Dread Elves
Little is known about the strange creatures that inhabit the northerneastern tip of the continent, the dark lands known as in Rethreim. Few make it past their walled borders the set eyes upon them, fewer live to tell the tale. Also called "ghouls" or "bloodborn", these unnatural folk are most commonly referred to as the "Dread Elves".
Basic Information
Anatomy
They appear pale and emaciated, still humanoid but slightly beastial in appearance. While similar to their humanoid progenitors, there are notable differences that make it harder to see where their species came from. Dread elves are more lithe, even sinewy, and have a much paler complexion. The anatomy of their limbs is now more that of a digitigrade, walking and running on their toes while the rest of the foot is in the air.
Their ears are much larger and pointed, almost feline. Their teeth have become sharpened, particularly the canines, to assist in their ability to tear flesh and drink blood from their victims. Likewise, their nails have evolved to be sharper and more claw-like in appearance.
Dietary Needs and Habits
The outbreak of plague and strict quarantine put a severe strain on resources. Additionally, their bodies have changed over hundreds of years as an evolutionary response or adaption to a strain of the plague that mutated once it passed Rethreim's borders.
To supplement their changing diet, the elves picked up the practice of hematophagy: drinking blood. Blood is a fluid tissue rich in proteins and lipids, which are essential for many animals, and is readily available. The elves have adapted well to the blood-siphoning process, relying on it to get much of their nutrients and survive. This will often be livestock but many will feed upon each other for nutritional sustenance, as well as those from the outside world foolish enough to venture into their domain.
In order to overcome natural blood coagulation in the victim, many animals have developed chemical solutions that they pre-inject. As they lack these, the elves have created their own chemical cocktails that contain anaesthetics and anticoagulants that are accessible to most of the kingdom.
Behaviour
Dread elves are seen as somewhat sadistic in nature. They have developed a harsh, cruel society that prioritises the preservation of ritual and the survival of the species. That said, there has been room for the elves to indulge in some of their darker desires, ways to manipulate and control others, or just drain the life from them in a brutal and soulless fashion.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Hearing and sight have become greatly enhanced in the dread elves, letting them see in near darkness and hear prey at greater distances.
Civilization and Culture
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