High elves are a graceful and elegant race, known for their powerful intellect and mastery of both arcane and political arts. They are typically slender, with sharp, angular features and skin that is paler than that of their wood elf kin. Their hair colors range from various shades of silver and gold to platinum blonde. High elves have keen, piercing eyes that are often a shade of green or blue. They prefer to wear intricate, finely crafted clothing and armor, and they often adorn themselves with elegant jewelry.
High elf names are elegant and melodic, often having multiple syllables. They have a given name, a family name, and a house name. Their names often reflect their noble lineage or a significant family accomplishment. They also have a birth name, a personal name, and a "chosen" name, which they select as a rite of passage into adulthood.
High elves are the descendants of the original elven race, but they have chosen to live in cities and other civilized areas. They are a deeply proud and ancient people, and their history is full of powerful empires, great wizards, and world-shaking events. They have a long-standing rivalry with other races, particularly humans, and they are masters of both diplomacy and magic.
High elf society is a rigid, aristocratic caste system where tradition and arcane knowledge are paramount. They have a strong sense of pride and a deep respect for their ancestors and their noble lineage. They are also known for their love of art, music, and poetry, which they see as the highest forms of expression. They revere a pantheon of gods and goddesses, with a powerful deity of magic and knowledge as their chief deity. Their religion is a solemn and serious affair, with a focus on ritual, tradition, and ancestor worship.