Blood Elves

They call themselves the Embers of Kashil and dislike the term blood elf. Refer to themselves as 'Embers' As descendants of Kashil, an elven Primal who stood by Corellon, they pride themselves on their culture and beliefs. It is said that the Stained Weald, a place they call home, was gifted to them by Kashil himself. Their culture depends on the blood of creatures, the flesh it gives and the returning of such things to the earth.
The Embers are special elves granted unique power of blood by Kashil. Control of it, use of it and imbibement of it. Memories possessed in flesh are passed on and the skills or stories of lives passed are given through such tradition. When an elder passes, their closest takes their flesh to eat in a ritualistic tradition. Though a strange culture and many believe to be heinous, they are still intelligent, civilized folk if that can be believed.
One of their traditions lies with the Mother Tree, an old tree deep in the Weald. Its sap is a black ichor, lifeblood that when imbibed grants power and is said to be grossly differing upon the individual. It is a treasure of their species and fiercely defended. Though they are elven and give homage to Corellon as the chief Father, they pay homage more towards Kashil as giver of their forest and powers. Another is bloodletting, which regularly done would kill or seriously harm other races, however the blood elves constitution is deeply tide to their abundance and use of blood. Every day before bed those who pray to Kashil cut themselves and offer blood in a ritualistic neat ceremony. The blood disappears if the offering is accepted, which it rarely isn't.
They are also extraordinary healers with their powers centered around the humanoid form and blood. They have a special way of discerning illnesses and problems within the body. Using hemocraft and herbalism, they are regarded widely as some of the best natural healers around to those brave enough to try the Stained Weald, as few herbalist blood elves stray from the Weald.
The holy symbol of Kashil is granted by a special rite when children are old enough to understand their surroundings and begin praying to him. The flora of the Stained Weald is bloodthirsty and a specific species of vine, one crimson like blood, is intentionally drawn and forced on the devotee. As the stinging brambles pierce into the child's skin, blood running and sucked, Kashil judges the child. If worthy they survive and the vines are satisfied; rarely are children left wanting in his eyes. When the trial is surpassed, the vine lives behind a small bramble, cut off from itself, so suffused with vitality and constitution that it occasionally writhes and leeches blood from the wearer. The bloody vine is the holy symbol of Kashil and is worn in various methods, but always on a blood elf, if they are faithful to him. Destruction of the symbol is seen as sacrilege and nothing replaces it but another vine, which ends as an arduous religious task as Kashil values his symbol highly as a living thing of blood and life.
When young blood elves reach adulthood, a ripe age of 20 or older, they are forced out into the world to explore and learn alone. Some return, some don't.
Blood elves rarely have good experiences with those that seek them out. Usually those interested in the occult or dark powers come seeking to learn hemocraft or the ability to shape and alter blood as they do. Such people are usually driven away but some are close enough in stature and temperament to the blood elves themselves.
They also serve as guides; at least those brave enough to slip into the Dreadlands. Eating flesh provides memories of the bodies living life which, in turn, helps guide whoever they accompany. Blood elf guides are usually reputable, knowledgeable persons trusted deeply to not lead astray into or out of the Dreadlands.