Dark Elves

"The denizens of the Jirbant Forest don't take kindly to strangers. Many who walk into that shadowy wood never walk out again."

## Basic Information

### Anatomy

The Dark Elves are very similar to their elven kin. They are built similarly to the Wood Elves, being very slender and graceful. Their skin is very pale and sometimes greyish or even gray-green, and their hair is either black or white. Their eyes are slightly larger than the other elven peoples, although not by a substantial amount. Their eyes are black, red, or gold.

### Ecology and Habitats

Dark Elves thrive in dark places with low light level. They have established their small kingdom within the dark Jirbant Forest, which is feared for its dense canopy teeming with giant spiders and other, more dangerous creatures. The elves have made their home in these woods and the caves extending underneath it, and are highly protective of their home.

## Additional Information

### Geographic Origin and Distribution

Jirbant Forest. Being highly xenophobic, they are rarely seen elsewhere.

### Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Dark Elves, like other races of elves, have heightened senses compared to humans. In fact, their senses are so strong, they are considered superior even among other elves. However, this sometimes proves to be a detriment, as their eyes are so sensitive they have difficulty seeing in full sunlight.

## Civilization and Culture

### Beauty Ideals

Dark Elves value slender, trim builds and elegant, graceful movements. Long, flowing hair is also often considered attractive by both men and women.

### Gender Ideals

Both sexes are expected to participate in activities that reflect the high social status the Dark Elves still cling to. Both are expected to learn courtly etiquette, literature, and are expected to learn arts such as calligraphy, painting, or music. Men are also expected to learn archery and swordsmanship. Women may also participate in these activities, although it is often seen as unladylike and may be looked down upon.

### Courtship Ideals

Arranged marriage is fairly common among Dark Elves due to their pretensions of nobility. Generally, a male suitor will make a proposition of marriage to the woman's parents, and the parents decide whether to accept or decline.

### Relationship Ideals

Most relationships in Dark Elf culture are arranged. Couples are expected to learn to live with one another, regardless of whether they love each other or not. Any relationship considered to be "deviant" is illegal, but due to the relatively low population within Jirbant, incest sometimes occurs unintentionally. Relationships with races other than Dark Elves are illegal.

### Common Etiquette Rules

Among themselves, Dark Elves are typically polite, cordial, and generally amicable. They value kindness and honesty, at least with their own kind. To the few outsiders who have entered their stronghold, they come across as noble and dignified, but also cold, indifferent, arrogant, and condescending.

### Common Dress Code

Many Dark Elves within Jirbant, especially those of higher born families, wear long, flowing robes of shimmering white and black made from silk. Others of slightly lower birth, while still retaining the mindset of nobility, may wear dark cloth shirts and trousers, or armor of leather or chitin. Most Dark Elf clothing has stark contrast in dark and light colors, most commonly being black or white, with some dark green or blue being present. Presentable appearance is highly important to the Dark Elves, as they still cling to their ancient noble status and refuse to allow themselves to outwardly appear similar to peasants.

### Culture and Cultural Heritage

The Dark Elves were originally a clan of Wood Elf nobility, who began to splinter off when they were banished and exiled from Claedwen into the dark and dangerous Jirbant Forest when rival noble clans began to become fearful that they held too much power. Because of this ancient transgression, Dark Elves and Wood Elves hold a deep-seeded animosity for one another. The Dark Elves rejected the gods of the Wood Elves, instead turning to the dark forest spirits that dwell within Jirbant. This is partially what caused their change in appearance. Despite their hatred of the Wood Elves, their culture remains largely similar to that of the older families of Wood Elven nobility, with special attention on traditional music, art, and literature. To survive in Jirbant, the Dark Elves have adopted certain unusual practices, such as the taming of the giant spiders which call the forest home. They also create armor from the carapaces of these large creatures.

### Common Myths and Legends

The Dark Elves have rejected the gods and religion of their Wood Elven forbears, instead embracing the worship of spirits which dwell within Jirbant. Many of their religious practices may be seen as occult by outsiders, but it is the way they have practiced their faith for centuries.

### Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Due to their highly isolationist and xenophobic nature, Dark Elves are highly distrustful of other races, and often look down on them. To other nations, little is known of the Dark Elves, and most people who encounter a Dark Elf outside of their home aside from the Wood Elves themselves assume them to be a strange looking Wood Elf. Wood Elves and Dark Elves have an ancient animosity stemming from an ancient transgression by the Wood Elves upon the Dark Elven people.

Genetic Ancestor(s)
* Wood Elves

Origin/Ancestry
Elven
Lifespan
160 years
Average Height
5'10
Average Physique
With a high metabolism, Dark Elves are generally on the slim side.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Very pale, grey skin. However, not white or bluish like the Snow Elves.

## Magic Culture

Magic is regularly practiced among the Dark Elves. Due to their religious practices, druids and warlocks are common, as are sorcerers since many Dark Elves carry magic in their blood. Wizards were very common at one point, although because of their isolation are becoming less common over time. It also is not at all uncommon to see magic-wielding rangers patrolling the fringes of their territory. Bards are uncommon, as there is no Bardic institution in Jirbant, and musicians within Jirbant seldom have any contact with the outside world. Clerics are entirely nonexistent, with no recorded exceptions. Most magics are accepted by the Dark Elves with the exception of overly destructive magics and necromancy, due to their reverence for nature.