Dark Elf

The Shrouded Ones
Nearly a century after the Dark Elves were cursed by Miagus, Goddess of Revenge, under the influence of the Sun Elves, they mysteriously immerged from their cursed woodland home. They had survived the curse and not turned into fiends, as was promised to the Sun Elves. When they immerged Volcu, The Moon God, used the light of the moon to guide them to safe lands in the night. It is unclear if Volcu prevented the curse from taking root or another one of the Gods. Some believe that it was Volcu while others say it was Caravin, God of Darkness and Shadow. Still others believe that it may have even been Miagus as part of her vengeance against the Sun Elves for their failure to deliver her bounty. None the less, the Dark Elves reappeared. However, they could not escape completely. Miagus had cut their connection to all but the dark side of nature and their complete connection to the arcane arts. They would be drawn to the night and shrouded and pale skin forever. Because of the curse Cíneai, Goddess of Nature, reluctantly forbid the Vulcar entry into the Promised Land of the Ancients in fear of their curse spreading or a larger plot at work.

Physical Description
Dark Elves grew following their curse during the Breaking of the Elves and stand 6 to 7 feet tall. Males stand noticeably taller than females and grow facial hair in all forms, while females grow none. Dark Elf skin tones are of a dark grey color. Some have a dark purple, green or blue hue to them as well. Hair color is typically white, gray, or black. Some have been known to have dark blonde or brunette hair as well but it is extremely rare. Their eyes are larger than normal. This is a result of their curse, their eyes have become extremely sensitive to sunlight, however they are extremely good at night. Eye colors are usually gray, black, dark blue or dark green. Dark Elf aging was affected by their curse and caused their lives to be shorter lived than that of High Elves. A Dark Elf is considered an adult at the age of 20 and can live to be over 130 years old.

Personality
The Dark Elves are very mysterious; they rarely leave their own lands and are very dark in appearance and personality. However, when one gets to know a Dark Elf personally they see that they are a peaceful people. They are very careful about who they let into their lives and are protective of their loved ones. Dark Elves are very in touch with nature, but have connected with the chaotic and dark sides of nature more than the High Elves. They tend to act cold to strangers until they earn their trust. Dark Elves are very serious people and do not enjoy the arts very much. Instead they find peace and happiness among the chaos of nature. They have a special connection with the dark and chaotic part of nature. They have an innate ability to communicate with these dark forces of nature. Dark Elves, like High Elves, when set on a goal will see it out through completion. They are sometimes considered even more driven then High Elves, but are solitary people.

Relationships
Dark Elves, being solitary people have little relations with the other people of the world. They are most friendly to High Elves, and mortal enemies to the Sun Elves. They are indifferent about Dwarves, and do not care for Gnomes as High Elves do. They do not dislike Gnomes, but they find them too silly and not focused enough. Dark Elves are wary of Humans, but will work or trade with them as they see fit. They have nothing against Humans; it's just that Dark Elves are very protective and Humans come in many forms. The Dark Elves and the Nai have no relationship. The two rarely had encounters throughout history and both were cautious of one another. The Dark Elves view Half-Elves as weak and 'half-bloods' they dislike Half-Dark Elves as they think they are weak and they are usually outcast from their lands. They see Half-Orcs as abominations and believe they should be removed from the world. But they also recognize that they are a living people and should be given the chance to prove their worth before being destroyed. The Dark Elves do not like Orcs as they see them as a plague upon the land. They are one of the few people that do have a good relationship with Centaurs. The two are known to trade often but never reside in one another’s lands. Dark Elves do not like Ogres or Trolls and view them as abominations in the same regard as they do Orcs. They dislike Kobolds but are known to trade with them on occasion. Outside of that they avoid them whenever possible as they find them to be odd and unfitting of the world.

Lands
Dark Elves restrict their homes to dark places with little to no sunlight. Dark Elf civilizations are often made in the woods using hollowed out trees or cities built above the forest floor suspended in the trees above. They have also been known to reside in cliff side dwellings living in caves on steep slopes. These dwellings are difficult to spot as they appear to be nothing more than jagged rocks from a distance. Dark Elves are rare outside of their own lands. Occasionally a trading party will travel to trade and stock up on supplies.

Religion
The Dark Elf's main deity is Volcu, God of the Moon, for it was Volcu who led them to safety. Other Deities of the Dark Elves include: Caravin, Maritu and Phoenix.

Language
Dark Elves have evolved their own language they refer to as Pasht. Pasht is a secret language held only for a true blooded Dark Elf. They also typically speak the common tongue and some still know the Ancient language.

Names
Dark Elf names are not as important as that of High Elves. They tend to name their children with what they believe to be strong names but do not put as much effort into naming their children.

Dark Elf Game Rule Information
Attributes: Base Classes: Acolyte, Fighter, Mage, Scoundrel
 * Body: 8/20 Strength, 10/24 Dexterity, 6/16 Vitality
 * Mind: 8/20 Intellect, 8/20 Cunning, 8/20 Willpower
 * Soul: 6/16 Charisma, 10/24 Perception, 8/20 Spirit

Prestige Classes: Barbarian, Battlemage, Channeler, Cleric, Crusader, Inquisitor, Rogue, Shadow, Warrior, Wizard

Racial Specialization(s): Shroudborne

Size: Medium

Base Land Speed: 30ft

Automatic Languages: Common, Pasht

Discipline Modifiers: Skill Modifiers: -2 Handle Animal, +2 Listen, +2 Hide, +2 Move Silently, +2 Spot
 * Resistance: +2 Cold, -2 Fire
 * Weapon: +2 Bow, +2 Spear