OVERVIEW

Dark elves, closely associated with the Night Goddess, embody her principles of darkness, mystery, and subtlety.

Despite being ostracized and forced to live underground under to widespread stigma, they have developed a complex and powerful society. Their long lifespans, magical prowess, strict hierarchies, and deep-seated bitterness toward the surface have combined to make them a feared threat to the rest of the world.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Appearance

• Lean with gray to obsidian skin, and white or silver eyes that seem to glow in the dark.

• Their hair ranges from pure white to silvery gray.

• Low sexual dimorphism; men and women often share similar features, though their attires indicate their societal roles.

Lifespan

Very long-lived, often reaching up to 700 years or more, letting them accumulate vast amounts of knowledge and experience.

GENERAL PERSONALITIES

Prideful & Bitter

Dark elves harbor deep resentment towards those of the light, most of whom ostracize them violently. What began as a defense mechanism against prejudice and persecution has become a deeply ingrained cornerstone of their society and education.

Disciplined & Cunning

They value discipline and cunning, striving for excellence in magic, combat, and political maneuvering. Their society heavily rewards those who are able to navigate its complex hierarchies.

Mistrustful

Dark elves are inherently mistrustful, both of outsiders and within their own ranks, taught by their societal customs to maintain a culture of secrecy and suspicion.

WAYS OF LIFE

Shadow Magic

Dark elves pride themselves on their shadow magic and stealth, and naturally find themselves as wizards, assassins, and spies—careers that are in high demand in their cities, where backstabbing is practically a community sport.

Logic

Unlike their sunlit counterparts, dark elves prioritize methodical logic and strategic thinking, designing their underground cities for efficiency and durability, rather than grandeur.

Their education, magic, and combat focus on precision and calculation—the reason they have thrived in such harsh subterranean environments.

Combat and Defense

Many dark elves are skilled warriors, particularly in guerrilla warfare and defensive tactics. They train extensively in the use of both magic and weapons, ready to defend their underground cities from any threat.

Slavery

Many dark elves have embraced the fear-mongering and monstrous reputation assigned to them, and some factions actively perpetuate their fearsome image.

As such, some sects of dark elves are not above taking slaves, often attacking small villages and towns to kidnap individuals. This has given rise to bogeyman tales told to many surfacer children, warning them not to stay out too late lest the "duskers" snatch them away in the night.

SOCIETAL STRUCTURE

Noble Houses

Noble Houses: Dark elven society is organized into powerful noble houses, each vying for influence and control. These houses are often led by matriarchs, reflecting the society’s misandrist tendencies where women hold the majority of political and social power.

Council of Matriarchs

The highest governing body is the Council of Matriarchs, composed of the most powerful and respected women from each noble house. They make decisions on matters of law, governance, and warfare.

Hierarchy and Meritocracy

Social status is of utmost importance, with strict hierarchies governing every aspect of life. Loyalty to one's house and matriarch is paramount (at least, on paper), and internal politics are rife with intrigue and power struggles.

For dark elves, while bloodlines and nobility are of utmost importance, it is ironically easier to rise through their ranks than among their sun elven counterparts. Merit and skill are recognized and valued, and it’s not uncommon for a particularly talented child to be "adopted" into a more powerful family.

RELIGION & BELIEFS

Night Goddess (Gloomweaver)

Despite her silence, many dark elves remain devout followers of the Night Goddess' aspect as the "Gloomweaver", viewing her as a symbol of resilience and embracing her legacy of disdain for humanity.

However, a minority of Dark Elves blame her for their negative reputation and seek to distance themselves from her legacy.

WORLDLY REPUTATION

The Good

💚 There are very little positives; though many races fear the mysterious and potent dark magic that the dark elves wield, garnering a begrudging respect.

The Bad

⛔ Dark elves are often seen as inherently evil due to their association with the Night Goddess and her betrayal. Most races deeply distrust them and have assigned them a reputation of treachery and cruelty.

Their deep-seated bitterness and antagonism towards other races also create significant enmity. (Also, the excessive raiding and enslaving of others doesn’t help, probably.)

Other Names

Friendly-Neutral Names

High Elves (usually used ironically, mocking the pretentiousness of the sun elves who claim the title. That said, some dark elves wholeheartedly believe themselves to be the true high elves.)

Very few friendly names; neutral “respectful” ones include: Underfolk, Nightkin, Duskborn

Derogatory Names

Gloamers, Gloomers, Dirt/Mud Elves, Creepers, Slinks, Duskers, Murkies, Slavers

PRESENCE IN FORTUNE'S REST

THE ALCOVES

Dark elves primarily inhabit the shadowy corners of The Alcoves, taking advantage of its labyrinthine structure to maintain their secretive and guarded lifestyle.

They have carved out a niche within this district, creating a network of hidden enclaves and gathering spots where they can operate away from prying eyes.

THE RIM

The dark elves' presence is also felt in The Rim, where their expertise in stealth, combat and darkness are highly valued by adventuring parties preparing to delve into the chasm of Sunhallow.

Their interactions with other races are often marked by cautious alliances and calculated moves; though the lawless streets of Fortune’s Rest is where the dark elves are most likely to find acceptance than anywhere else in Edeni.