Dark Elves

**Dark Elves**, also sometimes referred to as **Night Elves** or **Drow**, are an elusive race of Elves who, although physically similar to humans in body, possess uniquely gray skin and vibrantly colored eyes. Dark Elf culture promotes ideas of freedom as well as individualism, with many preferring to live semi-nomadic lives, whereas others form a myriad of fiercely independent and fractured city-states and kingdoms. It is not uncommon for them to be labeled as cynical and untrustworthy as a result of their opposition to nonmutual authority and notoriety as spies, thieves and assassins.

Although there are many among them who are spiritual, there are a near equal number who practice a life of agnosticism, neither believing in nor not believing in the existence of divines, but rather relying on their own capabilities as well as the capabilities of their kin, and not faith, to assist them throughout life. Most Dark Elves do however, largely believe in the existence of ancestral spirits who provide wisdom and guidance to them throughout the course of their lives. Although they tend to adhere to a common social caste system, their emphasis on individualism causes them to vary to a great extent politically, culturally and spiritually. As a result, Dark Elf society as a whole is relatively chaotic, militaristic and often shifting. Many Dark Elves pursue lives beyond their homelands, seeking employment from others often as mercenaries, spies, thieves and assassins, all of which they are notorious for.

Their increased Elven lifespans allows them accumulate many years of a experience than those of the "younger" races, therefore, they are, in many cases, cautious and calculating in both their actions and decisions.

## **Physical Characteristics**

###### **Height**

Despite being Elves, Dark Elves share very similar heights and builds with Humans, they can, however, on average reach much taller heights than most Humans can from 5'1" - 6'4".

###### **Weight**

The Dark Elves often have lean physiques and athletic builds, it is common for them to weigh 100 - 240 lbs.

###### **Skin Color**

They are easily distinguishable among their kin by their dark, gray skin which can vary in shade and hue.

###### **Eye Color**

Dark Elf eyes comprise of unique colors such as red, yellow, violet, blue, green and gray, however red is frequently the most common eye color seen in Dark Elves.

###### **Hair Color**

In contrast to their skin, many have long white or silver hair, those who do not will then often have black, brown or reddish hair.

###### **Unique Features**

Dark Elves possess uniquely dark, ashen gray skin, vibrant eye colors, as well as white and silver hair.

###### **Lifespan**

Elves, compared to the other races, have a drastically lower fertility rate than that of the other races, however, in exchange, Elves boast a significantly higher life span, being able to live up to varying ages of 400-500 before passing away from natural causes. Elf children reach adulthood after 18 years, similar to that of Humans, during their childhood, they are often venerated, protected and raised well in order to ensure the survival and continuation of the Elven race. Upon reaching 18 years old, Elves are generally considered to be young adults until the age of 150, where they are then seen as middle-aged adults for another 150 years, once aged roughly 300 years old, Elves are regarded as elders within their society.