Isto (Dark Elves)

The dark elves of Eleril are known as the Isto.

Basic Information

Biological Traits

Much like their cousins, the Isto are humanoid in nature with long often pointed ears and almost almond shaped eyes. However due to the nature of their homelands they are often smaller in stature then their surface cousins.

Genetics and Reproduction

Much like the other elves, Isto will carry to term at 11 months. Births are normally singles however when twins are born it is seen as either a boon or a sign of ill fortune depending on the faction.

Growth Rate & Stages

LIke the other elven races, Isto physical maturity at about the same age as humans. An Isto typically claims adulthood and an adult name around the age of 100 and can live to be 750 years old.

Additional Information

Social Structure

There are two factions of the Isto. The older faction is very matriarcal and males are seen just a little better then slaves or tools to be used at the whims of the females that are seen as being superior in all ways.
The newest faction which formed during the revolution led by several disgrunted male Isto however is led by a patriarch and sees all members as equals as long as they can pull their weight. Those that show extreme ineptitude or weakness are given more menial tasks to perform without being mistreated by those that show superior traits.

Facial characteristics

They commonly have very pale eyes in shades of lilac, silver, pink, red, and blue.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The Isto thrive in the underground tunnels and caverns of Eleril. Much of their population is found in the southern portion of the world in the small underground cities in the Zinbigil Crags. However small communities maybe found throughout all of Eleril.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Due to much of their homelands and their time in the deep tunnels and caverns of Eleril the Isto have developed a superior version of the elven darkvision able to see further then their surface cousins. However it does not come without a price, when they are subjected to bright light from the sun and similar sources they are effected by the sensitivity to their eyesight from having spent their years underground.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

First Name Examples: Acyhab, Adyho, Ancov, Anosaxer, Asired, Dadi, Dahatir, Ilnam, Ixadeti, Mahudeid, Nakorena, Onativel, Osudab, Ras, Romror, Retarid, Sesuy, Tatut, Telonior, Uromiti, Vilaz
Clan Name Examples: Catvictor, Cuteater, Dirgebat, Dragoncarver, Fangseer, Frostscar, Gemdancer, Iceboar, Ironarrow, Jackalkiller, Magiceater, Nestbreaker, Redslash, Skyflame, Stoneraven, Stormfinder, Swampvoyager, Touchpacer, Vilecinder, Wildghost

Major Language Groups and Dialects

The Isto all speak the native common language of Elven and Common, however they have developed their own tongue known as Istoin and complicated series of facial expressions and hand movements to communicate quietly in their hidden environments.

History

The Isto have held a large gathering with twin sprawling cities in the Zibigil Crags for nearly a millenia. They were first discovered as they explored the area by some of the other inhabitants of the area finding that unlike the northern elves this offshoot was often ruthless and bloodthirsty in their dealings with other races. The quickly found that the male shock troops the matriarchs often sent on surface raids were well trained and were quickly gone just as fast as they had appeared.
Over the centuries many of the folk hearing of this mysterious people began to hate and fear them. However a spark from a small group would hope to change that and began to mend the fissure of hate and distrust. In 86 EC several disgruntled males rebelled and led a large exodus of like minded individuals away from the main city of Windghoul and further east into the crags. The soon sent small diplomatic groups of envoys to Teine's Delve to meet with the famed Crimson Company to seek refuge and help. Over the next 5 years the tunnels beneath the crags raged with battles with each side hoping to get the upper hand. Tired of losing precious resouces in troops and arms the matriarchs of Windghoul called a tentative cease fire and accepted the seperation, biding their time when the rebels may crawl back home. The rebels set about forming their own home calling the large carven city of the crags stone and crystal Selkre'j, which in their tongue meant New Beginning.

Common Myths and Legends

The legend of how the Isto were created is known among the elves of Eleril from the Tale of the Childer which tells how the god Arhah and Bapha had three children named Vandor, Ivae, and Isto. Vandor, was wild as the forests of their home plane, he was strong of body and fiery haired. Ivae, the fair, was beautiful to behold with her fair skin and soft almost winter white hair, was very astute at weaving the webs of arcane energy. And finally Isto, the small dark skinned younger brother who was often mocked by his siblings but deeply loved by his mother, was often quiet when at peace but fierce when angered.
One day Arhah and Bapha had returned to find Vandor bloodied and lying on his back with Isto holding a pair of swords to his brothers throat threatening to end his existence. The parents shocked and horrified intervened quickly separating the two. The soon found from Ivae that Vandor had been bullying his brother and Isto had taken enough and attacked. His father angry at the thought of one of his own children capable of murder prepared to dispatch the young Isto. However with much pleading Bapha interceded on Isto's behalf and begged her husband not to kill him. Unable to stand the sight of his wife's pain, Arhah decided that a suitable punishment would be to banish the young elf away for eternity, sending Isto to the darkest reaches never to see the sun again without pain.
After his banishment Isto was incensed at his brother and held enmity for his sister for not aiding his case and planned to strike at his siblings and their descendants.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Elf

Lifespan

500 to 600 but can live up to 750 years

Average Height

>5 ft to 5'8"

Average Weight

>100 lbs to 150lbs

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The Isto, also known as dark elves, have skin that resembles charcoal or obsidian, as well as stark white or pale yellow hair.