u/EveningImportant9111

Please provide a source. I arkeady know faeries selkie kitsune giants demons angels. Edit: but unsure if kitsune example counts

So I want to create a fantasy world with standard races. Most races have evolved—dwarf= Neanderthal, goblins—rabbit niche, halflings—isolated island, humans-plains, and orcs—are artificially created. But the elves' traits (dexterous, agile, long lifespan, tall, slim, slightly less powerful and muscular than humans) don't fit any environment. I want them to be a natural race. What should I do: say they evolved in a similar environment to humans, but with more magic (which is strange, because even some animals can use magic), leave it vague (risky), or provide extra-complex reasons for their traits (which is risky, because I might fail). Which option is better? But is there a place where all these features fit?

I love orcs who were created as weapons and now want to find a purpose in life. I love ancient elves who were once tyrants and now do everything they can to prevent other races from repeating their mistakes but wood high dark diagree on correct path. I love dwarves whose strongholds are falling one after another, surrounded by enemies on all sides, but too proud to ask for help. I love halflings who live as farmers. I love goblins who have been treated like vermin for most of their existence and are now trying to gain political influence. Is it really wrong that I want to write about this?

I know many of you will say gods, but if so, why did the gods created so many races instead of just one? And in these cases, if there are no gods, what is the reason why the world has so many sapient races/species?

1. Elves, who always remember their past lives and are immortal. New souks are birn from time to time
2. Elves, who have a healing factor but are weak to iron. They can still use iron, but it's very unpleasant to the touch.
3. Elves of the past were once fey, but Bigwig, for their cruelty, transformed them into humanoids whose contemporary culture emphasizes modesty and honesty.

I have mixed feelings about all the options, but I feel I have to choose one so that my elves will be original and more than human.

EDIT: to be honest, I would like to have more Tolkien-esque elves, but I know that they are effectively human and not original

Why there's this concradiction

Hiw they manifest, how does this affect the biology, culture, religion, appearance, etc. of your standard races?

What do your original races look like and what are their abilities and weaknesses? What traits, weaknesses, abilities, and unique features do your standard races have? Any unique traits for your humans? Current and historical relations between races?

I prefer with at least one important non human character

By "humans" I mean have friends families clans tribes etc bassicaly recognizabke human social structures

Of course, there's nothing wrong with that; I'm glad creators have fun creating worlds and stories. But why is it that in fantasy, elves are essentially "humans" who arose from the very "human" desires of the gods? Is it really that simple? Why?

Why were your elves created by the gods/evolved/appeared? What do their homelands look like? Do they still live in their homelands? Hiw they fit in your world story lore cosmology?