Dark Elves
The Dark Elves are the dusky skinned children of Malin. In ages past, they were called the Mali'ker, meaning dark or night Elves, by their High Elven cousins but are presently known as Dark Elves.
Appearance
Like all Elves, Dark Elves enjoy the long life of near immortality. And like their cousins, it is hard to tell the age of a Dark Elf except by the look in their eyes as they accrue age, wisdom, and experience.
Although it is debatable as to which of the Elven sub-races is the shortest, generally it seems that Dark Elves are usually slightly taller than Wood Elves and quite a bit shorter than High Elves, averaging about 5'10" to 6'4" with some slightly shorter or slightly taller. Like all Elves, they are lithe and frail compared to other races, weighing in at only 100-160lbs.
The one trait that stands out for Dark Elves is their dusky colored skin. This skin tone ranges from a light gray to almost jet-black. Sometimes a slight hint of bluish or violet hue is seen in the skin tone as well. It is noted by some that these skin tones match the night sky or the shadows cast by the deepest forests.
Offsetting their dark skin tone is the pale colors seen in the hair of Dark Elves. Commonly seen is pure white, the color of snow, though platinum and silvery highlights are not uncommon. Very pale blonde or copper colored hair are rare and sometimes denote a mixed heritage though not always. Rarely seen hair colors are black and a pale bluish hue.
Eye colors are usually blue, green, or violet, as typical among Elves. These colors aren't as bright as High Elven eye colors, but rather subdued or pale. Uncommonly seen are red eyes, but this is actually from a lack of pigmentation. Black colored eyes are rare, while brown and yellow are unheard of.
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Disposition
Dark Elven culture lack the distinctness of High Elven culture due to continued intermingling with their cousins in Malinor. However Dark Elves still maintain some cultural differences from their neighboring Wood Elves and High Elves. While High Elves are reserved and almost dispassionate, Dark Elves are quite the polar opposite. Dark Elves live their lives through passion and expression. This manifests itself in the way they speak and the way they dress. Everything comes from the heart of a Dark Elf.
Some note that Dark Elves are closer to Humans in their mannerisms then most Elves, however under close observation one can see that this couldn't be further from the truth. While a Dark Elf may favor action over inaction, they will not act foolishly or brashly. Like all Elves, Dark Elves have centuries of personal experience and a millennium of collective wisdom to aid them in their choices. So while a Human will be quick to fight the good fight against an apparent evil, a Dark Elf will consider their actions carefully before taking part in them.
In viewing their brethren, some Dark Elves have been known to show a similar level of racial prejudice to those of the High Elves (who almost all Dark Elves view with particular disdain).
Fashion
Out of all the sub-races of Elves, Dark Elves could be considered the most fashionable. Expression is very important to Dark Elves and one of the most favored ways of showing what is on their mind or how they view themselves in the world around them is through their dress. Dark Elves prefer to wear bold colors. These range from darker reds, blacks, dark browns to brighter greens, blues, and purples. They stay away from subdued and natural colors, including pastels, preferring to stand out in their natural environment. The exception of course is when they are trying to remain hidden through the use of camouflage.
Dark Elves believe in the natural beauty of their bodies and will wear clothing to accentuate their appearances. Females will show a bit of skin but do not do such in a lewd or provocative manner. The point of fashion is to show their disposition and to express themselves, not to look like a harlot. It is important to note that according to tradition, Elves of all sub-races do not see the showing of skin or nudity as taboo or unusual. However in their wisdom they will keep themselves conservatively covered up around outsiders to respect their traditions and modesty. Many Elves in the modern age no longer view nudity as freely and it is considered more proper to be covered up.
Jewelry is also important to Dark Elves. These are excellent ways to show off achievements or status. Commonly worn are signets of a family house or profession, be it rings, brooches, or even piercings. Dark Elves do not have the same reservations about invasive jewelry as their High Elven cousins, but still do so conservatively. The idea is to accentuate the person through these expressions, not entirely eclipse them.
With all that said, Dark Elves do not flaunt their wealth and prestige. Though they tend to wear bolder clothes and jewelry than their cousins, they still do so tastefully. Wealth and influence means very little. It is the merit and the accomplishments that means more.
Family
One of the most important aspects of Dark Elven culture is the family. This is displayed through their expression in both where they live and in their dress. As stated above, Dark Elves wear jewelry to denote their accomplishments and their expressions, this is done so not only through the individual but also by their family. Family signets and symbols are commonly worn. Heraldry and family accomplishments also adorn the homes of Dark Elves.
A Dark Elf places great weight on the opinions and choices of their family's eldest member. This is usually the parent of the Dark Elf in question but could also be a grandparent or other relative such as an aunt, uncle, or even sibling. Dark Elves try to live up to the standards set by their families and work towards the progress of everyone within the family. Parents are fiercely protective of their children and those under them, though this comes as a double-edged sword as they are also very demanding of their children. In addition, their parents prove to be a deciding factor in their lives even after they become adults socially.
It is not uncommon for a parent to urge their child to pursue a certain profession and to take a big part in their education, either instructing the child themselves or handpicking their instructor. Arranged marriages, a practice almost unheard of in Elven culture, can take place among the Dark Elves, though still rarely so. When the practice is performed, it is set up by having the children quite literally grow up together. More often than not, the two child will end up falling in love with each other. Usually the presence of one's parent in a Dark Elf's life lessens once they marry and start their own family. Often, the families simply merge into a larger house with the eldest or wisest at the head.
The Arts
Dark Elves, like all Elves, are fervent patrons of the arts. They prefer lasting masterpieces that will survive the years as they do. Sculptures of fine stone (like marble or granite) or metal are regarded more so then ones made out of more perishable materials such as wood and paintings on canvas. Dark Elves prefer songs, poetry, and theater, as these methods of expression can be handed down throughout the generations and last forever.
However, martial arts are the most preferred of Dark Elves, with swordplay and hand-to-hand techniques at the forefront. All Dark Elves are taught swordplay or hand-to-hand combat at a very early age. The idea isn't to make them fierce warriors, but to open their mind and body to expression and discipline.
Dark Elves are some of the best craftsman of swords. Their swordsmiths produce the finest folded steel blades with edges that last for a lifetime if well kept. Some of the more expensive Dark Elven blades use carbarum edged steel for strength. Other blades use a steel-gold alloy that makes the blade heavier and sharper but also more prone to losing its edge. The artwork inscribed upon the blades and hilt is also of exquisite quality. The downside is that such blades are hard to commission as they take years and sometimes decades to craft. The swords crafted by Dark Elves resemble a cross between a Rapier and a Longsword, making them versatile in both piercing and slashing attacks, require more finesse to use then strength.
It is not uncommon for a Dark Elf to collect such weapons crafted by their kin or other races. They value a well made weapon highly, no matter what the race of the craftsman as there is no racial discrimination among such artists and craftsmen.
Dark Elves have an adequate knowledge of archery and fletching. However, their knowledge does not match that of their sylvan cousins, the Wood Elves. Dark Elves are known to prefer the sword over the bow, but archery is not uncommon among them. Living with their cousins in the forests of Malinor, they take to the bow as a means of protecting their homelands. Dark Elven archers are most commonly soldiers or rangers in the Elven military structure whereas a swordsman may simply practice as a hobby.
Creation Myths
Curiously, Dark Elf society is quite divided over how they believe their sub-race was created. A small minority believe that their creation was a result of a union between Malin and the supposed Aengul of the moon, Velulaei. However, this account is hotly disputed and widely disregarded as a fairy tale, with many even doubting the existence of a moon Aengul. Some scholars have hypothesised a possible link between this supposed deity and the moon goddess of the Kharajyr, Metztli. However, this link has been widely condemned by both the Kharajyr and Velulaei believers.
