What would the physical effects be to Elves if they began living underground?

Background:

An Elven nation that once thrived for thousands of years as a predominantly agricultural race was forced underground because of unexplainable occurrences of extreme weather conditions (tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, blizzards) threatening their existence. The majority of weather this continent has experienced is sunshine, with the occasion of thunderstorms and rain. Having no previous experience with other weather conditions, the Elven nation migrates underground to prevent themselves from becoming extinct.

Factors to consider:

• These are the first Elves to exist, so any other species of Elves came about as a result of reproduction.
• There are around 100,000 Elves belonging to this nation.
• The majority of their food is plant-based but they occasionally eat meat.
• Their sight and hearing are better than that of any human.
• They are typically 6 feet (1.8 metres) tall.
• They are born with green eyes or blue, light brown hair or blonde.
• Due to sun exposure, they are mostly tan-coloured.
• These Elves live for 300 years buy only reproduce until they are 100. In this time, they have between 2-5 children.
• The extreme weathers are frequent but not constant so they do make surface trips for resources.
• The nation survives underground for at least 5,000 years.
• Although they cannot cast magic, they have some magical attributes such as longer lives and are more immune to diseases than humans.

Although it is unrealistic to suggest it has no effect on their sight, I would prefer they didn't go totally blind.

(Edited to ask only one question, be more specific, and to fix errors. The question asking how they would survive now has its own post. See: How would Elves survive underground without prior experience?)

posted over 5 years ago

Will Robinson‭

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