Dark Elves

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Elrin, Esari, Analyn, Siniss,
Feminine names derive from the Elven words for different flowers, plants, and animals. Feminine names are often passed down from mother to daughter, as they are a symbol of status, beauty and honor.

Masculine names

Vilos, Morder, Carfin
Masculine names derive from the Elven words for different locations. They're usually based on mountains, rivers and sometimes important trees. While masculine names are handed down as well as feminine names, they do not show as much status as the female names.

Unisex names

Restos, Kila, Bayani, Enyalin, Rilos, Hilgari
Unisex names often come from the mixing of both feminine and masculine. They also come from other Elven settlements, even if not controlled by Dark Elves. As unisex names are not given to Elves at birth, these names are usually developed by those who need such a name, whether for making themselves feel comfortable, or to confuse their enemies.

Family names

Malnu, Darkhaven, Bloodroot
Dark Elves are an ethnicity of elves that developed in Ebron's forests. They all have family names that derive from the provenances of Ebron or from plants and animals in Ebron. As there are not many Dark Elves left in Avandra, many of the family names have died out or have been forgotten.

Other names

Nicknames are rarely given to anyone of an Elven blood. However, when names are given it is a great honor, and is often used as a way to distinguish the young from the old. Several names also indicate if an Elf has done something rather brave or note worthy for the tribe.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Dark Elves speak Elvish, just like the other groups of Elves. They do have a faster, and sharper way of speaking than the rest of the Elves.

Shared customary codes and values

Over the years, Dark Elves have developed one main goal: Preserve the clans. As the group was dying out, the Dark Elves realized that they needed to create a safe environment for the group to still thrive

Common Dress code

Dark Elves are tend to leathers and dark colors. Most of their leathers are dark blue, dark brown or black, letting them blend into the surrounding darkness that Ebron has to offer.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Dark Elves are very similar to the standard Wood Elf: They're tall and slender built, but they usually have darker skin than Wood Elves. Dark Elves are usually ashy grey to a pale white, often getting confused for vampires or Ashmers, and it is incredibly rare that Dark Elves have hair lighter than dark brown. In Dark Elf society, many people find that the paler one is, the more beautiful. As Dark Elves are often mocked and ridiculed for a number of things, many elves, women in particular, try to look as close to wood elves as possible.

Gender Ideals

Dark Elves work mostly on a dual gender system. They see elves as either being women or men, depending on whether or not they are capable of bearing children. That being said, Dark Elves also accept those who fall into a third or forth category. In this case many clans of Dark Elves will allow a person to create their own gender neutral name, or to completely accept a new identity.

Courtship Ideals

Courting other Dark Elves is very similar to those of regular Elves. The courtship process is long and often takes years. At first, Elves who enjoy being in each other's company might ask to spend time with them at the campfires or in classes. Finally, after years of growing closer and enjoying each other's company, one might actually start to give the other person compliments or things like that. Finally, when the two feel like they have become close enough to fall in love, a marriage proposal to the other's family. If the family does not approve the joining of the two bloodlines, the marriage ends there. This process goes for both same-sex marriages as well.

Relationship Ideals

The ideal relationship in Elven society is to be 'pure' and only touched by one person. That person is supposed to be the one that you marry. Once married, a relationship is supposed to last a life time. If a person does decide to have more than one relationship, or if they decide to have sex, especially with someone who is not an Elf, then they are seen as a deviant and are often cast out or shunned from the group.