Apsarava

Long ago, the Dark Elves were created by Morrak as a dark mockery of the Elves which his sister Alrayna made. They are said to have been cast from his blood. Their shadowy heritage usually causes them to live in darkness and revel in others' misery.

Physiology

Dark Elves appear much as the Elves, but with mocha to violet skin, and with white to taupe hair. Their eyes come in shades of purple and brown. They generally don't differ in height or weight from Men, but their dexterous bodies make them appear more lithe. They live for many human lifetimes, often hundreds or sometimes thousands of years.

Appearance

Dark Elves are often found wearing blacks and grays, favoring cloaks and robes of silky materials. Adventurers and soldiers are known to favor lighter armor. Many Dark Elves wear jewelry made of dark stones like amethyst or onyx. Like the Elves, few Dark Elves wear earrings as they claim it interferes with their keen hearing.

Personality

Dark Elves are often very clever and sneaky, yet they never break promises they make in earnest (a Dark Elf must be held to a Blood Oath). Dark Elves are most often aloof, judgmental, vengeful, and quick to anger. A Dark Elf usually possesses a silver tongue and many dabble in Charms and Illusions. According to legend, Morrak created the lustful Dark Elves as a mockery of the loving Elves. In line with this, Dark Elves make excellent paramours, escorts, and courtesans.

Habitat

Since Dark Elves have no established countries, they typically live among other races, at least, among people who would tolerate their company. Many Dark Elves fill the ranks of the Blades of Morrak. Some less malevolent Dark Elves can be found in Zirien.

Society

Dark Elves are allegiant to their lords, but have no society of their own. They often take up lives as mercenaries, swords-for-hire, and prostitutes. Occasionally, Dark Elves may set up a secluded village, but keep quiet for fear of attack by Elves. Legends tell of once-great Dark Elf kingdoms, but none stand to this day.

Dark Elves rarely marry given their nature and that most have a lack of permanent residence. When they do, it is usually with another race, for it is rare to find two Dark Elves capable of deep love. Dark Elves can procreate with each other and with Men, but not with Elves. Many Dark Elven children grow up without knowing their father and some take to an early life on the streets. For Dark Elves, death is often a release and many die alone. In rare instances when Dark Elves live as a family or in groups, deaths are observed with a funeral pyre.

Max Caps

• Muscle 8
• Cunning 12
• Persuasion 12
• Self-Control 8

Relations

Benevolent Dark Elves make great traveling companions, and can learn to make friends, but they're often misunderstood. Relationships with Elves are usually out of the question, but in some circumstances friendships and even love has come between an Elf and a Dark Elf. Dark Elves can get along well with Men, who are usually either themselves corrupt or easily made indifferent. Dwarves are suspicious of Dark Elves, but know and respect them for their ability to keep Blood Oaths. Halflings won't play cards with Dark Elves because they're just too good at Bluffing.

Motivations

Malevolent Dark Elves are fantastic assassins, sorcerers, spies, or mercenaries. Benevolent Dark Elves are good scouts, rangers, and minstrels. Motivations for a Dark Elf could include something lofty and grand (defeating an Elven army, finding ancient magic in the Castle Shyvyr) or simple (finding acceptance, locating your lost father).

Powers

• Dark Elven Cunning. Dark Elves have powerful vision and hearing, receiving a +3 to Spot and Listen checks. Their range for these senses is twice that of a human and can see clearly even in complete darkness. They also possess a supernatural intuition about looming danger, getting a "bad feeling" when events could go sour.
• Veil of Shadow. Dark Elves gain a +5 to Hide checks when in dim light and shadows.