Darkmane Elves

The Darkmane Elves, known in their own tongue as the Naelvari, are a secretive and declining race of elves residing in the dense forests of the Warring Darkmane Realm. Descended from ancient elves who survived the Crimson Convergence by hiding in the shadows, they have evolved into smaller, stealth-oriented beings known for their mastery of poisons, guerrilla warfare, and the utilization of corrupted magical energy. They are characterized by their isolationism, tribal infighting, and hostility toward outsiders.

History & Origins 

The origins of the Darkmane Elves are directly tied to the cataclysmic event known as the Crimson Convergence (0 ACC).

• The Purge of Light: When the red star appeared over Eldunary, its light was lethal to the ancient elven race, killing every elf it touched.

• The Shadowed Exodus: To survive, the remaining elves fled into the thick forests located in the shadow of the Jagged Mountains.

• Evolution: Over the course of the Convergence, these survivors evolved into the current Darkmane Elves (Naelvari).

• The Darkmane Schism: The race was originally unified under the Darkmane Family. However, internal corruption tore the family apart. Some members became "The Fallen"—soulless husks possessed by dark magic—and were exiled by the rest of the family. This event caused a complete societal collapse, fracturing the realm into scattered, warring tribes.

Appearance & Geography

• Physical Traits: Darkmane Elves are smaller in stature than other races, standing between 4 and 5 feet tall. They possess grey or obsidian skin, bioluminescent eyes, and distinctively carved ears.

• Attire: In combat, they are known to wear black leather armor and use war paint to obscure their features.

• Geography: They inhabit the Warring Darkmane Realm, a region defined by dense, ancient forests filled with hidden dangers, ambushes, and old ruins. The land is permanently scarred by elven warfare and contains massive, unstable runes left by the Golem King that emit fatal dark magic.

Key Settlements:

• Grousea: The unofficial capital and a major criminal hub.

• Wrediff: A hidden town shielded by magic, used exclusively as a training ground for warriors and poison makers.

• Vlurg: The preeminent black market capital of the continent.

• Andlens: A port town inhabited by peaceful Darkmane Elves and defectors who wish to avoid conflict.

More Facts

• Magic: Darkmane Elves draw corrupted energy from abandoned Golem runes found in their forest. This grants them unique abilities such as "Shadowstep," toxin shaping, and silence binding.

• Combat Style: They utilize guerrilla warfare tactics, relying on stealth, traps, and animal familiars. Their signature weapons are poison-laced daggers.

• Language: They speak Nualthyr, a language consisting of clan dialects and tonal variances. They use this language specifically when they do not wish to be understood by outsiders.

• The Fallen: Legends persist that the exiled, corrupted members of the Darkmane family still haunt the woods as "The Fallen," taking those who get lost in the forest.

• Diplomacy: While generally hostile to outsiders (particularly Goldhelms), they have been known to grant safe passage to Arashi operatives in exchange for payment.