Elves of Deep Shadow

Elves, like humans, vary widely in their cultural makeup, making their homes in forests, deserts, mountains, or even underwater. But the single uniting them between all elves seems to be a knack for nature magic, and with it, a healthy respect for this source of power. But some elven anarchists turn from this path, instead seeking magical knowledge and skill from places forbidden by elvenkind.   The Path of Blood Magic The elves have existed for millennia, and some of their oldest kin are centuries old. With this advanced age comes wisdom, and though almost no form of magic remains unknon or hidden from elven society, there are several forms of magical-practice which are banned by the majority of elves. Hemomancy, also called blood magic, is one of these- a form of magic which twists the spirit of life which most elves worship, perverting it for the sake of power. For elvenkind, spellcasters which practice hemomancy are among their most hated enemies. As an elf, to practice hemomancy openly is to be not only an exile to elven society, but an active traitor to their way of life.   The Circle of Deep Shadow Just as not all elves live in forests and build their home in trees, not all of the elven race looks so unkindly upon blood casters. One group of elves risks the connection to their people and their very lives, working to both understand and master hemomancy, viewing the taboo against it as little more than frightened superstition. Together, this group is known as the Circle of Deep Shadow, in a mimicry of the Circles which druids organize themselves in. The Circle of Deep Shadow treats blood magic less as an affront to their ancestral practice of nature magic, and more as a way to alter their connection to it. Through ancient, magical lore and blood-fueled rituals, the Circle of Deep Shadow replicate classic druidic spells, while also accessing more arcane powers.   A War Among Family Most elders of elvish society have declared open war on the Circle of Deep Shadow- the elders, councilors, shamans, and speakers which all guide the elves worry about the influence such open disobedience of tradition might have on younger mages. Once, the Circle of Deep Shadow was hushed rumor among the elves. A minor concern, one which the elders were content to simply monitor, sure in the knowledge that the Circle would burn itself out. But as the Circle grew, elven leaders had no choice but to acknowledge the problem, and resolves to face it. In doing so, they forced the Circle into the open, where knowledge of their unique abilities and skills has only served to further grow the Circle's ranks. Now the oldest elves see the Circle of Deep Shadow as one of the greatest threats to the stability of elven society, and the war between them frequently pits members of long-reaching elven families against each other in a war of belief.