Dark Elf

Dremari, or *dark elves*, are a small subgroup of the high elves who follow Elygelos and his teachings. Unlike their high elven kin, they choose to embrace the nether and its magics. Dremari seek to combat the forces of chaos and disorder by using their tools against them; necromancy, nethermagic, demonic enslavement, and even seeking out the path of the dreadknight, all in the hopes of defeating those who would threaten Nivarra.

## Overview

Dremari are subrace of high elves who have chosen to pursue the darker paths of magic, in an attempt to defend their homeworld from outside depredation. They are a lithe race much similar to high elves in build. They possess either black or silver-white hair, with gaunt features and pale-white skin.

Contrary to what the high elves might say about their darker cousins, the dremari do not seek to dominate Nivarra or Eldre'thas. The dark elves see Nivarra as their home, and the high elves as a naive sibling in need of protection. Their pursuit of the darker arts is simply a means to an end; an end to anyone who would threaten their home.

Dremari are only a few thousand in number, and occupy small enclaves scattered across the world. These covens contain anywhere from 48 to several hundred dark elves, and are typically led by a sorcerer-prince. Each prince presides over their coven as king and is entirely autonomous. Princes who have been deemed unfit to rule, acting on their own selfish desires, or otherwise display inaction in the face of a greater foe, are exiled. In serious offenses (such as attacking others without just cause), the offender and their loyalists are executed.

The ranks of the dremari are growing slowly, but steadily. Every year a few high elves turn away from their great spire city, and choose the path of the dark elf. Elygelos, and many of the Dremari, hope that one day the dark elves and the high elves may live side-by-side in defense of Nivarra.

## Organization

Dremari society is centered around the enclave. The Sorcerer-Prince sits at the top as leader of the enclave; essentially a king or queen in their own right. Each prince has a court made up very similar to any other monarchic court; a diplomat, chancellor, treasurer, court wizard, and so on.

The enclave is allowed free reign to conduct their affairs as they see fit. The prince wields supreme authority and answers to no one but themselves. However, cooperation is encouraged among individual princes & enclaves, and gladly rally in the defense of one another when threatened.

## Military

### Nightspears

The Dremari military is dominated by the spear and shield. Each dark elf is expected to maintain their own equipment once its forged, and every member of the enclave is expected to serve in the militia. Dremari spearmen are drilled for 8 hours a day in small unit tactics, shield formations, and spear combat.

After a dremari has spent 2 years as a spearmen, they are then allowed to pursue other combat roles.

### Nightbows

Equipped with shield and crossbow, dremari crossbowmen are renowned for their accuracy and efficiency under fire. Nightbows train from the moment they pick up a crossbow, to the moment they die.

### Champion

Equivalent to a human knight, dremari champions are typically members of well-off families who use their wealth to outfit and maintain heavy cavalry. Clad from head-to-toe in heavy armor (horse included), champions are fearsome combatants who train with all manner of weapon to best suit the situation.