like Awyr'el, are integrated into natural landscapes, blending seamlessly with the mountains, waterfalls, and forests of Moonhaven. Aether Elves believe that life is a reflection of the greater celestial order, and they seek to align themselves with the cosmic balance through meditation, study, and art.
 

Astral Loremasters and Celestial Scholars

Education and the pursuit of knowledge are highly valued within Aether Elf culture. Many Aether Elves dedicate their long lives to the study of astronomy, arcane magic, and the cosmic forces that influence reality. The Silverveil Circle, a revered order of celestial scholars, plays an important role in guiding the spiritual and intellectual pursuits of the race. This order teaches young elves to study the stars and the ancient magic that binds their floating islands to the heavens.
  Despite their scholarly nature, Aether Elves are not detached from the world. They see themselves as caretakers of the celestial harmony, and they are willing to defend their home with the same grace and ferocity they use to study the cosmos.
 

Connection to Gravity and the Stars

Unlike other elves who may draw strength from nature or magic, Aether Elves are intrinsically tied to the forces of gravity and the stars. Their affinity with these cosmic elements manifests in their ability to manipulate gravity around them, a skill they use not just in combat but in daily life. They move with a lightness that belies their tall frames, able to leap great distances or fall from great heights with minimal harm, as they are naturally able to alter their gravitational pull.
  Aether Elves also display a deep bond with the moon and stars, and their magic often reflects this. The phases of the moon are considered sacred, and many of their ceremonies and festivals revolve around celestial events, such as meteor showers or lunar eclipses.
 

Celestial Harmony and Meditation

The Aether Elves hold meditation and personal reflection in high regard. Aether Elf homes are often adorned with observatories and quiet spaces for stargazing, where they spend hours contemplating the movement of celestial bodies. They believe that through deep understanding and contemplation of the stars, one can achieve harmony with the universe, leading to a heightened sense of awareness and wisdom.
  Their cities, such as Awyr'el, are designed with open spaces that encourage this reflection, and the use of gravity-based transportation allows for graceful movement between the terraces and elevated structures. Living so high above the clouds allows them to feel closer to the stars they revere.
 

Aether Elven Technology and Craftsmanship

Although the Aether Elves are not renowned for heavy industry or mass production, their artisans are skilled at weaving celestial magic into their crafts. Items such as gravity-bound jewelry, which can hover or float around the wearer, and starlight-infused weapons, which glow with the power of the night sky, are examples of their craftsmanship.
  Much of their technology revolves around the manipulation of gravity and arcane energy, with Aether Elves capable of building structures that float, levitate, or defy conventional laws of physics. This gives their cities an ethereal, otherworldly feel, as many buildings and objects seem to glide gracefully through the air.
 

Relation to Other Elves

While Aether Elves share common ancestry with both High Elves and Wood Elves, they view themselves as distinct, shaped by the unique energies of Moonhaven. They retain many of the traits of their kin, such as long lifespans, keen senses, and a connection to the natural world, but their culture has shifted towards the study of the stars, gravity, and celestial phenomena. Their connection to the stars gives them an appreciation of dreams, and the places we go within them, and this fascination over the centures has removed their usual methods of rest, preventing them from entering a trance-like sleep of meditation like their kin.
  Aether Elves maintain friendly, if somewhat distant, relations with other elven cultures. They often consider themselves protectors of knowledge and may act as advisors or allies to other elven realms, but they rarely intervene in the affairs of the mainland.
 

Aether Elves and Magic

Though Aether Elves are not as proficient with magic as other elf subraces like the High Elves, their abilities focus on the manipulation of gravity and the cosmic forces. This celestial magic is reflected in their racial traits, giving them powers that revolve around movement, levitation, and starlight. Aether Elves are not natural spellcasters in the traditional sense, but their connection to the celestial planes provides them with a unique set of magical abilities tied to the heavens.
 

Aether Elf Names

Male Names
Aeronil, Elvandar, Brynmor, Araniel, Caerith, Rhiordan, Llenor, Talion, Aerdor, Gwythor, Vailor, Aerian, Caelion, Hywelor, Rhiwain, Llywion, Vaedric, Elandor, Endorion
  Female Names
Eirylith, Faenna, Meresyth, Anwenna, Gwynlin, Rhoswen, Maelith, Isoldean, Elenwynn, Ygraine, Elainith, Ceridwen, Myrrith, Aeliana, Arwynna, Gwenith, Liraeth, Maerith, Ffioneth
  Gender-Neutral Names
Aeliron, Llaeris, Cylion, Llythril, Myndor, Sylwaen, Eriolas, Vaerys, Neryn, Velion, Awrynn, Vaelan, Arvion, Elynnor, Delyr, Nyraes, Terys, Valwaen, Serenor
  Naming Conventions
Surnames: Surnames often relate to celestial bodies or natural phenomena, like Starweaver, Moonglade, Stardust, Skywhisper, or Gravestone.
  Male Name Structure: Common male prefixes include Aeron-, El-, Bryn-, Caer-, Rhior-, Tal-, with suffixes such as -il, -or, -an, -ion.
  Female Name Structure: Female names often use Eir-, Faen-, Mer-, An-, Gwyn-, with endings like -ith, -na, -wen, -wynn, -ana.
  Gender-Neutral Name Structure: These names blend both styles, with flowing, celestial tones using elements like -on, -as, -ryn, -or.