Dark Elf
Deep within the Ashen Wastes of the realm of Talamh dwell the dark elves, a cunning people of charcoal skin and sharp ears. Their home is a treacherous landscape of volcanic terrain, where fungi grow in wild abundance and colossal insects and reptiles roam.
In the heart of these dark forests, ancient mushroom groves - named "Faunndr" - stand tall and ominous, as if holding secrets untold for ages. For an outlander, laying eyes upon the Wastes is truly alien experience.
Origin
To survive in the extreme climate of the Ashen Wastes, the dark elves are a nomadic people, traveling across the harsh landscape to serve a conclave of undying ancestors called the Eternal Court. While their origin is forgotten, the Court expresses the belief that dark elves have roamed Talamh since the beginning of time.
Others speculate they are distantly related to the extinct people known as the Kavizite, an advanced civilization, which ruins dot all realms, though It is rumored that the answer to the mystery of the dark elves' origin lies within the Eternal Court.
Culture and Society
As a nomadic tribe, the dark elves traverse their unforgiving land by day, seeking food and shelter wherever they can find it. When night falls, they take refuge in the sanctity of their Shae, cave-like dwellings carved out of the earth and lined with chitin barricades to protect them from the ashstorms. Their children have a strong attachment to their parents, but are ultimately raised by the entire tribe.
At the heart of each tribe stands the matriarch, chosen for her strength and cunning. She is wed to one of the ancestor patrons of the Eternal Court and through their bond, the matriarch acts as an extension of her tribe's patron, ensuring the tribe stays true to their purpose of serving the Eternal Court.
The dark elves' culture and society are strictly hierarchical, designed to ensure survival in the harshest of lands. The members of the Eternal Court are at the top of this hierarchy, and the dark elves revere them above all else. Their will is not always understood, but it is clear they work towards some greater goal.
Serving Living Gods
The Dark Elves believe that the Eternal Court communicates with them through visions and dreams. The visions are often cryptic and difficult to interpret, but the dark elves use their cunning and resourceful shamans to decipher their true meaning. They believe that these visions guide them on their path, and that by following them, they will be granted favor from their ancestors.
Serving the Court requires sacrifice and dedication. Dark elves must be willing to put their own desires aside for the greater good of their tribe and the will of their gods.
They must be clever, always seeking new ways to serve their patron and protect the tribe. Those who serve the Eternal Court with devotion and loyalty are rewarded in the afterlife. They believe that they will join their patron ancestor in eternal life, and their names remembered forever. Serving the Eternal Court is the ultimate honor for a dark elf, and it is a duty that they take very seriously.
Biology
These elves thrive in a toxic region by consuming insects and fungi, granting them some immunity to common poisons.
Age. Dark elves live to be around 200 years of age and are considered adults when they reach their 20s. They mature at the same rate of humans.
Size. Dark elves average around 1.75m. Your size is Medium.
Appearance. These elves have dark, charcoal like skin, and slender builds. Hair colors range from black with tones of grey and silver to deep red.
Playing a Dark Elf
When playing a dark elf, consider...
what your relationship to your tribe is. Are you an outcast or still a member with a secret mission?
how you engange with people in positions of power. Indoctrinated dark elves often go to great lengths to show their respect for elders and figures of authority.
how your resourcefulness can ensure survival for you and your friends.
who you trust. Most dark elves keep their cards close, not wishing to reveal their ancient traditions and secrets.
Dark Elf Features
As a Dark Elf, you gain the following ancestry features.
Attribute Boost
Raise your Agility and Willpower by 1.
Darkvision (15m)
You are accustomed to a land of eternal darkness. You can see normally in dim light and darkness within 15m of you.
Fire Resistance (2)
Any fire damage you suffer is reduced by 2. If you already have this resistance, increase it by 2 instead.
Honor the Ancients
You make all Lore tests with boon.