Dark Elves
The Dark Elves, also known as the Svartálfar, Älfeneel or Harudheeniksel, are a race native to Svartalfheim. They are considered a sister-race to the Light Elves of Alfheim, and in some myths are the progenitors of the Dwarves.
The species was almost destroyed during the First Dark Elf War, and their numbers further depleted by the Second Dark Elf War. Although a few pure Dark Elf children have been born in the years since the end of the war, they are still considered critically endangered.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Dark Elves are humanoid, distinguished from Humans by their slight builds and long pointed ears.
The majority of the species are albino, having unpigmented hair, skin, and eyes. Non-albinos are rare, and typically have dark blue or grey skin.
Genetics and Reproduction
They are sexually dimorphic, although compared to Humans and Asgardians, they are androgynous in appearance. They reproduce sexually, and are capable of interbreeding with other races, though this is uncommon.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Their eyes a designed for darkness, giving them significantly better night-vision than ever the Dwarves. Like their sister-race the Light Elves, they have very sensitive hearing.
Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms
In times past, the Dark Elves relied heavily on domesticated species, particularly the Bog Tigers (larger and more dangerous relatives of the Flying Cats used by the Cat Elf tribe of Light Elves) and the Hounds of the Hunter, a species of intelligent carnovores similar in appearance to Midgardian dogs or wolves but large enough to be used as mounts, prized for their ability to track prey by scent.
Civilization and Culture
Major Organizations
Four Clans survived the destruction of Svartalfheim, the Black Bile Clan, the Dove Gut Can, the Snake Face Clan, and a few members of the Hag Wart Clan.
Average Technological Level
The have access to faster than light travel and other advanced technology, enhanced by their use of magic.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Harundheenka, although most can also use All-speak.
History
Little is known about the history of the Dark Elves, due to the destruction of their own records during the Battle of Svartalfheim. As a result the main sources are Asgardian and Light Elf myth.
The Dark Elves are believed to have been born direction from the primordial darkness (the 'Ginnungagap' of Asgardian cosmology) in the time before the universe was created. When light entered the universe and the other races were created, they waged war upon them, seeking to return the galaxy to a state of pure darkness.
This is extremely unlikely, given the close relationship of the Dark Elves to both the Light Elves and the Dwarves, and the fact that Asgardian records of the war against them begins towards the end of the reign of the Bor, approximately 5,500 years ago. If they had been waging war since the dawn of time, it is likely they would be mentioned in earlier Asgardian records.
Whatever the truth of their origins, we know that Malekith the Accursed staged a leadership challenge and was confirmed as the new King of the Dark Elves by the Council of the Unhallowed in around 3,500 BCE.
History does not record when the war with the Aesir began, but it is likely it was around the same time. We know from Dwarven sources that the war consumed their culture, with Malekith using the conflict to push an agenda of Harudheeniksel unity, reducing the importance of the Clans in Dark Elf culture and discouraging interbreeding or even socialising with other races.
Study of the ruins of Svartalfheim shortly after the end of the First Dark Elf War suggests the cult of Llan, the Dark Elf god of destruction and rebirth, became increasingly prominent over the course of Malekith's reign. A number of new temples were constructed, and the Kursed dedicated themselves to him before their transformation.
The endless war, bolstered by the cult of personality which surrounded Malekith and the worship of a literal death-god, decimated the population, and at least one entire Clan was known to have been wiped out even before the Battle of Svartalfheim.
It is unknown whether Malekith had intended from the start of his reign to eventually make use of the Aether, or if this was an act of desperation when he realised his forces would never prevail. Whatever the truth, it is certain that he made plans to release the Aether throughout Yggdrasill during a Convergence, with the intend of destroying the Suns around which the other Realms orbitted.
When the Aesir and their allies learned of his plan, they marched on Svartalfheim itself. Although officially the intention was simply to retrieve the Aether and depose Malekith, the war had so poisoned relations between the races that the possibility of annihilating the entire species was not discounted, and may even have been the intented strategy.
When it became clear that victory was impossible, Malekith withdrew to his flagship with his most loyal troops, and ordered the remaining Arks to be crashed into the battlefield below to cover his retreat, killing hundreds of his own people alongside the enemy.
Malekith and his troops entered suspended animation, remaining hidden for 5,000 years until the next Convergence, when he tried again to execute his plan, only to be foiled by Bor's grandson Thor.
In the wake of the Second Dark Elf War, the surviving members of the species resettled Svartalfheim. In an effort to move past Malekith's malign influence, the clan system was foreforonted and the Council of the Unhallowed reinstated in its original form. A leadership challenge was held, and Alflyse of the Snake Face Clan was crowned Queen.
Her reign thus far has been marked by the rebuilding of diplomatic ties with other Realms, particularly Alfheim and Nidavellir. When the Council of Realms was formed, Queen Aelsa Featherwine refused to send Light Elf delegates unless Svartalfheim were granted full rights, and though their low population made it contraversial, they were offered the same number of seats as the other Realms.
As well as securing the assistance of the Dwarves and Light Elves in rebuilding their settlements, Queen Alflyse is also in talks with the Cotati to secure assistance in regrowing the forests that Svartalfheim was once famous for.
Genetic Descendants
Conservation Status
Less than 200 Dark Elves remain
Geographic Distribution
Related Organizations
Alflyse
Algrim
Malekith the Accursed
Scumtongue
Waziria