The elves, native to the planet Thessia, are often considered the most influential and respected sentient species in the world, and are known for their elegance, diplomacy, and arcane aptitude. This is partly due to the fact that the elves were among the earliest races to build intercontinental travel capable ships after the Protheans, and the first to discover and settle the Citadel.
Favoring compromise and cooperation over conflict, the elves were instrumental in proposing and founding the Council and have been at the heart of international society ever since.