Dark Elf

Dark Elves are the more magic proficient strain of durmok, but harbour no ill will to their orc siblings. They take pride being alongside them and use their powers to protect their homelands.

Basic Information

Anatomy

They have four limbs - two arms and two legs. These have two feet and hands, each with five appendages to help with balance, gripping and other tasks. Dark elves have elongated ears and a darker skin than light elves.

Genetics and Reproduction

A dark elf can be created through two main methods. In ancient times, mire births were far more popular than they are today. Resources for such births are in high demand for other purposes or stolen by unscrupulous wizards or wiccan.

Mire Birth

Common with both groups of durmok, a mire birth requires specific resources. Materials that are rich in aether are required to create a dark elf. These supplies are thrown into the local swamp, in ground soft enough where it will be swallowed completely. The respective chant is offered to help the supplies on their way. Through good luck, proper swallowing, or the grace of Kemdal, a dark elf spawns from the marshes. They often emerge already an adult if birthed through this method. Mire-birthed dark elves are much more likely to be magically talented, given how the concentration of aether hasn't diluted through a bloodline.

Natural Birth

If two dark elves reproduce biologically, their child will be a dark elf. They carry their children to term, much like humans and orcs. Their arcane bodies, however, reduce the gestation period to around 6 months for an average dark elvish child. If a dark elf has a partner of another species (orc parents included) that child will be a durmok, not regarded as a full-blooded dark elf. The ability to use magic amongst biological dark elves is far more varied than with mire births. If they are classified as durmok rather than a pure dark elf, even more so. Their potential for magic is still higher than most natural species.

Growth Rate & Stages

Mire-birthed dark elves go through less developmental stages than their natural birth counterparts. Their growth happens mostly underneath the surface of their birthing ground, soaking up the nutrients offered by the adult dark elves of their communities. After this germination period, they emerge from the marshes fully grown adults with basic motor skills and magical ability intact. Their development centres around mental capabilities and learning how to utilise their powers.

Genetic Ancestor(s)