Duck or grouse !!!!

[thromnombulax]

I was recently asked in game how my character would recognise an elf (by a dm [i will add here that it was by no means an acrimonious exchange, it was totally friendly]) ; i responded that the char had a spot skill (of around 11 i think) and had seen the elf character on a previous occasion. I omitted the fact that the character *had* slain a great number of elves whilst a thrall in Dol Gulder, and also omitted the most obvious thing; the height and build of Tolkiens elves.
They can be spotted a mile off, surely, since the average height of an elf would be 6 1/2 foot (and of slender build) whilst even in modern times an average human male would be a mere 5'10" (and considerably less in medieval times).
So, are we right (in-game) to be able to spot an elf a mile off, without seeing their faces, by simple virtue of their build?

[Guyror]

You mean the pointy ears are not a give away. And being as slender as a rake?

[DM_Aule]

In the incident in question, the elf was wearing a hood that completely covered his face and (more importantly) his ears. I agree that once you see the ears, an elf is obvious. To me, it is not clear that you could tell a cloaked elf from a cloaked human. :)

[Guyror]

A cloaked elf might sound different to a human when talking. More of a musical in jilt in its voice patterns. Also there walking stride would be different perhaps, more dancelike and lighter.

Did not the elves walk atop the snow, since there foot falls were so light.

The hands would likely give it away as well, as the bone structure would no doubt be lighter and more femine.

But finally the elf's outlook and general demeanor would be different to a human.

Just a few thoughts on the matter

[thromnombulax]

Aye ; there is even debate as to whether Tolkiens elves even *had* pointy ears !! I think he only made one sketch of them, and it is hard to tell since it is ... err... sketchy. The height and general build (which doesnt come across in the fillums) was more what i was thinking of ; also i seem to have a notion that the Noldor (and maybe some Sindar) actually possessed an "aura" (that they carried back from Valinor, maybe) ... although i cannot for the life of me recollect from what source i have this.
The pointy-eared thing had something to do with the fact that they were able to breed with humans too.
It was the height/build thing that most sets them apart though i seem to recall, though this too is just a general feeling; i have been unable to source it yet.
They were referred to as gnomes in his earlier writings, but took on the characteristics of pre-Shakesperean " Sidth" rather than the diminutive "elves" of D&D and post-Shakesperean literature.
Dammit these painkillers keeping me off the ale gives me too much time :)

[Guyror]

If you remember when Frodo first met the elf lord Glorfindel it says. I quote

"The rider's cloak streamed behind him, and his hood was thrown back; his golden hair flowed shimmering in the wind of his speed. To Frodo it appeared that a white light was shining through the form and raiment of the rider, as if through a thin veil."

Later it says, "His speech and clear ringing voice left no doubt in their hearts: the rider was of the Elven-folk".

I would assume from this, that because Frodo had been stabbed by the witch king and was slowly turning to the shadow. Creatures such as the Nazgul, and maybe the orcs as well. Would see elves as having bright white aura.

[DM_Olórin]

aye... and to be honest Orcs should be scared s**tless of High Elves... In the same way that yer average Vampire aint to partial to staring at the sun. :P

[Guyror]

What about trolls in the sun. I nice rockery could be arranged.