Ashen Elves

An almost extinct variant of elves created by Xylian Dominion mostly to oversee agriculture and mining operations done in a proximity of active volcanoes. They are considered a variant based mostly on Mountain Elves, with several notable improvements made to accomodate their different biome.
They were always minuscule in size and importance, never having a country to call their own. After Xylian Dominion fell they mostly become parts of two elven kingdoms of Itavian Peninsula. Then they were decimated during the Flame Wars and were almost made extinct. Then the other elves took over again... only to lose to humans.
In the end ashen elves were pushed to the brink of extinction, with their overall number reduced to at best 30 thousands, only barely above the minimum required to avoid inbreding. They were also introduced by Imperium to volcanically active regions of Dragarian Isles.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Typical humanoids. Two hands, two legs, one head. The changes xyls made to them can be found beneath their skin. Reinforced bones and more elastic (while strong) joints and tendons, the labirynth in their ear much improved and with mountain elves practically never losing balance. They were also made mentally incapable of feeling fear of heights, and thus can never gain it, no matter what would happen to them. Xyls also modified their respiratory system, making them more resistant for altitude sickness. Tend to feel better in colder than in warmer environments, but the difference is rather abysmal.
All of that is due to their mountain elf heritage. They were also further improved. Their respiratory organs can filter ash from the air, allowing them to breath freely even in very polluted environment. They are also much more resistant to dehydration and high temperature.

Biological Traits

As all elves, they are very dependant on level of their blood purity. Mixing with other elven subspecies makest heir offsprings genetically inferior, slowly degenerating into low elves, making special traits of their subspecies much weaker with every generation, and lowering their lifespan.

Genetics and Reproduction

Their reproduction is typical for elves. Can have children only with other elves, ogres, and very magical beings like shapeshifters and High Dragons Pregnancy ranges from 9 to 10 months, depending on level of blood purity.

Ecology and Habitats

[justify[During the centuries they developed a rather xenophobic approach to outsiders, preferring to stick to the terrain that gives them advantage and makes other keep their distance. Which means volcanically active terrain.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Lack of facial hair with exception of eyebrows. Their skin tends to feel and look rather rough, with ashen colour. Skin tends to be light or swarthy, with dark hair.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Slightly improved sight and hearing, the rest wasn't really touched.

Civilization and Culture

Common Taboos

As in case of most elves, they have a taboo about mixed relationships with other elven subspecies, although its actually more of a general xenophobia towards pretty much everyone other than they.

Created by: Xylian Dominion.
PROTECTED IC: Occurence: Elusive
IC: Danger: Verge of Extinction

Lifespan

80-400.

Average Height

1.8-2.0m.

Average Weight

50-80kg.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Their rather primitive societies tend to use a wide variety of tattoos, with quite many meanings, including ones religious, magical and societal.