Obsidian Elves

The Obsidian Elves, also known as Myrkalf (Densken, “Black Elf”) or Dvergalf (Desnken, unknown) are a subrace of Elves that have lived under Denske since prehistory. They have been so far separated from their cousins that they speak a proto-Densken type of language written in complicated characters that seem to share little to no patterns with their cousins’ languages. They are rarely if never, seen outside of their subterranean cities though there are records of old Obsidian Elves being apart of high courts for famous kings.

## Denske

Denske, above ground, is ruled by the violent and notorious Densker humans. It is the northernmost country and the origin of the race of werewolves. To the East is Nordyn and the West holds Heli, so it can be inferred that the ancestors of Obsidian Elves landed on Denske hailing from either Helian Iridians or Nordic Iridians.

Alternatively, their cities lie under the frozen land of Denske. The entrances to the cities are bland cave mouths, marked only by two golden glyphs. Upon entrance, one takes a long flight of stairs that grows more extravagant the further down one goes. The cities are labyrinth-like, and the streets, though intricate and jaw-droppingly gorgeous, are empty for the most part. In the center of each city is a great plaza that holds a live (life presumed to be prolonged through magic) Blight Dragon (one of the world’s lost wonders.) The Obsidian Elves are said to have at least one specimen of many extinct species. It is even said one of their great lords is an Anteek (an ancestor to the current beasts, the Aptonoth) who lives with his several, immortal Naga wives.

## Physiology

The Obsidian Elves are a race of elves who typically have pitch black-skin, white to grey braided hair and a striking form and figure. The Obsidian Elves are by far the most muscular and bulky of the Elven races. They have been recorded to constantly have an above-average body temperature, feeding the mythos that they were born of molten rock core.

An interesting phenomenon is the complexion of Obsidian Elven youth. They are recorded to be born a blinding white and, within hours of their birth, gradually shift to a warm, slightly glowing orange. As they grow towards adulthood, the fiery orange cools. When an individual reaches sexual maturity, they are completely black besides their glowing eyes.

## Culture

The Obsidian Elves are most famously noted for their extreme skill in smithing and crafting. The Densker god of smithing and fire, Eldkveikir, is described quite similarly to the records of Obsidian Elves. Several holy relics in Densker human culture come from Obsidian Elf smiths. They are also written to be extremely knowledgeable and magical peoples. By all accounts, the few Obsidian Elves that venture out of their cities are thoroughly wrapped and masked due to being turned to stone upon exposure to the sun. This is thought to be the punishment for holding such powerful skill and knowledge.

Not much is known about their culture due to scholars going missing upon entering Obsidian Elven cities with the intent of recording their current culture. Although, it is known they retain a similar patriarchal society to that of other elves, with leaders and males of high positions having many wives. It is written that women hold no outwardly important social roles but they tend to form the backbone of the society. This quite contrasts with the other known underground peoples, the Sanguine, who are strictly matriarchal and rely mainly, if not only on females for societal structure and leadership.

## Personality

Obsidian Elves are known to be exceptionally skilled at smithing and some accounts claim they have warmonger tendencies, but the later has not been seen in official records. They have been described as cold and calculating, despite their physical warmth. The few seen outside of their cities are known for speaking only when necessary and being very precise with their words.

## Notable Obsidian Elves:

* Grand Hierophant Tandin Tashi: the mage for the Helian High court, has served for at least 300 years