Stygvens (stig-vehns)
Vens are a branch off the Elven tree, somewhat of a subrace if you will. All Vens are Elves, but not all Elves are Vens.
As such the two Vens; Stygvens and Lethvens are sometimes referred to as the Dark Elves and the Light Elves respectively. However, while the Vens care little for the specifications of this, some take some offense to this. The Vens are of a different creation, using Elves as a template a step after all the Elves were created together. Stygvens came from the Dark and Lethvens, from the Light - two forces directly opposing rather than representing a cycle they represent a constant battle, even down to their biology.
Similar to Elves with their unearthly grace and fine features, Vens appear hauntingly beautiful to humans and other races, but even more so that they become just off-putting enough in the right - or wrong - light.
Stygvens, also known as The Dark or Dark Elves are of and from darkness and they consume light around them, literally. In order for them to us magic (See: The Magic Thread) they use light as an energy source and so their mages in particular dress in reflective white clothing to best refract light for their uses which in turn of leave darkness behind from the consumed light. It's very conspicuous work so it's only practical that many Stygvens stick to the darkness as cunning cut-throats.
After all, they are united in a struggle for light where they are suited for darkness. What better way to fit the world to them instead to end their suffering than to free Darkness that is kept asleep in the city of Mihtrea - and if that includes fighting against their natural enemy the Lethvens within, all the better.
Appearance
- Their skin initially can be of any human tone, the differences come in two features:
- One, they have a sunscreen-like sheen layer that absorbs light and converts it harmlessly into heat.
- Two, areas they blush. Their blood is violet in colour, as such cheeks, lips, ears etc are a saturated violet. Their blood, like typical human blood, darkens as it gathers, which it does so as the sun sets so they can absorb as much of the fading light as possible - in other words, Stygvens appear to blush in dim light.
- Their eyes are of a bright red colour.
- Otherwise, like Elves they have tapered ears and graceful form.
- Their hair is often dark violet to purple-blue, all the way to straight black so dark it looks like a void in space.
Height & Weight: Their size and build are similar to humans but more slender and sinewy.
Features
Darkened
Shadows are where light cannot fall, the darkest of shadows experience less environmental light scattering. Darkness is the absence of light, and this is where the Stygvens dwell.
As their environment darkens, Stygvens' blood rises to the surface of their skin so they become darker in colour (in violet tones) which helps absorb any possible light around them while also naturally making them blend into the night better than any creature. It also keeps them at a naturally very warm temperature.
But more importantly for the more magically inclined, Stygvens cannot just cast magic by effecting The Magic Thread like all others, no, they need to absorb light like a fuel source - hence being biologically adapting to absorbing as muchlight as possible - especially UVs. This is why their mages will wear bright reflective clothing to gather light to them. This is likely why Stygven mages are scarce, and their rogues (in theory) much more numerous. Which can only be assumed since they are so adept at blending into the dark that it's hard to take get exact numbers.
Stygvens also lack any invisible markings called 'violet marks' that can be seen with violet vision, making them also invisible in the dark to their counters, the Lethven.
Heat Vision
Stygvens have a second type of vision they can choose to use called heat vision. This allows them to see the heat coming off of other creatures and objects and allows them to see in the dark in shades of blues and oranges (Think heat signature detection). This also has the added bonus of helping them find light sources to supply their magic if needed.
Become Shadow
Stygvens can also magically darken their skin in daylight by absorbing the light from themselves (just quickly expel the magic, or if you are a mage, use it in a spell), allowing them to blend into shadowed alleys and the like, however, it causes their body temperature to rapidly drop as they consume the light around them and the light they've absorbed. This can become dangerous so they must be careful to regulate.
Naming Traditions
Family names
Vens differ from Elves in naming as well, in that they put less strain on the giving and using names, and in fact, are more like humans in this area. Once again being the sort of bridge between the two. Although the names still have a tendency to sound less like typical human names they aren't restrained by length and care less for nicknames and more for the weight of a family name if anything.
Examples: Thalvo Rand, Rhimi Hester or Midre Trakas
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