Shadow Elves

Shadow elves originated on the surface of the moon as Noldor who didn’t descend below for their duties. Meant to spy on the world above and alert their brethren of any threats to their duty, shadow elves experienced the slow warping that other races did in the presence of That Which Sleeps, parlaying their abilities into phenomenal musical performance and carrying out their duties with a tenacity rivaled by few. They’re on excellent terms with the drow, and maintain these cordial relations by flatly refusing to engage in drow political maneuvering; the Shadow Pact guarantees that information granted to one house is granted to all. Few others know of their mission, though shadow elf spies are often recruited by other races for pettier concerns.
Appearance Shadow elves appear much like wood elves, though their hair and eyes tend to be muted, typically black or grey. Otherwise they’re tall and slender, with skin tones matching the trees of the world, despite the unusual characteristics present on the moon.
Clothing While entertaining, shadow elves dress flamboyantly, sometimes even in motley, when the situation demands it. At other times they disguise themselves or wear clothing that makes them unobtrusive; shadow elven fashion is normally so outrageous that people observing them in subdued garb don’t believe they’re actually shadow elves.
Art Music and plays are the shadow elf contribution to art in the world, and their ability to perform them is legendary. A handful of artists in other media do exist, but the lion’s share of artistically inclined elves produce the incredible works that can often only be given justice by elven musicians.
Religion Shadow elves have a tremendous respect for the gods, who keep at bay the very powers they help to keep restrained. Second only to the sea elves, shadow elven clerics invoke the gods and use stories of the latter to assure their fellows. This occasionally leads to some small amount of hubris as the shadow elves think of themselves as fulfilling, as a race, the duties of the gods themselves.
Cuisine Though few races on the moon surface can lay claim to a distinctive cuisine, each has a particular brand of fusion. Shadow elves share the refined palette of their siblings, and even the street food they produce often incorporates subtle flavors with unique textures. Their sticky buns in particular are delicious, if light on sweet or any other flavor, and the texture is divine. When it comes to drink, elves have mastered the art of incorporating the rare edible crystals from certain dragons into their headiest vintages, producing a unique wine highly sought after by people with psionic abilities.
Orders Though united in their purpose, the shadow elves recognize the need for specialists. Roses are the face of the race, serving as entertainers and general informants, producing bards in great quantity, along with paladins and clerics. Orchids serve as assassins when necessary, cultivating rogues and monks.