Elf

Rumoured to have a deep connection to the fey of legends, the elves are one of the natural “brother-races” of humans: said to have spread from the Kahnwold outward, they naturally came into contact with the first human populations as they washed upon the shores of the Spitting Coast.

This meagre “primordial pact” would not last forever – the ancient populations of men were betrayed by a bizarre elven fixation on pagan tribalism and isolation. Humanity was left to fend for itself in the black forests they learnt to be their home, the old elves turning their backs on them like a phalanx’s rear.

This lack of dialogue between populations led to unfortunate misunderstandings, conflict, skirmishes and struggle: Humanity was driven from the Kahnwold by Elven tribesmen using the forest's natural surroundings and unnaturalities to their advantage. Mankind in the region moved Southward toward what would be Great Ocem; much of the human diaspora had done the same for countless reasons, converging.

It would be centuries before the Elves were met by a Humanity weathered by resent into remorselessness, though by then tempered in turn by Sol’s benevolent mercy. Those which still sought to spread strife had their wealds decimated, woodlands shaven down for the defence of all; those which wished to keep good faith with the once-forgotten pact were granted an extensive citizenship in the Empire, with the same boons and duties and were soon civilised in lock-step with the dominant Ocemi culture, forgoing their robes of fur and reed for fine cotten togas. Even so, the elves are said to be particularly sensitive to the murmurings of the roots -- even the most cosmopolitan elf has an innate connection to the natural, as discouraged as this is by the Church.

## Navka

   The few who refused to yield to the dominion of the Empire sent themselves not only simply further into the woods – but into the very bones of the earth to better commune with the roots and became known as the Navka.

The first reports of the “Navka” - named for the Elven word pertaining to foul spirits - were first reported when integrated Elves were permitted to return to their lands after martial law had been lifted from the Kahnwold.

Whilst tribe and tree alike were laid to waste and lie with the smallbeetles, sinkholes and slinking caves were found beneath the ruins. Few adventurous types have been brave enough to return their findings of elves with stygian skin, camouflaged in the darkness – fewer have returned from these dens of esoterica.

## Zakryschti

The Zakryschti (or Swamp Elves) are a coven of elves living in complex tree houses within deep swamp areas, protecting them from the potent toxicity or vicious enemies down below. They are known for their horrifically carved masks, which they wear when the sun dominates the heavens above, forcing Sol to gaze upon snarling faces filled with contempt instead of their true visages.

Those foolish enough to intrude on Zakryschti territory will find themselves hunted by groups of masked elves, each swinging from vine to vine with otherworldly grace. They attack swiftly, lethally and without a shred of mercy, after which they haul the bodies of their victims back to the tribe. Hushed, fearful whispers speak of cannibalistic tendencies and foul rituals rife with blasphemy.