Dark Elf

The Sylvundur

Dark Elves, also known as Sylvundur in many tales, are a mysterious and often misunderstood subrace of Elves in Eldaivyr. Known for their dark beauty, potent magic, and complex society, Dark Elves live in the shadows of the world, primarily dwelling in vast underground cities. Their reputation is marred by tales of treachery and ambition, making them subjects of both fear and fascination.
Origins and History: Dark Elves trace their lineage back to ancient times when ideological conflicts split their ancestors from other elven communities. Legend holds that their exile to the subterranean depths was both a punishment and a salvation, transforming them physically and culturally. Over centuries, Dark Elves adapted to their harsh new environments, harnessing unique magics and technologies to thrive in places shunned by sunlight.
Society and Culture: The society of the Dark Elves is matriarchal, emphasizing strength, cunning, and arcane prowess. Their culture is highly competitive, with families or Houses vying for power and influence within a strict hierarchical system. Art, music, and poetry thrive among them, albeit often reflecting the darker tones of their experiences and philosophies. Despite their reputation, Dark Elves possess a deep sense of loyalty and duty to their families and community, and they value intelligence and skill above all.
Physical and Psychological Traits: Dark Elves are distinguished by their obsidian skin, white or silver hair, and often startling red or violet eyes, which are adaptations to their life away from natural light. They share the slender, agile build of their elven kin but are often shorter, reflecting generations of living in confined spaces. Psychologically, they tend to be intense, secretive, and highly intelligent, with a natural inclination towards both arcane and psychological manipulation.
Relations with Other Races: Dark Elves have a complicated relationship with other races, often viewed with suspicion and fear due to their formidable reputations and secretive natures. They maintain trade and political alliances with select surface dwellers and other underground races but are always prepared for betrayal. Relationships with other Elven subraces tend to be strained, particularly due to historical grievances and cultural misunderstandings.
Religion and Beliefs: The religious practices of Dark Elves are intensely private, and primarily focused around Miagus from the pantheon of the Old Ways and other deities that embody aspects of darkness, magic, and the mysteries of the underworld. These gods and goddesses of night, fate, and death, which are revered not as symbols of evil but as essential forces of nature and existence. Rituals and ceremonies are elaborate, often involving magical and alchemical components that reflect their deep connection to the mystical energies of the world.

The Dark Evles of Eldaivyr, or the Sylvundur, use the traits of the Dark Elf (Drow).

Encompassed species

• Elf

Personal Characteristics

Personality Traits

• "Trust is earned through power and fear, not kindness or foolish altruism."
• "I embrace the darkness around and within me, for it is the source of my strength."
• "Cunning and strategy will always trump brute force. That is the way of survival in the underdark."

Ideals

• Ambition: "Aspire to ascend, no matter the cost. Power is the truest form of control."
• Secrecy: "Keep your true intentions hidden. In secrecy lies the opportunity to influence and manipulate."
• Vengeance: "Never forget a slight. Revenge is not just a response—it is a right."

Bonds

• "My loyalty to my house is absolute; its enemies are my enemies."
• "I seek to reclaim or uphold the honor of my family, tarnished or threatened by rivals."
• "I am bound to a powerful patron or entity that guides my magical prowess."

Flaws

• "I am overly suspicious, even of my closest allies."
• "My desire for power often leads me to take unnecessary risks."
• "I harbor deep-seated prejudice against surface races, viewing them as inferior."