Svartálfar

Svartálfar are elusive beings, shrouded in shadow, originating from the Court of Svartálfheim, one of the Winter Courts of The Feywild. These dark elves are masters of craftsmanship and arcane knowledge, their lives intricately woven with the subterranean world they inhabit. Their connection to the dark places of the world has shaped them, both in appearance and in their essence, granting them an otherworldly beauty and a somber, brooding aura.
Physically, Svartálfar are striking, their skin ranging from deep slate-gray to the gleaming black of polished obsidian, a reflection of the lightless depths they call home. Their features are sharp and angular, lending them an elegant but alien visage. Their eyes glow faintly in hues of silver, blue, or pale green, like the glimmer of moonlight on a darkened sea, a reminder of their affinity for shadow and dim light. Their hair is typically dark, often as black as coal, though some bear locks streaked with silvery-white or deep indigo, like veins of precious minerals running through stone.
The Svartálfar dress in garments that blend seamlessly with their shadowed environment, favoring muted tones of black, gray, and deep violet, often adorned with intricate patterns of silver or glowing runes. Their attire is as much armor as it is art, crafted from rare metals and enchanted stones, their craftsmanship unparalleled. They adorn themselves sparingly but with purpose, their jewelry forged from precious metals and gems imbued with subtle magical power.
Culturally, Svartálfar are a people of secrecy and pragmatism, thriving in an environment that demands resilience and cunning. They are masters of forging and enchanting, their works revered for their beauty and unparalleled quality. From weapons that hum with dark power to talismans that channel hidden forces, the creations of the Svartálfar are sought after by those who dare to venture into their hidden domains. Their society values knowledge and skill above all else, and their halls are filled with whispered incantations and the clang of hammers against anvils.
Svartálfar are not quick to trust, their long lives fostering an air of aloofness and suspicion toward outsiders. They are fiercely territorial, guarding their subterranean kingdoms and their secrets with cunning traps, deadly wards, and an unshakable loyalty to their kin. Despite this, they are not without honor, and those who manage to earn their trust may find them to be steadfast allies, albeit ones whose motives are never entirely clear.
Their relationship with the surface world is complicated. They emerge only rarely, often under the cover of night or during eclipses when the sun's influence wanes. To the surface dwellers, Svartálfar may seem cold and unfeeling, but beneath their stoic exteriors lies a fierce pride in their heritage and a deep connection to the unseen forces of the world. They view the surface with a mix of disdain and curiosity, their lives bound to the earth and shadow yet forever aware of the light they shun.