Dark Elf

Dark elves are the resident Dark elves closely resemble humans in body shape, with their long, leaf-shaped ears being a signature trait of all elves. Their striking features and rich complexions often captivate observers, exuding an "exotic" and "darkly alluring" charm. Typically, dark elves have deep purple or violet skin, often paired with black, silver, or midnight blue hair. Their eyes commonly appear in shades of gray, yellow, purple, or red.

History

The exact origins of the elves remain unknown, though they are believed to have lived alongside other ancient races, including the ancestors of humans. Historical records suggest that elves, like humans, were avid travelers who established settlements worldwide. However, unlike humans, who experienced rapid societal and cultural development, elves underwent both cultural growth and notable physical changes over millennia. These changes, likely influenced by their innate magical abilities, caused elves living near different Gates to develop distinct traits more dramatically than most other races. Dark Elves emerged as an exiled subgroup of the Earth region’s Wood Elves. Their current complexions are the result of transmutations and magical side effects that originally led to their exile. These changes, initially seen as marks of shame, became symbols of pride and lineage as the Dark Elves declared themselves a distinct subrace independent of their origins. Millennia ago, they were forcibly relocated to the chaotic Magma region of Zul. Seizing the political turmoil, they established themselves as key players in Zul's power struggles, despite being ousted from their previous position of influence in Eren. Dark Elves became infamous for their aggressive, deceitful politics and a moral code driven by vanity, self-worth, and authority, often bordering on fanaticism. Once integrated into Zul’s Underground, they exploited its societal structures to secure dominance, particularly attempting to garner it over the energy-producing Earth Star. Their ambition was twofold: to establish absolute control over Zul and to leverage their newfound power to launch a military campaign against Eren, reclaiming what they saw as their rightful place of power.

Geography

Dark Elves live all throughout the underground dens and warrens of Zul. House Voss and the rest of the noble elite live centered within their home of Nihlasari Keep, the complex the only pure dark elven bastion in the Underground. Many dark elves however live in estates on the edges and walls of Darkhold's massive cavern, and several more still make up a portion of the underground middle class.

Relations & Society

The dark elves that are a part of House Voss and the rest of the elven aristocracy are often described as a people deeply enamored with themselves, viewing their own existence as something to be admired, mavericks in magic that are hated because other beings don't understand the necessity of their ordeals and the fruits of their labors. A common dwarven anecdote from the Underground quips, "A true Voss won’t hesitate to even steal a single trinket to appear more valuable. If they deny it, they probably think you’re too lowly to appreciate their hard-earned radiance anyway." Despite their authoritarian, cutthroat society, a growing social movement has emerged, challenging the status quo. The populations of dark elves centered within Darkhold's mixed quarter live lives far removed from the so-called splendor the aristocracy claims their kind to exhibit. Largely disillusioned with the ambitions and conflicts, a small tenure of dark elves within the Darkhold community have begun to actively let their apprehension be known. Though small and leaderless, this rebellion has persisted for 15 years, prompting the regime to crack down aggressively to prevent more elves from "getting ideas."

Related Articles

House Voss

The Feuds of the Southern Wood Elves: House Mephis and Their Dark Ambitions

The Schism of Shadows: Changing Tides in the Dark Elves of Darkhold

Ancestry: Elven
Lifespan: 750 years
Adulthood: 18 years
Average Height (ft.): 1.6m to 1.8m
Average Weight (lbs.): 62kg to 75kg
Type: Mammal
Blood: Red
Contributors: Kashii, Taylorzilla, Yuii

Passive Ideas

Elven Respite - Some elves do not require sleep in the traditional sense, supplementing their evenings with a form of meditation that recovers energy and focus just as well as sleeping. They can feel as well rested as if they slept a full nights rest within the span of just a few hours within an uninterrupted special trance-like meditation state.
Poison Blood - Dark elf servants and soldiers are sometimes augmented with magic and medical procedures to make their blood toxic, making it a hazard to be exposed to by thieves, rivals, or enemies. Your blood might have this poisonous effect that causes symptoms similar to fatigue or mild dizzyness when a gratuitous amount is administered into the body of another for a short time.
One with Ash - You have an innate connection to smoke, ash, and the depths, your breathing unaffected by heavy non-magical air pollutants like ash, dust, and soot. Or perhaps your ability to see in complete darkness outmatches that of any peer.