The Alathae are SilverAlliance Elves living in and near the Opaline Ocean northwest of the Worldstree. They have pearly white skin and blue, green or (rarely) pink hair. Their "clothing" consists of sheets of algae and anenomes and assorted shells. Alathae have a row of three gill slits on each side of their necks, and are equally comfortable breathing air or water. They do not, however, tolerate arid conditions or extreme heat.

Most Alathae live in the Hundred Isles, an archipelago in the southwestern part of the Opaline Ocean. There they maintain sheltered coves and lagoons. The Mother of Pearls, Queen of the Alathae, keeps court there on the Isle of Flutes. She is also reconned as the Queen of the Werefins and Selkies of the Opaline Ocean. There are two Alathaen cities outside the Isles, Re'suliai at the mouth of the ForestRoad, and U'uaioele, deep beneath the Ocean.

For the Alathae, the Opaline Ocean is a giant jewel box filled with endless novelty and wonder. Curiousity is perhaps their most definitive trait. Alathae are strictly uninterested in violence - it is almost impossible to prompt one to attack or even to fight except in self defense. They are much more likely to laugh at their antagonists and be on their graceful way.

Living in water caused the Alathae some hindrance in the early Ages when Magic was first being developed. Namely, the books used in Lorecraft didn't tolerate saltwater very well, and special instruments had to be developed for Spellsongs to work. While other races were working on these Arts, the Alathae developed their own Art:  Uu'aeshlo, literally UrchinInk. In Uu'aeshlo, designs are tattooed on the skin using natural materials. Uu'aeshlo has the added advantage of working on Werefins and Selkie, the tattoos surviving unchanged when they change forms.