Shadow Elves

"It took a moment to realize what the masked stranger was saying. Their accent was so thick, and unlike anything I had heard before. And to be honest my elvish is pretty rusty to begin with. But I muddled through it and told the woman that she was miles away from Mystamere. She sighed and said something about distances being so confusing on solid ground. I asked her where she was from. Her shimmering amethyst eyes met mine, and I swear to you I could feel some kind of magic deep in them. In that strangely accented elvish she said she was from far beyond my land and was seeking the truth of Yeno. Well then I figured I was talking to one of those Shadow Elves you hear about in stories. I didn't think they were real, but as sure as I'm talking to you right now, there she was, all covered and bundled in the strangest fabric you've ever seen. And I tell you, she was magic as you wouldn't believe. I could feel it coming off her. She started on her way west after I showed her the road to Mystamere. Don't know what happened to her after that. Strange folk for certain, she was.

- a halfling traveler

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Most shadow elves speak elvish, but it is an older and almost archaic dialect more often read, rather than heard. Few speak common at all, but will be familiar with ancient forms of dwarfish, halfling and the written language of the ancient human empire of Tyr.
They refer to all races that live on Cadash  as surface-worlders.

Culture and cultural heritage

Shadow elves splintered from the main elven civilization centuries ago. As such much of their culture reflects the ancient ways guided by their goddess Yeno . However they have also lived in the Shadow Realm for so long that they have adapted their lifestyle to the quiet etherial kingdoms. They often speak quietly and take time choosing words.

Shared customary codes and values

Like most elves, they revere the natural world as pure. But they also see magic as a part of that natural order. They do have some knowledge of The Cataclysm , and while they often keep it to themselves, they know that magic alone wasn't responsible. But they consider the fear of magic that most overworlders have as understandable.
Since the Shadow Realm is such an unpredictable place, most Shadow Elves find Cadash to be oddly permanent and controlled. Colors, smells flavors and sounds are almost too vivid for them, and when they first arrive in Cadash many have trouble adjusting to it. They often find the reliability of time and distances to be a great help, but some see it as a sign of surface worlders being soft for not having to deal with the shifting impermanence of the Realm.

Common Dress code

Shadow elves tend to dress in grey scale. Color is only seen in jewels and gems they wear as accent pieces. Their outfits tend to use geometric patterns and are simple but striking. When traveling above on the surface they often wear clothing to cover all of their skin, including cloaks and cloth masks. However, hoods, masks and gloves are removed upon entering an indoors.

Historical figures

Shadow elves revere their immortal patron, Rolen. Little is known about him on the surface, but the shadow elves feel he guides them towards a rebirth of Yeno's great culture upon all of Cadash. When asked if Rolen is still alive, shadow elves will answer simply, "He is an immortal." and leave it at that.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Shadow elves have translucent white skin, causing more than one land dweller to assume the elf is a banshee. Their hair is the color of metals or gems. They often dress to accent the gem colored eyes. Males and females tend to keep their hair long, and platted or held back with simple metallic ornamation. Like most elves, they have fine sharp features, but on Shadow Elves the look is more disarming than attractive.

Encompassed species

• Elves

Related Organizations

• Chaos Renegades

Related Locations

• Shadow Realm

The following are game specific details if you want to play a Shadow Elf in a Reluria Campaign:

• Constitution increases by 1.
• Darkvision - Radius of 60 feet
• Shadow Elf Weapon Training - Rapiers, Shortswords and Hand Crossbows
• Fey Touched - You get access to the Fey Touched feat at first level.
• Language restriction - Speak modern Dwarfish. Ancient Elvish and ancient common. Surface elves will find it difficult to understand your dialect. You do not understand modern common.