The average mist elf stands about five feet tall when fully grown, and their fine bones and slight builds give them a delicate, even fragile, appearance. Mist elves' skin, hair, and eyes are often a pale blue or golden hue, which only adds to their odd appearance in most others' eyes. They are also set apart by their greatest gift - that of flight, in the form of large, feathery wings. These are generally a pale cream or ivory color, with blue or gold highlights that become more pronounced as the mist elf ages.

Mist elves' delicate appearance is not deceptive - while they are capable of swift and precise movement, the adaptations that are necessarily for flight do indeed render their bodies quite frail. Fortunately, their minds are sharp, and they are quite willing to avoid a dangerous situation simply by taking to the air and leaving the threat far behind. If they face a persistent foe, or one who also possesses the power of flight, then mist elves will almost invariably attempt to engage them at range, using whatever projectile or throwing weapons are at hand. Like the sylvan elves, they have a reputation as masters of archery.