Bleak Elves

Bleak Elves are a curio. They are one of very few subspecies of elves that weren't created by Xylian Dominion. They originate from Dark Elves, with their ancestors being those of dark elves that were closest to what Xylian Dominion planned to achieve through selective breeding and genemodification... but failed to do so before the Black Iron War.
Their work was mostly stabilized (and slightly improved) by gods of Vhessan Empire and changed into a new breed of elves. Quite curious one, since gods managed to fix many smaller flaws in elven genome that even Xylian Dominion failed to fix (or simply decided not to).
They are known for their natural talent for black magic. With their minuscule numbers and high social standing it shouldn't be a surprise that most of them actually are a black magicians. This is the source of their popular name, as they tend to be an aristocracy (quite... reserved in Vhessan culture). Thus - bleak elves.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Typical humanoids. Two hands, two legs, one head. No significant changes to their anatomy from humans. Black skin.

Biological Traits

Unlike most other elves, they are not endangered with losing their racial originality by interbreding with other elves. Bleak Elves genome is stabilized and tied with the gender inheritance. Meaning that in mixed bleak elf female/other elf male relationship daughters will be bleak elves while sons will be of their father specie.

Genetics and Reproduction

Their reproduction is quite typical for elves. Can have children only with other elves, ogres, and very magical beings like shapeshifters and @high dragons. Pregnancy takes around 12 months.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

White hair, and slightly golden eyes. Always.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Dark elves were heavily modified by Xylian Dominion in terms of their perception - which is something the bleak elves retain. Their sight was made to be able to easily discern forms and movement even in darkness. It, however, had its costs. Their sight is subpar in light. Not exactly bad, but they tend to feel as if it is too bright for them for most of time (unless its rainy).
Their hearing was also improved, to the point of sufficiently trained elves are capable of using rudimentary echolocation. On the other hand, they tend to be easily startled or even stunned by sufficiently loud and surprising noises.

Civilization and Culture

Gender Ideals

Heavily varied between their remaining states. They however tend to be extremely segregated, up to sexes even living separately prior to marriage (which mostly happens quite late).

Created by: Twice Seven.
IC: Occurence: Rare
IC: Danger: Threatened

Lifespan

200-400

Average Height

1.6-1.8m.

Average Weight

55-85kg.