Hi, I have a fire elf with 23 wis, 18 con, 18 dex and 35 str (with buffs and equipment). I like it as a melee toon, although I'm probably weaker than a similar knight. Talking to people they told me int is the way to go, but I don't know how to create a fire int elf. I tried a few variations on the test server but I'm not totally conviced.

Any ideas or guidance on how to make an int fire elf?

There are tons of different offshoots that might be possible, but you would have to mess around with them to see which ones are actually playable, and they'll all heavily rely on good gear. Keep in mind that you wouldn't want to switch to any other lines with these builds, and you can't PVP. Some options I'd consider would be:

1) 18 Con/12 Str base, then add 20 Wis, 18 Dex, 17 Int and 18 Str (at lvl 70 with 5 elixirs)

- This build gives you the best HP, low MP, high MR, but sacrifices some Str for Int to be able to use greater heal to hopefully minimize potions. You could take out Int for more Str if you want. Go heavier on the Str items like PGs, Str ammy, beleth boots, cloak of death, etc. to boost your Str a little more.

2) 16 Str/14 Wis base, then add 20 Wis, 18 Dex, 17 Int, 24 Str (at lvl 70 with 5 elixirs)

- This build will give you the lowest HP in exchange for the best hit, damage, and carry bonus, with better MP, and also high MR. You can also take out Int for more Str instead, but considering you'll have low HP and no improved healing with greater heal, you might not do well with bosses or in sticky situations.

3) You could also do either of the above without adding Wis and or Int, and instead boosting Str all the way. Basically 18Con/Str/18Dex, or just Str/18Dex.

The GMs should consider adding the melee damage and hit bonuses from level to elves to give melee elves a little help.

Also you can test these on the test server to find your most comfortable build.

Considering end game for elves is either dex or melee, due to FID weapons, not really worth adding the damage as fire elves already hit like trucks. 

The down side is even as melee aoe is king, so people add int instead of more str for bigger heals and spells.

For builds it just depends on what your end game goals, so thats the biggest factor.