Why So: Anti-Elf?

[DoPo]

In AD&D elves sacrificed a point of constitution for one of dexterity, definitely no Sues there. IIRC in 3E this was upped to two points each way, ouch.

So mechanically, they aren't Mary Sues, but that's the way they are depicted. Seriously - live for thousands of years (or fuck if I know how many), they are the very best in magic, they are the very best in archery, they are the very best in nature, they are very pretty (true, maybe not as pretty as some angelic beings, but compared to the normal races they are), the most sophisticated. That doesn't sound really flawed to me. Oh, and in 3rd edition (haven't played AD&D) they get a bunch of stuff for free. Compare to humans who only get a feat and a skill point (true, that not bad at all) but let me just quote what elves get:

- Immunity to magic sleep effects, and a +2 racial saving throw bonus against enchantment spells or effects.
- Low-Light Vision: An elf can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. She retains the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions.
- Weapon Proficiency: Elves receive the Martial Weapon Proficiency feats for the longsword, rapier, longbow (including composite longbow), and shortbow (including composite shortbow) as bonus feats.
- +2 racial bonus on Listen, Search, and Spot checks. An elf who merely passes within 5 feet of a secret or concealed door is entitled to a Search check to notice it as if she were actively looking for it.

Also, not mentioned - elves don't need to sleep, they just spent half that time meditating.

From crunch point of view, they aren't perfect, of course, but still pretty good. That longbow proficiency is nice, low-light vision is not darkvision, but better than the "nothing" humans get, the racial skill bonuses don't hurt and the automatic secret door detection isn't too shabby either. And immunity to sleep, plus a bonus to resisting enchantments. The biggest flaw the race has is the -2 Con, as that's 1 HP less per level.

In most other portrayals I think the supreme arrogance they often display disqualifies them from being Sues. Well, maybe they could be Jerk Sues. But as a race they usually have some flaw that prevents them from taking over. Individuals could be pretty Suetiful though.

So, because Bella is a bit clumsy, she isn't a Mary Sue? That's a negative trait, right there.

Besides, the elves' arrogance is seldom a true flaw. It's mostly used for flavour "Oh these perfect creatures who have mastered this and that, are arrogant." And that's it. Their arrogance is not usually further expanded upon. At most, that may be the reason why elves are secluded or just don't communicate with other species much. Oh and the elves will bicker with the dwarves - big deal.

However, they are totally justified in that - would you associate with men, if you could outmagic, outthink, outlive, outperform and outhippie them?

A bit relevant:

 

[Ramare]

I hate elves because I do.
I never liked elves, what with most of them either having (douche bag) players behind them, or being of the "holier-than-thou" archtype.

Playing Skyrim and having to deal with the Thalmor, still being snarled at by Dunmer (you'd think after all this time they'd get a better attitude towards other races, especially when they are the Godsdamned Outlanders), still being treated the same as any human race would by Bosmer (the only reason I dislike them is because they're firmly set in the "effeminate" archtype (and the Adoring Fan was just that annoying)), and I've always hated High Elves. In fact, I'm not even calling them by their proper name, out of disrespect.

Eh, just call me a racist Nord. It's what everyone else does.

[sup]Which is rather weird, since I have no problems with non-Nord humans, Khajiit, and Argonians. And only the High Elves and their Thalmor get my hatred (although in the former case, only when they open with hostilities), the rest I just don't really...trust.[/sup]

 

[Thespian]

I don't hate elves. I hate what they symbolize. When a writer brings elves into their franchise it usually means "I don't give a shit anymore."
Dear god, why do people latch onto this idea so much? What is it about this random combination of traits that makes it such a good species to pick? Because they aren't that great. Coming up with something just as good would be fine.

Could you imagine if all Sci-fi franchises used the same Dwarf-Elf-Orc set up? If three alien types, say, Vulcan/Wookiee/Dalek existed in all sci-fi franchises with barely any alterations?
Games like Mass Effect wouldn't have the fascinatingly diverse and fleshed out species they do.

 

[DoPo]

Eh, just call me a racist Nord. It's what everyone else does.

[sup]Which is rather weird, since I have no problems with non-Nord humans, Khajiit, and Argonians. And only the High Elves and their Thalmor get my hatred (although in the former case, only when they open with hostilities), the rest I just don't really...trust.[/sup]

Well, it's still racist, as you are discriminating a race. Racism doesn't mean you hate all races - you can only hate one. So the term is correct.

Still, a more correct term might be antielfism. Or something.

 

[Ramare]

Eh, just call me a racist Nord. It's what everyone else does.

[sup]Which is rather weird, since I have no problems with non-Nord humans, Khajiit, and Argonians. And only the High Elves and their Thalmor get my hatred (although in the former case, only when they open with hostilities), the rest I just don't really...trust.[/sup]

Well, it's still racist, as you are discriminating a race. Racism doesn't mean you hate all races - you can only hate one. So the term is correct.

Still, a more correct term might be antielfism. Or something.

Yes, I know, I wasn't really playing fast and loose with the terminology; it's just that "racist Nords" are traditionally racist towards everything that isn't a "True Nord", which would be a Nord born and raised in Skyrim. Makes Dunmer look like a happy and accepting bunch when compared to that (hopefully) minority of close-minded Nords.

 

[Atmos Duality]

Mostly because they're overdone and carry that "too perfect" and condescending trope with them.
Well, unless it's Shadowrun. Then it's elves with tattoos, faux-leather jackets and sniper rifles (and somehow...it works).

 

[Amondren]

People always treat elfs as these sexualized creatures this onetime this guy said that his tavern was as fine as a elven arse!