Dark Elf (Teir'Dal)

## Dark Elfs (Teir'Dal) - Conquerors of the Underfoot

### **Background**

Dark Elves are one of the three known Elf races and one of the oldest races on Norrath. They are known by the ancient Elf word Teir’Dal, a word meaning “Abyss Elf.” They have existed for ages in the dark underworlds of Norrath. The Dark Elves are the children of Innoruuk. Legend has it that the Prince of Hate captured the first Elven king and queen and tortured them over the span of 300 years, tearing them apart and rebuilding them in his own twisted image. Whatever their true origins may be, there is no doubt that the Dark Elves have embraced Hate as a guiding force in their lives. Hate, when disciplined, can make one strong and focused. When inspired in others, it can be a means to corrupt and control them. The practice of Necromancy, which the Teir’Dal sees as Innoruuk’s gift to their race, is very much at the core of their culture. Though slight of build, the Teir’Dal make brutal Fighters, compensating for their lack of physical size with a viciously tactical mind. Their Intelligence makes them highly adept in all forms of magic, including both Mage and Priest archetypes. Their Elven abilities also lend themselves well to the pursuit of the Scout profession.

### **Faith**

Dark Elves practice a fanatical form of religion that tolerates no deviation or interpretation of doctrine. Innoruuk, created the Teir`Dal, and his hatred flows through their veins and moves their black hearts. It runs so deep that the Teir`Dal hate all, including their own kind and their creator.

### **Effects of the Shattering**

Since the closing of the entrance to Neriak, the Dark Elves left on the surface have been cut off from their ancient home. Those who fled to Freeport did so out of a sense of selfpreservation rather than an actual desire to cooperate with Lucan or the other races. While tolerating the squalid conditions of the city districts, they actively scheme for personal advancement. The Freeport Dark Elves are willing to play along for now, but will be looking for any opportunity to take advantage of the weakness of others. In contrast, the Teir’Dal calling themselves Thexians are in the process of trying to reopen access to their home city. These devout zealots view the Freeport Dark Elves as having sold out their heritage, looking down on them with disdain. The Thexians detest being forced to live above ground in Nektulos, viewing the reclamation of their former greatness to be an inevitable function of their destiny. Dark Elves who do not pledge to support the efforts of the Thexians will be viewed as traitors to their culture and shunned by the “true” Teir’Dal. Unbeknownst to the Dark Elves of Norrath, the closing of Neriak was a deliberate act by the Teir’Dal queen, who has taken her kingdom deep into the Underfoot. She has either slaughtered or stranded every Thexian loyalist while her empire has grown to massive size below. These Teir’Dal will view all those who remained on the surface as weaklings.

### **Pros and Cons**

#### **Pros:**

* Dark Elves have high Wisdom, making them good Priest types.
* They also have high Agility, lending them more defense and attack speed, and a good start on a Scouting life.
* Their highest stat is Intelligence at 26; this means that they are some of the best Mages in the game. If your main concern is DPS (damage per second), the Mage role is probably best.
* They get Ultravision (night vision) which helps you see in dark places like caves.

#### **Cons:**

* Dark Elves have low Stamina, meaning fewer Hit Points and thus likely to die faster then some of the tougher races.
* They have a very low Strength, meaning less melee attack force and less carry capacity. Dark Elf Fighters are very rare.