Deep Elves

Sometimes called drow, deep elves preferred the darkest, most shrouded deep forest and caves, when the world ended and all descended into the earth many of the deep elves stayed as they preferred the dark stone depths. It is thought that the deep elves are descendants of earth elemental fey.

## **Appearance**

They typically have a stone like shades of grey complexion, shades of white or grey hair, and deep red or purple eyes like rubies and amethysts.They tend to be shorter than other elves, but taller than dwarves.

The deep elves are famous for their beauty, considered the most beautiful people by some. Women tend to wear their hair very long, braiding and binding it it elegantly with the jewelry they are also renowned for creating.

They are know to walk gracefully and some do so silently with no extra effort.

The Deep Elves enjoy luxurious bathes whenever possible, scented with wonderful herbs, ideally with a harpist playing nearby.

## **Culture and customs**

When the world was restored to life and the world's peoples returned from the underground to the surface the Deep Elves marveled at the stars, moon, azure sky, clouds and... the blinding Sun. As intriguing as the world was they knew their home had become Frostshield. Having been good guests of the Dwarves they were welcomed to stay were their culture grew into one of music and art as the tensions of the Anchorage lifted.

### **Governance**

Mirroring the Dwarven culture clan mothers hold positions of top authority within Deep Elf culture, though its said the structure is much more relaxed, perhaps as less responsibility falls on the Deep Elves for the management of Frostshield. Some joke that whoever is most charming, creates the most beautiful music, or what not is the ruler of Lindale.

### **Faith**

Eatora is the focus of Deep Elf worship, they are careful to thank Her for Her stone and ask for inspiration in their creations.

### **Economy**

The relatively small community within the Lindale is highly specialized for jewelry crafting, musical and performing arts, crafting musical instruments, various art crafts particularly stone sculpting as the Deep Elves have innate stone shaping magic.

### **Language**

The Deep Elves speak Dwarven comfortably and have preserved the Elven tongue. Many learn Aquan as its considered the most beautiful, flowing language for singing.

### **Culinary customs**

As the world's trade opens up so too have the options for foods in Frostshield. The Deep Elves love fine tastes and luxury so its said many families have gone broke importing food. None the less the finest dishes and restaurants exist in the Lindale, while many will argue the food in Croth Mam or Fair Port is better most are eager for Deep Elf cuisine. Rose water and saffron are popular, and expensive, spices for their cooking which tends to prefer subtly over intense flavors.

### **Structures**

The homes of the Deep Elves are without question the most beautiful stone work in Convergence. Each home has its own personality and emotionally artistic design. Rooms are thought out with a care and sensitivity only seen equal measure to designs in Croth Mam. Rooms flow and open and close to create a wonderful balance of openness and cozy enclosure. The purples, pinks and blues of their lanterns give an otherworldly, yet calm atmosphere.

### **Settlements**

Frostshield, the main city of the Dwarves.

### **Marriage, sexual relations, and childbirth**

An average day for a Deep Elf contains more celebration than an of the world's peoples, so you can imagine a marriage party is truly mind blowing. Few can even describe with words the surge of dance, music and joy contained in the celebration of a loving union.

Marriage for the Deep Elves has no legal basis or contract, it only exists as long as both want it to. It's generally understood that a Deep Elf's affections extend to multiple people though married couples do so with the intention of making each other of primary concern and energy.

Pregnant women often go about their lives as normal until late term, many women can be seen playing music in public with full bellies, lovingly stroking their child who surely is listening as well even before birth.

A pregnant Deep Elf woman will often pray to Eatora for her child's health and a safe delivery. Offering precious metals and gems at the best temple available or simply her heartfelt love for her child.

### **Death**

The Deep Elves believe their ancestor spirits remain with the clan to look over and guide them.

All remains are cremated and placed in long tombs containing the ash urns, often with items beloved to the ancestor.

The Deep Elves do not believe in intellectual property so no rights pass on to inheritors for any song or art concept. The clan mother decides what property is distributed where, often with concern for the entire clan in mind rather than any one person, greedy claiming of property is considered repulsive.

### **Military**

While the Deep Elves may be the leave militaristic culture in Convergence only a fool underestimates their capacity to kill and defend themselves. Their graceful and truly athletic control over their bodies means they are deadly fencers and handle close quarters better than most. Its said during the internal conflicts of the Anchorage Deep Elf spies and assassins poisoned many trouble makers though if asked about this most Deep Elves will laugh it off as an interesting, but false fantasy.

### **Other beliefs and superstitions**

The Dwarves and Deep Elves share a love of spiders which they will explain by noting they kill pestilence spreading insects. "Better a spider insider than a fly in your eye!" It is in fact illegal to harm or kill a spider or cat within Frostshield, though those in the Warrens are known to do so out of spite for the law.

Deep Elves wonder and awe at the open sky, but never feel quite at home above ground, it is a place to visit, not to live.

Some songs and plays are considered cursed and Deep Elves will refuse to perform them.

If a sculpture of an ancestor is make of such quality to be identical to them the Deep Elves believe that ancestor may inhabit and communicate with the living.