Elves

Elves
Long ago the Elves possessed a great Empire, that stretched the continent in it's entirety, and under their rule it remained a haven for magic, and a long-lived peace was formed. They lived in cities shaped by spells, towering structures that reached the sky, many believe it was the hubris of the Elves that led to their downfall, though after much investigation I have found this to be untrue. Mankind is truly what forced the High Elves from their ancestral land, pushed them into a war they did not desire, that lasted for over a hundred years. They had beaten us in the beginning, our forefathers were clearly no match for the arcane masters that they faced, and with out defeat, we were taken in, the Elves had hoped to teach us a different way, a way of peace. But mankind was clearly stubborn, as even as the years went by since our initial defeat by the elves, the old hatred, the jealousy was still shared, and when the time came Mankind rose up, they struck off their chains and initiated a war that would drive the Elves from their homeland and into the sea, many lives were lost but victory was secured. Since being cast away from their homes the High Elves persisted, they began again in a new land, this time wary out outsiders, their last interactions with them has clearly been unpleasant, they built again, and while mankind entered it's golden age, and began it's era of expansion, the Elves fortified themselves, they had seen the true horrors of War, and had to prepare for it again, no doubt their enemy would return to finish them, but they would be ready.

High Elves:
The High Elves as they are now are very similar to their predecessors, not much has changed save for their building for war, having visited their islands myself there is much disdain towards our kind, but truly their home is a place of wonders, magic used freely by all members of their society has created a most unusual environment, unlike the rest of the world, they keep their islands warm though the use of different spells, a testament to the great power they wield, the very weather bends to their will in their home.

Wood Elves:
Those who were left behind, these Elves live within the woods of the Imperial mainland, living off the land and surviving, which alone is admirable, as some still hold a great hatred for Elves of any kind, these people travel often, and can slip in and out of territories without notice, I have also spent some time among their clans, they live as a large family, they hunt, and they live together, the perfect example of a functioning community if I must say so myself.

Dark Elves:
A splinter group among High Elves, the Dark Elves are an anomaly, they live as High Elves would, practice magic as most would, but rely only on Dark Magics, not much is known of their origin, only that they keep to themselves and fend off outsiders at all costs, the most I have seen is the walls to their Dark Citadel in the North, and it makes one wonder what sort of arcane constructs are inside those walls.

-From the records of High Scholar Tiyus, of the Avalonian University.