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

Over the generations since the dark elves established themselves in the subterranean city of Darkhold, their society has undergone significant transformation, particularly in their attitudes toward their place in Zul and the greater world beyond. What began as a deeply insular and hierarchical culture, defined by ancestral grudges and a fierce struggle for dominance over Darkhold's other denizens, began to fracture under the weight of time and changing perspectives.

This shift was largely driven starting 15 years ago by the youngest generations of dark elves, as well as those who had found new avenues for prosperity and community among the other peoples of Zul. These individuals became increasingly disillusioned with the endless cycles of power struggles, schemes, and vendettas that had defined dark elf society for centuries. They felt detached from the ancestral grudge against Eren, the surface realm that had cast their ancestors into exile. Instead, these dissenters began questioning the necessity of such enmity, believing that it only perpetuated their isolation and hindered their potential to thrive as part of a broader society.

The movement toward change was met with fierce resistance from the noble houses of Darkhold, which thrived on the traditional systems of dominance and control. To these houses, the dissenters were traitors, undermining the very fabric of their society. Accusations of betrayal and disgrace echoed through the chambers of Darkhold, and any who dared to voice such radical ideas faced harsh reprisals. The nobility, unyielding in their grip on power, sought to stamp out these voices through coercion, manipulation, and outright violence.

Even beyond their own society, the dissenters found little support. Many non-elven denizens of Darkhold were skeptical of their intentions, seeing the dark elves as oppressors seeking to manipulate their way into a new kind of influence. Efforts to foster empathy and cooperation with the rest of Zul often failed to translate into meaningful change, leaving many dissenters isolated and vulnerable.

Those who broke away from the traditional loyalties of dark elf society found themselves falling into one of three distinct paths:

The Rebels

This group actively advocated for reform, seeking to dismantle the oppressive structures of noble house dominance and forge a more amicable relationship between the dark elves and the rest of Zul’s social fabric. These rebels knew the dangers they faced, but they pressed on, becoming both symbols of hope and targets for elimination. They worked tirelessly to rally like-minded individuals, establish safe havens, and confront the noble houses’ tyranny head-on.

The Crushed

Many dissenters were unable to escape the watchful eyes of the noble houses. These individuals—whether they spoke out quietly or were merely suspected of disloyalty—were ground underfoot, silenced through exile, imprisonment, or execution. This group represented the tragic cost of resistance, and their stories became cautionary tales whispered in the shadows of Darkhold.

The Returners

The third camp consisted of those who saw no future in Darkhold or Zul and instead chose to brave the journey back to Eren. Crossing the perilous Waytos Sea, these dark elves sought refuge among the surface-dwelling elves, hoping to reconcile centuries-old wounds. Their return was met with mixed reactions in Eren—some welcomed them as estranged kin, while others viewed their arrival with suspicion, wary of old rivalries. Yet these returners believed that by working to mend the fractured bonds with Eren, they might find not only a home but also the strength to advocate for a new vision of their people from abroad.