>Create a race
>Note that they share many features with the elves. Long lifespans, arrogant, fucked up the world, strong mages etc
>But there are some differences. Could confuse the players.
What do?
Replace elves
>>54716524
if only there were someone there your players could talk to if they got confused about it
>>54716524
Players are capable of understanding the differences between D&D elves, TES elves, 40k elves, and Santa's elves, while accepting that all of them are elves.
As long as you don't lead them to believe that your elves are exactly the same as some other setting's elves, they'll be able to handle it.
>>54716524
>What do?
Don't call them elves
>>54716524
Don't use elves
>>54716524
Just call them elves.
Call 'em Schmelves
Remove old elves.
These are what elves look like in your setting.