Dark Elves

in: Races

## Introduction

Dark Elves strive to constantly achieve power for themselves, and long to be the most powerful beings of all. They delight in domination over others and despise anything that compromises their position. Since establishing themselves, they have waged constant wars with their neighbors as they've sought to either annihilate or subjugate them. Their notoriety is known throughout the world and as such they are one of the most reviled races in all of the lands. Dark Elves themselves have little respect for other civilizations and believe solely in their own superiority.

They have not only rejected the elven pantheon, but they seek to unmake them as well. For the treachery of their convictions against their former gods, they were stricken with a hex. This hex that would forever deviate their path from the other elves. They were exiled from their home, and they took themselves so where they could hide from their former brethren. From their new home, the Dark Elves organized themselves for further attempts to expel the gods from reality so that they could forever be free of them. Eventually, they settled themselves in a dense alpine forest near the northern mountains. They called this forest Maestaria, and it was where they would build their first cities.

*The disciplined intellect fears nothing and craves no sugar-plum at the day's end, but is content to accept life and serve society as best it may. Personally I should not care for immortality in the least. There is nothing better than oblivion, since in oblivion there is no wish unfulfilled. We had it before we were born, yet did not complain. Shall we then whine because we know it will return? — **Ars Amare**, "Meditations on the Void"*

## Quick Notes

* **Alternative Names:** Dryadalis (Dark Elves), Shabzavar (Dune Elves), Deyrnfradwr (High Elves), Irstaileva (Snow Elves), Watu Wasaliti (Wood Elves)
* **Naming Convention:** Latin, some Greek *(Examples: Imperator, Korvinus, Silas, Remus, Umbrielle, Septima)*
* **Appearance:** Thin, athletic bodies with dark skin. White, black, or dark blue hair. Red, purple, or yellow coloured eyes.
* **Lifespan:** ~1000 years
* **Height:** 170cm - 190cm
* **Regions Found:** Forests, Mountains
* **Common Character Roles:** Craftsmen, Soldier, Civil Servant, Slaver
* **Values:** Machiavellianism, Individualism, Aestheticism, Misotheism
* **Culture:** Status is an important concept to Dark Elves. They do everything they can to present themselves as influential, wealthy, and attractive.
* **Religion(s):** Opposition to the Elven Pantheon, Cult of Lacuna
* **Common Allies:** Demons
* **Common Enemies:**  Elves, Humans, Fey, Divine
* **Views on Magic:** Distrust of magic outside of their own spheres.
* **Abilities:** Sleep Immunity (Trait), Determined (Trait), Vacuum (Spell), Nullify Magic (Spell), and Orb of Annihilation (Spell)
* **Weaknesses:** Disease/Poison Susceptibility (Trait), Divine Curse (Trait),

## Appearance

Dark Elves are unique in their appearance, for they did not evolve their appearance naturally like the other elven varieties. The physical attributes of the Dark Elves came about from a malediction willed upon them by the elven gods themselves. The chief design of this curse was to mark the Dark Elves separately from the other elves, so the inheritance of their treachery would be easily seen to the other elves. Similar to how genetics are passed, the divine curse too is passed on to the children of Dark Elf mothers. While Dark Elf fathers carry the curse themselves, their offspring are free from it.

Dark Elves tend to have thin athletic bodies with an average height ranging from five to six and a half feet. Much like their cousins, they have pointed ears. Their skin colour ranges from ebony to grey, with occasional hints of blue. Their natural hair colour is white, blue, or black. Their eye colour always has a red additive component to it which yields in a colour range from yellow to red to purple. Both females and males are of equal size on average.

The lifespan of a Dark Elf is potentially a thousand years, but their violent lifestyle results in shortened lives. To see a Dark Elf actually reach old age is unquestionably uncommon. As a Dark Elf is weakened by time, they are removed from positions of power so that a more capable, younger elf can take their place. They live their final days in discarded obscurity, save for whatever uses they may still have. In practice, a Dark Elf will only live around half of a millennium, which is reflected in the ages of the Matrons and Guardians of the upper Dark Elf social strata.

Their fashion options often depend on their house, occupation, military-run, and social status. House insignias are worn to show allegiance to one's house. A Dark Elf caught without wearing their insignia would frequently be put to death, unless they were hiding it for reasons of subterfuge. Although Dark Elves abhor physical labour jobs, they will still wear clothes that suit the needs of their occupation. In their military, common soldiers would wear strictly the basic armour and equipment needed, while officers would have additional accessories such as helmet plumes and cloaks. Lastly, much of how Dark Elves dress themselves is dependent on their social status and privilege.

## History

The Dark Elves were formerly High Elves, and how they came to be was first birthed from a local cult. Based in the High Elven city of Maymagynnul, this cult didn't worship any gods; instead, they despised them. For centuries, they studied arcane magic in secret, gaining a better understanding of it in hopes of one day finding a way to annihilate the gods. Eventually, they achieved a breakthrough and decided to first employ their methods upon one of their own gods first. Celarus Ellias, the god of energy and growth, was chosen to be the first to have their existence wiped. Their attempt at deicide was an amazing success and the effects of the god's removal from existence was felt throughout the cosmos and the reaction from the remaining elven pantheon was immediate. They stuck every member of the cult with a terrible curse. The curse completely severed any ties they had from their gods, from nature, and from the other elves.

Hated by their former kin and now repulsed by the land they once called home, the Dark Elves left their homeland to search for a new place to live. They left the island of Tir Cygodi and headed north-east across the chain of islands leading to the main continent. The Snows Elves were already well under way developing their northern niche, and there were numerous groups of humans to the south; so the Dark Elves continued their trek west. Eventually, they began to establish a new home for themselves within the vast forest at the base of the mountains, giving rise to their first city, Zarresh. As time went on, the Dark Elves were able to expand outwards. They continued to grow their civilization with their one city becoming many, as they took control of the cold forest.

Over time, Dark Elves grew confident enough to launch assaults and raids upon their neighbours.. Always hungry for new slaves, Dark Elves quickly established themselves as an enemy to any civilization that had the misfortune of living next to time. They've had a long history of wars fought with the humans to the south, who are more organized civilizations to repel the Dark Elf and embark upon their own campaigns against them in their own homelands.

## Society

Dark Elves prefer to dwell in cities, which are located deep within the cold Maestaria forest. Food resources are often scarce for Dark Elves in the frigid northlands, and they often are found feuding with other groups to compete for resources. All along the forest floor and in sprouting anywhere possible, there have been specialized mushrooms that make up much of their diet. Dark Elves are always on the lookout for new fungi to return home with a cultivar. If a popular new variety is discovered, it can lead wealthy enterprises as farms adapt the new species of mushrooms to their assorted offerings.

Slavery is commonly employed by Dark Elves. Slaves can serve multiple purposes among the Dark Elves, the first of which is labour. Dark Elves themselves have a distaste for menial task and leave that work to slaves whenever they can. From house cleaning to craftsmanship, slaves are employed by their masters. This creates a high demand for slaves and to fuel this demand, Dark Elves make frequent raids looking for vulnerable groups to enslave. Rare and exotic slaves are put in visible positions and displayed prominently, as such, slaves are a status symbol to the upper class. Due to their shorter lifespan and hearty constitution, humans are the preferred slaves of the Dark Elves.  Humans offer flexibility as well as they can be suitable for both labourious work as well as serving

Males are held in little regard in Dark Elf society, and typically considered to be slightly above the status of a slave. Their main occupation is serving as armed forces in their military or guards, where their presence is tolerated. They're often kept out of any serious positions of power in Dark Elf institutions. As a result, they're more likely to pursue solo ventures such as trades and craftsmanship. However, a particularly skilled male can find himself rising in the ranks of Dark Elf society, obtaining power for himself.

## Government

Their government is headed by the Imperator. The Imperator is elected by a council of Guardians, and it is a position that is held on to for life. The Imperator has absolute authority over all matters, ranging from military, executive and judicial. If she was desired to pass a law, she would simply issue a decree and have it carried out by her Guardians. She'll also appoint Guardians into specialized roles that help with the administration of their civilization. During times of war, which is nearly constant for the aggressive, expansionist Dark Elves, the Imperator is expected to lead their armies against their foes. When an Imperator dies, the council of Guardians elect a replacement from among their own ranks. This leaderless period can be a violent, volatile time for the Dark Elves if there is no clear consensus upon who to elect next.

The Guardians themselves are appointed to their position by the Imperator, one each from the various aristocratic Houses that form most of the power structure within Dark Elf society. Guardians are typically composed of distinguished women within prestigious Houses, although they can also find themselves elected to the position if they hold a significant amount of favour with the Imperator or on occasion use underhanded means to secure their position. Once elected, a Guardian serves their role until death; however, their appointed duties can change at the whim of the Imperator. Some of their duties would be the following: Governing over a city, assuming executive or judicial authority when the Imperator was on a military campaign, overseeing the expansion of city projects, highways, and managing the treasury.

Dark Elves have few laws governing how they are allowed to conduct themselves. Dark Elf law very much reflects their values of liberty and autonomy... or at least their own views of it. Murder is permitted, provided that is successful. Failure on the other hand is met with punishment. The weight of the consequences of failure largely depends on the act being failed, as well as just how much the Dark Elf failed by.  Punishments for committing a failure are administered by the Dark Elf's superior, whether it be a social rank or a military rank. Common punishments for failure include: public admonishment, flogging, public humiliation, imprisonment, enslavement, exile, and execution. Further failures are met with compounding punishments.

While there may be few laws governing Dark Elves from a societal standpoint, each of the Dark Elf houses will have their own rules which members must adhere to or else face punishment. These rules can vary wildly from house to house and can cover areas such as behaviour, fashion, ethics, and settling disputes. As a result, the House a Dark Elf belongs to has far more impact upon their day to day lives than the actions and decisions of the local governing body. Dark Elf houses are typically composed of a long family, their immediate allies that don't have Houses of their own, and their slaves. These Houses are in constant competition with each other, and while they certainly do ally with each other from time to time... such an alliance will always have a layer of mistrust and deceit. Each House is run by a Matron, a female who has secured their position with power by any means that they can.

## Culture

Status is an important concept to Dark Elves. They do everything they can to present themselves as influential, wealthy, and attractive. They maintain their appearance immaculate and they wear their best, most expensive clothing whenever they can. Dark Elves are hedonistic and seek out pleasures with little to no shame holding them back. Dark Elves put a high importance on the arts, although often it is treated as something to acquire and display to further one's status. As physical labour is deemed to be something only fit for slaves and the desolate, most Dark Elves themselves will pursue some form of artistic trade both as an occupation and a method to achieve notability. Ventures such as music, sculpting, painting, and dance are among just the few culturally accepted pursuits among the elite. These art forms are often used by Dark Elves to demonstrate their own value and skill to their peers.

Perhaps the most valued form of artistry for the Dark Elves is weaponsmithing and armoursmithing. While common, mass produced weapons and armour are useful for equipping the military; the Dark Elven elite prefer to possess weapons and armour with intricate, personal designs. Elaborate weapons with stylized hilts and etching covered blades can take weeks to design and months to complete. Armour would be custom fitted for their patron, and engraved with specific details that they desired. When made with care, Dark Elves become intensely possessive of their weapons and armour. To use the equipment belonging to another would be a grave insult that would usually result in a duel or just simply violent retribution.

Physical, visual art is valued as something to be displayed publicly for others to witness. Paintings, sculptures, and tapestry are in well enough demand that an enterprising Dark Elf can make a living from producing them. Dark Elf culture is saturated with sensuality, which becomes representative in their own pieces of work.

## Religion

Dark Elves utterly despise the gods, and vow to bring an end to their existence. They believe that gods thrive on the misery of mortal existence and the only way to be free of their tyranny is to annihilate them. In particular, they despise the elven gods and will stop at nothing to try to stamp out all attempts to worship them. They have no love for gods of other races as well, but they focus on eliminating their own patheon first before worrying about the remaining gods. Dark Elves devote much of their resources towards researching how to bring about the destruction of divine beings, some of them even dedicating their whole lives to such pursuits.

The birth of what would become the Dark Elves was first formed as a cult that would eventually be called Lisentiana. The principle belief of the cult was that the gods were not the creators and protectors of the elves, but rather that their gods were jailers. The members of Lisentiana theorized that they had limitless potential and immortality through the ‘Ki’ if they were only able to access it fully. They theorized that the gods have latched themselves onto the elves’ spiritual energy, siphoning it for themselves, and the only way to stop them is to completely obliterate them from existence. After their exile, the Dark Elf elite grew the cult from its initial dogma into a system of beliefs and practices.

In the pursuit for power, Dark Elves have taken to demon summoning as a means to secure additional allies for themselves. Like all elves, Dark Elves do not have souls to offer demons in exchange for their service. Instead, they offer the souls of their captives and the enslaved; although they are not nearly as valuable as offering a soul willingly. Sacrifices are done in large groups, reaping dozens of souls at once to attract the interest of a demon. In addition to demonic contracts and collaboration, Dark Elf sects have formed; with the intention of worshiping demons as alternatives to gods. However, such sects are outlawed and they must gather in secret to avoid being caught by religious agents searching for subversive elements.

### Cult of Lacuna

Originating in the Dark Elf city of Daedelith, what would become the Cult of Lacuna was born from the thoughts and musings of senior scholars and sorcerers. Although a full consensus was never reached publicly, a belief arose that the universe itself was an unnatural product that was ripped from a tranquil state. This tranquil state was given the name ‘Lacuna’ by the first disciples. They believed that the only way to end the pain and torment of living in reality was to heal the cosmos… and the only way to heal it was to unmake it… all of it. To this end, devout followers began researching ways to push magic to be destructive on a far grander scale. ‘Lacuna’ is often personified in statues bearing the likeness of her believers, but her true acolytes know that her true form is nothingness. The cult itself is condemned by nearly every Dark Elf and its practices are outlawed. Believers of the culture are executed whenever they are found out. Despite these efforts to end the cult though, it still persists in the shadows of shadows.

## Racial Relation

Given the justifications behind the schism of the Dark Elves from the High Elves, it is unsurprising that Dark Elves consider High Elves to be their prime adversaries. They despise everything about their former kin. Anything Dark Elves can attribute as a failing, they will ascribe to the High Elves, whether it is true or not. Their contact with them remains infrequent, as the majority of High Elves live across an ocean that Dark Elves have no accessible means at their disposal to reach. Consequently, the two nations rarely fight each other in outright warfare. On an individual basis, any encounter between the two would in all likelihood conclude in violence.

While the Dark Elves share no common border with the High Elves to struggle against, the same cannot be said for their cousins, the Snow Elves who reside to the northwest. Dark Elves will frequently leave the comfort of their homeland to launch raids upon their neighbours. Fueled by the spite of all other elves, Dark Elves are vicious with their attacks, murdering anyone too weak, wounded or stubborn to march away, while enslaving the rest. Although they are frequently successful with their raids, Dark Elves rarely spend much time in the frigid northlands. Instead, they will ransack and raze for as long as it is fruitful to do so, and then return home.

Although they also share the same continent as the Wood Elves , they rarely encounter one another. For the most part, Wood Elves keep to Harrowood which is known as Conopumbra among the Dark Elves. The Conopumbra has caught the interest of the Dark Elves; the forest is dense enough that they can dwell among the trees comfortably. To further scout the area, a few outposts were established in the northern region of the forest for a few decades. Over time though, those scouting stations were abandoned and the sites were largely reclaimed by nature. On those occasions that Wood Elves and Dark Elves do cross paths, it is typically met with hostility from both sides. Dark Elves are opposed to not only the religious choices of the Wood Elves, but their entire way of life as well.

The among the closest human neighbours that the Dark Elves are adjoined to are the Kovrokovians to the west. As they do with all of their neighbours, the Dark Elves terrorize the rural and borderlands of the northern human state. The Dark Elves have no qualms about searching for easy targets to pillage, and people to kidnap. To their south are the Stranniks, who are treated with equal contempt as other humans. The Stranniks are routinely raided whenever a company heads far enough south to the lands of Vostasha, known as Efficulta to Dark Elves.

Races like the Beastkin and tribal civilizations such as Orcs or the Saurians are treated with little dignity and regarded no higher than simple walking, talking animals. Dark Elves make use of them for manual labour, slaving away in deep mines that will very likely result in their deaths. Besides industrial work, tribal races might also serve as an amusing spectacle in fighting pits. They are among the cheapest slaves to be purchased in markets, as they seen as mostly untrainable and prone to outbursts

## Geography

Dark Elves prefer to settle down in woodlands similar to that of their former homeland. They traveled deep into the forest of Maestaria until they found a suitable location that is far away enough from the forest edge to make a home. Most Dark Elf villages are usually small, with only a few buildings in whatever space is available. These smaller hamlets are often found closer to the edge of the forest, while the cities and fortresses are in the heart of the woods..

In Dark Elven architecture, especially in cities, it is common to construct buildings as organized squares that would extend several stories high, or as needed. Each square would often have little space between  each other with nothing more than a narrow passageway to travel between. Larger areas would be an extension of this concept, a large square structure with a street running between them and often with bridges connecting to other structures as well. Each of these larger square structures are called a ‘Quarter’. Four of these ‘Quarter’s together are collectively called a District. Districts can be the locations of many of the cities, important activities as well as homes to many of the great Dark Elf houses.

### Maestaria

The vast forest of Maestaria is a boreal forest comprising several varieties of trees.  It is within Maestaria  that the Dark Elves make their home. The southern regions of the forest are thick with coniferous trees running all the way to the coast. The northern regions are much sparser with trees as the cold saps the ability of life to grow efficiently. The mountains loom over Maestaria from the north, serving as a barrier to some of the harshest of the cold winds that would otherwise blow to the south. The majority of the Dark Elves have settled themselves in the southern portions of the forest, preferring the warm climate and moderated temperatures of the ocean.

#### Brunnastam

An elongated mushroom with a brown coloured crown. Commonly used for culinary purposes, it has a delicate, nutty taste that stands out enough on its own to be served without any spicing. Due to the ease of growing the mushroom, it is one of the most prevalent sources of food for Dark Elves. Brunnastam originated in the forest of Maestaria, with wild varieties coming in all shapes and sizes.. Dark Elves transplanted this variety of mushroom and cultivated it so that it would thrive in small plots within their cities.

#### Fortuber

The thick outer layer of the fortuber mushroom is covered with a certain species of algae, called Viridelect. While the mushroom is native to Maestaria, the alga is not and can be found growing on several other species of mushrooms that can endure them. Once the alga has grown enough, it is scraped off and used as a condiment. The mushroom itself is mildly poisonous and completely inedible, so it serves little purpose besides being used to grow the alga.

#### Luxsondor

A white, puffball mushroom that releases a cloud of spores when the mushroom is mature. The mushroom is toxic and inedible. When the spores are inhaled, people will experience hallucinations, dizziness, euphoria, and paranoia. Exploring the Maestaria forest can be a dangerous task if these mushrooms happen to be disturbed by travelers who manage to break the cap and release the spores into the air. Dark Elves will frequently gather these mushrooms and use them recreationally for their effects. They grow inside small caves in the mountains north of Maestaria.

#### Morsruena

Identified by its tall, deep red coloured cap. Morsruena grows up to two feet in length by the time it reaches full maturity. The mushroom can be deadly poisonous if enough of it is consumed, but it is difficult to use as an assassin's tool. At best, it is used by socialites who slip small amounts of the mushroom into the meal of their rivals. The result of consuming these mushrooms hidden among foods typically results in severe illness, but is rarely fetal. Keeping a rival ill for a few weeks is sometimes all that is needed though, and so the mushroom is frequently used for that purpose, but is rarely fatal.

#### Pungerova

Pungerova are small white, edible mushrooms that are often used in stews and soups. Their taste is fairly neutral, but they absorb flavours easily so they take on the flavours of anything they are sitting in. Pungerova require a large amount of moisture to grow properly and are only farmed in specific spots that can suit their needs. The mushroom grows naturally near pools of water in shaded areas.

## Cities

### Zarresh

The first city of the Dark Elves and the largest. It is in Zarresh where most of the political power for the Dark Elves reside. The city is run by the many Dark Elven houses that are all vying to gain an upper hand over one another. The streets of Zarresh are tight corridors, steep staircases, and bridges. It is also in Zarresh where the Imperator resides, along with the council of Guardians. One of the notable buildings in which the Imperator and the council meet is within the Temple of the Profane. It is the largest building in Zarresh for the purpose of being the bureaucratic center of the Dark Elves.

### Xavorakoth

A large city that originally grew from a mining colony that processed iron ore that continued to expand in size. Mining operations still continue to this day and it is the most productive city in Dark Elf society. The ore is refined in large furnaces located just outside of the city which have a steady stream of smoke that billows all the way up into the sky. As one of the northernmost of the Dark Elf cities, the temperature of the city is typically quite cold, with brutal winters.

### Daedelith

Also informally known as the City of Shades, a place infamous among the Dark Elves. It earned its name due to the presence of a secretive cult that is built around the worship of a divine being, known among its worshippers as Lacuna. Daedelith is one of the most remote cities among Dark Elf civilization. The city of Daedelith enjoys a fair bit of autonomy from the council. The city is ruled chiefly by House Scaevali. Daedelith is found in the southern portion of Maestaria and is more likely than any other Dark Elf city to have other races visiting, mostly human traders brave enough to sell their wares there. Despite the dangers of offending the easily agitated Dark Elves, many would find lucrative opportunities to be had there.

## Famous Individuals

### Oriana, Imperator

Holding the position of utmost authority isn’t the safest or easiest responsibility to have, but the present ruler of the Dark Elves has managed to keep alive for her one hundred and thirty-six year reign; and counting! Prior to becoming the Imperator, she was the guardian representing House Qvint. Like her predecessors before her, Oriana has been ruthless. Upon being elected to her position, she immediately enacted purges of many of her perceived political opponents. The upheaval of these purges plunged the Dark Elves into a civil war that lasted several years until it came to a bloody conclusion with the side backing the Imperator emerging victorious. Since those bloody first years of her reign, she maintained full support of all of the major Dark Elf houses; or at least officially their support.

### Valentina, Custos Prima

Born to enslaved Dark Elf parents belonging to House Qvint, Valentina grew up alongside Oriana, the future Imperator. The two women formed an early and long friendship that persists to the present day. Appointed to the position of Custos Prima by Oriana, Valentina serves as her second-in-command and enforces the will of Imperator whenever she needs her to. As the Imperator is often needed to remain in Zarresh to handle political matters, it is Valentina more often than not who is sent out to execute Oriana’s designs, whether it is commanding an army, or overseeing the arrest of some accused high profile traitor. At her disposal are dozens of Custodes, whose duties include acting as bodyguards, being utilized as an impromptu police force, and operating as spies or even as assassins if needed.\

## Dark Elf Houses

### House Antarsya

* **Matron**: Nullira Antarsya
* **Guardian**: Miryma Antarsya
* **Herald Symbol**: A closed fist gripping the blade of a sword.

House Antarsya is frequently at odds with many of the other Dark Elf houses. Despite having a guardian represented of their own sitting on the council, they often undermined the council's rulings with circumventions or simply breaking whatever laws they felt they needed to at the time. Due to the antagonist nature of the house in Dark Elf politics, it is one of the more admired houses among the houseless Dark Elves and able to replace lost numbers with them. The current matron of the house is Nullira Antarsya. The youngest of her siblings, Nullira was able to orchestrate the deaths of her older sisters to place herself at the head of the family. She sent her second daughter, Miryma, to serve as the house's guardian on the council. House Antarsya occupies a district in Zarresh, from which it organizes much of its more secretive and illegal affairs.

### House Decuedes

* **Matron:** Talice Decuedes
* **Guardian:** Casnatta Decuedes
* **Herald Symbol:** Eight gold coins arranged in a circle.

House Decuedes is the wealthiest of all the Dark Elf Houses. They've built and maintained a network of trading posts throughout Dark Elf territory. Often they are the first House that outsiders will meet if they do encounter Dark Elves. They earn the majority of their wealth from selling precious metals dug up in mines to human traders as well as buying slaves to supply their constant need for them in Dark Elf civilization. The leader of House Decuedes is Talice Decuedes, a shrewd woman who insists upon making sure that every coin is accounted for and becomes prone to great displays of anger when they are not. Her twin sister, Casnatta is the house's guardian and works closely with Talice to ensure the house continues to maintain its wealthy status. House Decuedes has its primary district in Zarresh but also owns districts in Xavorakoth and Daedelith.

### House Iscatari

* **Matron:** Saltana Iscatari
* **Guardian:** Amanita Iscatari
* **Herald Symbol:** A fish impaled upon a spear.

House Iscatari is one of the oldest and first established Dark Elf Houses. They've existed well before the Dark Elves had even constructed their first cities. Members of House Iscatari were often charged with forging and hunting food and have turned those skills into their livelihood in the present day. In addition to finding food, they have also cultivated a vast number of subterranean algae and fungus farms to feed the growing population. Saltana Iscatari is the present matron for the House. Little is known publicly about Saltana, although there are plenty of rumours about her and many children. It is believed that they kidnap people off the street only to perform profane experiments upon them from which they never return. Her youngest daughter, Amanita is the house's guardian. They do not have any districts to call their own in any of the Dark Elf cities. Their headquarters is Middenspire Estate, which is found roughly a day's journey away from Zarresh.

### House Korvinus

* **Matron:** Jannis Korvinus
* **Guardian:** Edith Korvinus
* **Herald Symbol:** A raven with its wings fully extended.

House Korvinus is another of the first Houses among the Dark Elves, one that was initially composed of scribes and arcanists. Upon being cursed by the gods, the Dark Elves were forced from their homelands with very little help. It was these first scholars that were charged with making sure they could copy down as much information about their gained knowledge as they could, so that they could rebuild a civilization of their own. In the time since the early days, House Korvinus continues the pursuit of further knowledge; not just the arcane, and any knowledge at all. Their house has now expanded from just more than just scholars; they also have explorers and spies seeking out as much as they can learn about the world around them. The leader is Matron Jannis Korvinus, one of the longest living matrons alive today. In addition to her own duties within her house, she also serves as the spymistress for the council of guardians, offering them valuable information about their neighbours and enemies. House Korvinus lives in and has their very own district in Zarresh, which in addition to living quarters also has the largest archive in Dark Elf society.

### House Malleolus

* **Matron:** Ilivarrra Malleolus
* **Guardian:** Umrae Malleolus
* **Herald Symbol:** A hammer and pick crossed haft over haft.

House Malleolus oversees much of the industry in Dark Elf civilization. From deep bore mining operations to smithery, the house generates a lot of production and consequently wealth for people. They often work closely with House Decuedes in securing trade for the goods they create, ensuring that they have the means and the capabilities to continue to prosper. In particular Dark Elf smiths are known for their finely crafted weapons that can pierce or cut through the strongest steel. In addition to their craftsmen, the house also utilizes plenty of slaves in their mining operations, forcing them to dig to the point of exhaustion in dangerous locations to get the sought after mineral deposits. Although their headquarters are located in Zarresh, much of their operations happen far away from the geographically stable city, particularly around Xavorakoth. Ilivarrra Malleolus is the matron, overseeing operations and making sure that production is kept optimal through her large network of mines. Her first cousin, Umrae is the guardian of House Malleolus and works closely with the other guardians from the trade houses to ensure their agenda is being put forward.

### House Nych'tera

* **Matron:** Narcelia Nych'tera
* **Guardian:** Fayrael Nych'tera
* **Herald Symbol:** A bat in flight.

House Nych'tera is ever vigilant in making sure that the worship of divine beings is met with swift reprisal. As another one of the early Dark Elf houses their mission was paramount in the early days to ensure that religion and worship was kept out of Dark Elf life. They continue to this day to root out any worship or perceived worship within the borders of their realm. Other Dark Elf Houses often resent them for being overreaching, so they are rarely welcomed among them; however, their service is valued by the council and they receive considerable support. Their matron is Narcelia Nych'tera, a cruel woman who delights in personally questioning captives at times even though she has plenty of agents at her service who could do so for her. Her first daughter, Fayrael is the guardian of the House. Fayrael has ambitions of becoming the next mother matron and has been citing the belief of an encroaching cult as impetus for action. They have a district to themselves in Zarresh as well as an estate in Xavorakoth and Daedelith.

### House Qvint

* **Matron:** Medela Qvint
* **Guardian:** Elmulvamu Qvint
* **Herald Symbol:** An open palm hand with all fingers and thumb fully abducted.

House Qvint concerns themselves with Dark Elven dogma. As another one of the earliest Houses, members of House Qvint were key leaders in the cult, Lisentiana. Today, they spend much of their time concerning themselves with philosophical thoughts and ideas. They believe that life's great mysteries can be revealed with great focus and clarity of an unhindered mind; as a result, they have often isolated themselves in quiet chambers within their homes for days or even weeks so that they can meditate. The house itself offers little of material or practical value to Dark Elf society, but its members are nonetheless revered for what they do and have always had a place on the council for it. Medela Qvint is the matron of the House, a recluse woman who is rarely seen beyond the walls of House Qvint's district in Zarresh. Their guardian is Elmulvamu Qvint, youngest daughter to Medela. Elmulvamu frequently passes along the wisdom and guidance of House Qvint for the council to use for themselves as they make their own decisions.

### House Rastigio

* **Matron:** Tarasha Rastigio
* **Guardian:** Malice Rastigio
* **Herald Symbol:** A cat o' nine tails in midswing.

House Rastigio is one of the most recent of the major Dark Elf houses. Another of the trade houses, although they  particularly specialize in the procurement, training, and selling of slaves. All of the Houses use slaves in some shape or fashion, and as such they are likely going to be acquiring them through House Rastigio if they don't want to train these slaves themselves. The slaves from House Rastigio aren't typically meant to be wasted in mines or as expendable frontline troops; their slaves involve considerable investment and cost. Their slaves are artisans, concubines, house guards, liasons, servants, and many other roles to suit their buyer's needs. Ruling over House Rastigio is matron Tarasha Nych'tera, a woman who immerses herself in pleasure and activities to the detriment of political influence. Her third daughter, Malice is guardian of House Rastigio. Malice herself is plagued by rumours that her parentage is that of her mother and a human slave, although those rumours are never spoken to her for fear of her temper should she hear them spoken. The headquarters of House Rastigio is located in Daedelith, encompassing two districts for housing and training slaves.

### House Scaevali

* **Matron:** Trael Scaevali
* **Guardian:** Jezzara Scaevali
* **Herald Symbol:** A staff with a magical orb on its head.

House Scaevali is the most influential and powerful of the magically inclined houses. Students are expected to learn the basics of earth, flesh, and mental magic. As time progresses, the student is expected to specialize in one of the spheres of magic. In addition to training new adepts, the masters of House Scaevali also focus their efforts on the discovery of new ways to manipulate magic energies to find new ways to control and direct it. Once a student has graduated, take contract work to earn wealth for themselves at their House. The uses of magic are varied throughout Dark Elf society and are in constant demand. Trael Scaevali is the matron of the house and is also the high mage of the Dark Elf, a prestigious title that denotes her as the utmost authority of magic. Her oldest daughter, Jezzara, an accomplished mage in her own right, sits on the council as the house's guardian.

### House Ulypeus

* **Matron:** Zabrae Ulypeus
* **Guardian:** Thirza Ulypeus
* **Herald Symbol:** A heater shield.

House Ulypeus makes up a formidable force among the Dark Elves. They have taken upon the defense and maintenance of Dark Elf territory. They are also tasked with ensuring that those who do dare enter Dark Elf territory do so with a threat to the citizenry, which includes searching for and apprehending anyone they deem suspect. In addition to these warfare responsibilities, they are occasionally tasked with making sure the houseless are brought under heel whenever they become restless. The war hero, Zabrae Ulypeus is the matron of the house. Zabrae is renowned for having held off a company of High Elves that were poised to launch an attack into Dark Elf territory, keeping them at bay long enough until backup had arrived. Her fighting companion, Thirza, serves as the house's guardian. Thirza is not related by blood to Zabrae, but was picked for the honoured position and assumed the House name  as a reward for her loyal service to the matron. The house has a district of their own in Zarresh from which they organize themselves and operate from.

### House Xelligar

* **Matron:** Nareare Xelligar
* **Guardian:** Saviora Xelligar
* **Herald Symbol:** Two long swords crossed at their blades, pointed downwards.

House Xelligar makes up one of the offensive forces of the Dark Elf military. Members of the house tend to have officer roles within their structure, leaving the common front line soldiers to be a mix of slaves and hired commoners. Due to the risky nature of their forays and battles, their rank and file troops are largely composed of slaves, more so than any other of the Dark Elf Houses. Loyal and successful slaves can even find themselves in positions of authority over smaller groups of soldiers, a unique case in Dark Elf society. Nareare Xelligar is the current matron and has the distinct honour of also being the youngest, a symptom of the risks the House endures in its service to its people. Saviora Xelligar is the House's guardian, appointed to the position by Nareare's mother, and has served there for far longer than Nareare has been matron. The main command post for House Xelligar is Grimwater Keep, which is located along Grimwater river.

### House Yasileus

* **Matron:** Tarasha Yasileus
* **Guardian:** Nullira Yasileus
* **Herald Symbol:** A golden crown with the front tipped upwards

House Yasileus is responsible for the construction and civil engineering of various structures throughout Dark Elf society, both great and small. Among their tasks would be inspecting suitable stone and materials, transporting them, and then shaping it all into the grand cities that would be the homes of many people. In addition to the buildings, they are also charged with establishing and maintaining water supply, sewage, and heat management. Head architect and matron is Tarasha Yasileus. It is Tarasha herself who designs many of the magnificent buildings that tower above in the Dark Elf cities. Her younger sister, Nullira serves as the house's guardian on the council. House Yasileus frequently changes their headquarters to be wherever they are most active, which is currently in Daedelith.

## Racial Traits

* **Determined** - Always plotting, scheming, and generally selfish of mind, Dark Elves often have clear goals in mind and rarely swayed from them. Attempts to persuade them from their plans are difficult and take a significant effort to succeed (Persuade and mental magic rolls must succeed twice against a Dark Elf to be effective.)
* **Sleep Immunity** - Elves do not sleep, nor do they require it. Instead of sleeping, elves meditate for a few hours a day to rejuvenate their minds and bodies. In addition to not requiring natural sleep, they are also immune to magic that induces sleep or tiredness related to sleepiness.
* **Disease/Poison Susceptibility** - Elves have long used magic to alleviate and protect themselves from conditions that attack the body. While this has saved and enriched many lives, this reliance on magic has also left elves further susceptible to the same sources of harm they've sheltered themselves from. Diseases and poisons, whether they be natural or magical in essence, will have a greater impact upon elves unless they are otherwise treated.
* **Divine Curse** - Having been marked by the gods for their treachery, Dark Elves are unable to utilize magic from divine or spiritual sources such as holy magic. In addition to being unable to use the magic themselves, they are unaffected by any direct beneficial magic from those spheres as well.

Available Magic Spheres: Blood Magic, Dark Magic, Hydromancy, Marked (Witchcraft) Magic, Mental Magic, Nature Magic, Pyromancy, Wind Magic

## Racial Magic - Void Magic

### Spells

#### **Vacuum**

*Offensive Magic Casting* - Tears a hole in the fabric of reality, which violently sucks nearby matter in to fill the hole. Can be used to create a localized gravity well for a few seconds, which can disorient or stagger nearby people. Light objects will be tossed around, creating a big mess. Cannot be used to directly attack or harm someone. (RP Attempt)

#### **RPR Stats**

* **Target(s):** All within 4 tile range
* **Dice Modifier(s)**: Offensive Casting
* **Difficulty Class:** Magic Resistance
* **Cost(s):** None
* **Effect(s):** The user causes those around them to become knocked down.
* **Cooldown:** 6 hours

#### **Nullify Magic**

*Utility* *Magic Casting* - Once every six hours, Dark Elves are capable of nullifying magical effects on a single target or themselves. This includes spells with a persistent effect such as curses, enchantments, illusions, and abjurations. Innate magic, such as a Dryad's charm cannot be nullified. Summoning, necromancy, and bindings are also immune to nullification. (RP Attempt, remove spell active effect on one target)

#### **RPR Stats**

* **Target(s):** 1 Target
* **Dice Modifier(s)**: Support Casting
* **Difficulty Class:** Fixed (8)
* **Cost(s):** None
* **Effect(s):** The user attempts to remove any magical effect from the target.
* **Cooldown:** 30 Minutes

#### Orb of Annihilation (Spell)

Offensive Magic Casting - Destroys a living thing completely, removing all trace of its body, mind and soul from reality by launching an anti-matter orb from the caster at them. Resurrection or reanimation is not possible. (Cost: Two Chunks of Onyx)

### Ritual

#### **Orb of Annihilation** (Ritual)

Destroys an object or living thing completely, removing all trace of its body, mind and soul from reality by launching an anti-matter orb from the caster at the target. Resurrection or reanimation is not possible.

* *Magical Reagents:* Outer Void Vapor, Phosphorus
* *Requirements:* Two Chunk(s) of Onyx
* *Required Scroll:* Evocation
* *Effect of ritual:* Kills target character, deletes a chosen build piece, or destroys a magical item. The target of orb of annihilation cannot be brought back.

## Attachments & Kit Items

The items listed in the kits below are made with the Season 6 modlist. They have been updated as of **14th December 2023**.

*Expand for Elf Racial Kit*

## Lore Contribution

**Credit for Lore Contribution:** *Rickets*

* *Includes contributions from Sparkymage and Shaya\_tm*
* *Included an H.P. Lovecraft quote from In Defense of Dagon, page 14*
* *Read through drow entries in http://www.dnd.kismetrose.com/MyDrow.html which no doubt influenced what I wrote for this lore.*