Elves

The Homo Dryadalis, commonly known as the Elves, are a subspecies of Solarisian hominids that originated from the planet Herasia, and are a race that highly values intellect, elegance, and nature. Their prowess in magic and science allows them to prosper by offering the other races their own ideas in exchange for riches. They are a part of The Great Five.

Physiology and Characteristics
Elven physiology can differ greatly due to the race’s polymorphic biology. Before they reach adolescence, Elves may choose to develop their bodies into that of beastfolk, sharing traits with a creature of their choosing. Elves share enough DNA with the other Great Five races to be able to produce fertile offspring with them.

Elves are humanoids typically taller than a common Human, averaging at 6”2’ (187.96 cm). As with the rest of the Great Five, they are anatomically similar to Humans, with the exception of their taller, thinner stature and pointed ears and usually weaker bone structure, which tends to be thinner and less sturdy, making them lighter but also easier to break. Because of this, they tend to be more agile and less durable than the other Great Five races. Common exceptions to this include any beastfolk whose traits are shared with strong predatory creatures.

The palms of their hands contain flat neural tendrils that may extend outwards. These organs are called Syndons. They’re commonly coiled into unique designs in the hands, and may extend out to as long as five inches. They are also covered in tiny hairs.

Syndons have two main functions, one of which is to tame other organisms, a process called syndonation. Blowing on an exposed and extended syndon may spread pheromones through the air like how a dandelion disperses seeds. Elves are able to customize their pheromones to be compatible with an organism of their choosing. These pheromones have a limited ability in manipulating other creatures depending on their intelligence and mental willpower. With enough practice, an elf may increase the potency of their pheromones.

The second function of syndons is to transform preadolescent Elves into beastfolk. A young Elf may extend their syndons over their desired creature they wish to bond with. The syndons secrete numbing agents before entering their bodies. They’ll then begin to collect organic samples of the creature, ranging from genetic material to proteins to even entire cells. These samples are stored in special vesicles within the Elf. The Elf will then attempt to integrate these samples into their own cells. This starts the development into beastfolk. Elves must repeat this process over and over again to maximize the effect.

Elven minds are also able to process information at a slightly faster rate than the others of the Great Five, making them natural mages.