Dark Elf
Awakening as the second race in the world of Edda, the elves were divided into four different ethnicities or sub-races. These races were the high elves, sea elves, wood elves, and dark elves. Dark elves are distinguished by their dark grey to almost black skin and white hair, with their eyes almost always being purple. A war arose between the high elves and dark elves for the great city of Taurgaladhos. Historians and scholars aren't quite sure on why this feud began but it came to be known as the First Great War --or the First Kin Slaying. The two ethnicities came to an eventual truce until the Second Great War, when the high elves tried to enslave the primordial race known as gaians. After that war was fought, the elves split off into their own respective kingdoms and the dark elves created the kingdom of Galadhos in the north eastern part of Laurentia.
For many centuries, Galadhos was ruled over by its queens and the many matriarchs of dark elf society. When the Calamity shook the continent of Laurentia, a group of humans known as the Picts poured into Galadhos and began to commit genocide against the dark elves and drove them from their home. This nearly drove the dark elves to extinction and there are few of them left. Some live as reclusive hermits on the edge of civilization while most dwell among the Kattegat tribe and its many caravans.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Odnoc, Thagnac, Manulu, Kotrun, Brodran, Fulmiod, Fubenda, Kymrie, Nedosci, Niggi, Elanda, Hadvadi, Athih, Revrih, Yclos, Emaksi, Rokshunu, Duirdri, Ghivud, Ghimdran, Brelmakh, Ororu, Furis, Orrid, Vognern, Raminvu, Orada, Khimma, Ukrel, Pelehe, Acrio, Omnu, Akhomu, Ovrie, Otrakh, Tovrik, Unvuma. Aklopo
Masculine names
Viklaikh, Kielrir, Bhaeked, Rilgeh, Dirnain, Maguh, Ulgo, Imlae, Fessade, Norlin, Gekheda, Timroud, Dhasosu, Dhunis, Sernuid, Terzern, Dranca, Othik, Mimrelu, Ghunver, Oknoss, Tylnar, Rhugo, Grimrudh, Thakladh, Athro, Abehu, Thidridh, Fiothi, Ninashra, Dytru, Ibodra, Honedha, Irlec, Lernudu, Sithed, Fondri, Tubsor
Family names
Ugrush, Dheignot, Kiset, Verath, Olvah, Erzaged, Bhumrir, Vurdiane, Saenda, Redith, Eiroc, Nenzer, Vandi, Dustrer, Tedrunius, Aisinra, Revruth, Drasa, Cirisad, Iasrothiar, Usrod, Drosugnod, Kosraec, Nalze, Thalvad, Agenvrad, Caendac, Ogasraen, Niamuzil, Seerlumer, Kinzat, Thinulvel, Krilris, Vodrun, Thuneh, Ulre
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Dark Elves speak a dialect of the elven language known as Moredhel -- or Dark Elvish.
All elves speak a universal elvish tongue known as High Elvish (Aratedhel). Among the elven ethnicities --Wood Elves, High Elves, Sea Elves, and Dark Elves-- they all speak their own dialects of the same language. But, when elves of different ethnicities come to speak with each other, they use High Elvish to communicate.
Culture and cultural heritage
Dark elf culture is based on their society being founded by matriarchs. Even though their culture is highly matriarchal and women tend to be in leading positions of power, this hasn't stopped dark elf males from becoming distinguished members of their society. Dark elves are normally lorded over by a queen with the dark elf nobility being made up of the matriarchs from high ranking dark elf families. Women in dark elf society come to prominence by either being leading religious figures or great magic users. Men on the other hand, elevate themselves by becoming consorts, noble advisers, or prominent warriors.
Physical attractiveness also seems to be a staple of dark elf culture. Many dark elves are considered handsome or beautiful due to a period of selective breeding. This practice eventually stopped due to their population dwindling in number. Even though the selective breeding of attractive individuals has ceased, anyone considered remotely pretty are still sought after by dark elf nobles.
Common Myths and Legends
The elves believe that their gods are the ones who created the great cataclysm. Deep Sashelas used the plane of water to create the oceans, lakes, and rivers. Rillifane Rallathil raised the land from the sea, and the water soaked into the earth bringing forth the trees, fields, and all other plants, Sehaine Moonbow harnessed light from the realm of fire and created the moon and sun. Like Laurentians, the elves believe that sentient life came from the bark of trees, and that Corellon Larethian taught them the use of magic.
Historical figures
Elrich Sturmavik
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
The early dark elves had a heavy cultural emphasis on physical beauty. This resulted in a selective breeding process for several generations -- especially among nobles and high ranking members of society. This practice eventually stopped because several high ranking families eventually went extinct due to not being able to find the right amount of individuals to selectively breed with.
Gender Ideals
Like the wood elves, there is very little differentiation between what a male and female can and can't do. No gender seems to be put above the other. Even though, dark elf society is highly matriarchal, it isn't uncommon to see males as heads of families or in leadership positions.
Courtship Ideals
Elven spouses will choose each other long before they ever get married. If the two parties are underage then they need the consent of their respective families. At a meeting between the two families the parties will announce their betrothal in which rings are exchanged between the couple. This signifies their engagement in which they wait a year until providing a date for the wedding. The engagement can be called off at any time with either party returning the ring, but this rarely ever happens.
The actual marriage is celebrated with a feast between the two families in which the spouses swap out their betrothal rings with wedding rings. For the marriage to be considered legitimate the vows must be spoken, and then later the couple must consummate the marriage. Once consummation happens the marriage process is considered complete.
Major organizations
- Galadhos
- Kattegat Tribe
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