Dark Elves
Dark Elves are the first known variation of the original elven bloodline. Their unique physiology—differing in lifespan, appearance, and magical alignment—classifies them as a distinct subspecies. While still considered elves, their internal structure and elemental affinity set them apart from their High Elf ancestors.
Dark Elves came into being during The Mistral War, a legendary conflict where a group of embattled elves—desperate and losing against Dwarves deep in the caverns—called out to the universe for salvation. Something answered, altering them in body and soul. The result was the first Dark Elves.
Due to their altered appearance and fiery temperament, they were exiled from Crostric, the ancestral High Elf kingdom. When other species first encountered them, many believed they were cursed or monstrous—an error that persists in some myths. Today, most recognize them as a genuine elven variation. Though they tend to be more reactive and passionate than High Elves, they are no less intelligent or capable.
Their innate magic is Fire, giving them resistance to it and vulnerability to Water Magic. About 85% of the population shares this magical alignment. Compared to High Elves, Dark Elves prefer to act in the moment rather than over centuries—and their bodies, too, are adapted for heat and low-light living.
Dark Elves came into being during The Mistral War, a legendary conflict where a group of embattled elves—desperate and losing against Dwarves deep in the caverns—called out to the universe for salvation. Something answered, altering them in body and soul. The result was the first Dark Elves.
Due to their altered appearance and fiery temperament, they were exiled from Crostric, the ancestral High Elf kingdom. When other species first encountered them, many believed they were cursed or monstrous—an error that persists in some myths. Today, most recognize them as a genuine elven variation. Though they tend to be more reactive and passionate than High Elves, they are no less intelligent or capable.
Their innate magic is Fire, giving them resistance to it and vulnerability to Water Magic. About 85% of the population shares this magical alignment. Compared to High Elves, Dark Elves prefer to act in the moment rather than over centuries—and their bodies, too, are adapted for heat and low-light living.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Dark Elves are bipedal with two arms and two legs. They have ten fingers and toes, a rounded skull, and elongated pointed ears extending from either side of the head. Their eyes are large and sensitive, and their faces feature a standard humanoid nose and mouth. Their bodies have little body hair, but their head hair is of fine quality. Like other elves, they do not grow facial hair.
by Valcin (Marc ZIpper)
Natural Magic
Dark Elves possess innate resistance to Fire Magic and vulnerability to Water Magic. About 85% are born with fire-aligned magical talents.Biological Traits
Dark Elves
Type
Sentient (Elf)
Ability Score Modifier
Dex+2 Int+2 Wis-2
Size
medium
Speed
30FT
Language
Languages Dark Elves starts off with speaking Worldest "Common" and Elvan with their Kingdom dialect. A high Intelligence scores can choose any languages they want (except secret languages, such as Druidic).
- Darkvision: Drow have dark vision, allowing them to see perfectly in the dark up to 120 feet
- Elven Immunities: Elves are immune to magic sleep effects and gain a +2 racial saving throw bonus against illusion spells and effects
- Spell-Like Abilities: (Su): May cast dancing lights, darkness, and faerie fire once per day each, using character level as caster level.
- Keen Senses: Elves receive a +2 racial bonus on Perception checks
- Gift of Fire:50% damage resistance from magical Fire and 50% weakness damage from magical Water
Genetics and Reproduction
A male and female Dark Elf can conceive between the ages of 210 and 375. Gestation lasts ten months. Fertility declines sharply after age 375, with reproduction becoming nearly impossible past that point.
Growth Rate & Stages
As one of the oldest life span species, Dark Elves are considered infants between the ages of zero and Six, during which time they were completely dependent on their parents for food and care. They gradually pick up mobility and world awareness.
- The next stage is kids who learn, play, and grow between the ages of Seven to Thirteen. Although kids are not as dependent on their parents at this point, they are still present to meet the majority of their needs. However, young kids are inquisitive and beginning to understand others and themselves. These kids also remember everything and will use it against you so be careful
- Between the ages of 14 to 30, their bodies begin to evolve and develop into adults, which is referred to as the teenage years. Their physical body begins to gain figure, height, weight, and muscles. In most situations, this is also where natural magic develops. In most circumstances, they will also begin to establish their identity and become less reliant on their parents.
- From the ages of 31 to 209, they are in their adulthood, their bodies have matured, and they have a good sense of what their natural magic will do. It will continue to develop as they age, but in most cases, it has a set of talents. This is also the time when they find what they want to do with their life.
- Melding time is a Special time for Dark Elves. The age range is from 210 to 375 years. This is the time when their Dark Elf bodies will allow them to reproduce. These are the years when Dark Elves start families and their instincts to find a significant other and start a family are more stronger than usual. This instinct will not overpower their identity or desires but rather make some of what they are attracted to more visible to them and the want for a family more appealing.
- They are elders between the ages of 376 and 500, commonly referred to as their Twilight years; their bodies have steadily slowed and gotten weaker, as have their magical talents if they are not maintained. Dark Elves, as compared to High Elves, relaxes and begins to overthink things. The Dark Elves just returned to the same mindset they had in their adulthood. With more knowledge and experience, and most likely a family. They do get a lot of related old age difficulties that most species have.
Ecology and Habitats
Dark Elves prefer colder and darker environments. Their bodies naturally run warm, making them more comfortable in cool climates. Their sensitive eyes are adapted for low-light, so shaded or underground regions are ideal. While many Dark Elves choose to live in caverns or shaded valleys, they can adapt to any environment with sufficient magical or technological support.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Dark Elves are omnivores and require a balanced intake of fruits, vegetables, meats, and other food groups. Their metabolic rate is moderate, and they tend to eat normal-sized meals, unlike their lighter-eating High Elf cousins.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Dark Elves have vast societies. Because of their impulsive temperament, they have invented a variety of games and dynamic hobbies. Depending on the Kingdom you visit, you may discover anything from combat sports to fascinating board games. They are an Elven people who enjoy being active. So their academic concentration isn't as strong as you'd think for elves, but they're still a curious group and live pretty long lives.
Average Intelligence
Dark Elves retain the elven long memory and cognitive ability. While they are more impetuous and emotionally expressive than their kin, they are highly intelligent and driven by curiosity. Their knowledge often spans both magical and practical disciplines.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
- Vision: Can see up to 2 miles in daylight. Enhanced darkvision due to extra light-absorbing cones and a reflective tapetum lucidum layer in their eyes.
- Hearing: Range from 20 Hz to 30 kHz, capable of detecting subtle sound variations.
- Smell: Broad olfactory detection range, though less refined than other scent-based species.
- Touch: Well-developed tactile sense; responsive to pain, pressure, and temperature.
- Taste: Capable of perceiving sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami.
- Weather Sensitivity: Elongated ears can detect minor shifts in temperature and air pressure.
Civilization and Culture
Common Dress Code
They tend to wear very little to skin-tight to anything that isn't adding more heat. They love all type of color in the neutral to dark range.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Genetic Descendants
Lifespan
500 years
Average Height
5"10 to 6"4
Average Weight
Between130lb to 160lb
Average Physique
Dark Elves tend to be slim and lithe, not built for heavy labor. Their frames are heat-efficient but less robust than more physically focused species. Their skin is warm to the touch, and their appearance is often misunderstood as threatening due to societal myths.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Body Tint, Coloring, and Markings
- Skin: Deep tones ranging from black to gray to purple.
- Hair: Typically black, white, silver, gray, or deep purples.
- Eyes: Reflective irises in red, pink, or violet hues.
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