Dark Elf
Dark Elves are those of Elven Blood that developed in the hidden away cities of The Underdark. While one of the Precursor Elves along with Eladrin, centuries of High Elven oppression turned them away from typical society into the Underdark, where they thrived until most of the original culture vanished, and the remaining Dark Elves fled to semi-surface areas.
Depending where you are, Dark Elves live rather typical lives, although in the nations of Hippolyta and Atalanta, specifically Paris, conditions are infamously poor, although governmental obstruction always blocks change that could be made. However, with that, there are many philanthropists and Elven Rights Activists that seek to change that permanently.
Naming Traditions
Family names
Traditional Dark Elves do not have family last names, instead taking a name related to their home city and a position they held. For example, a Seamstress from the city of Malkuth would have the family name of Fíodóir-Malkuth.
However, it's become a modern act of protest for Dark Elves in oppressed communities to throw away their name and family line, something that typical Elves pride, as an act of defiance against their set culture.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Most Dark Elves speak a more modern language, labeled merely as 'Undercommon', but there exists an 'Undersylvan' that Dark Elves closer to their origins in the cities of The Underdark can speak.
Common Etiquette rules
In surface Dark Elf communities, communal living is the main etiquette. For a people who have been turned on for centuries, they rely on each other to try and make it through the days. This is less common in more targeted communities, who will lose community leaders one way or another.
Art & Architecture
While many has been lost, Dark Elven Art styles are filled with intricate curves and knots, with larger murals portraying mythological figures in unique, intense, styles.
Common Myths and Legends
While many Dark Elven myths have been lost, two are well known. The first is a myth of the existence of their ancient cities in The Underdark, giant cities of glimmering stone and steel, where they were able to live peacefully without worry.
The second is one of the only Dark Elven Gods that is known to this day, a woman draped in a long fur cloak, with the head of a deer's skeleton. Some say this figure gave way to the head deity of The Ascendants, but sources vary.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Typically, Dark Elves see the same litheness attractive that most Elves do, but Dark Elves also value the luster of ones body and hair, typically given by smooth skin and devoted skin care.
Gender Ideals
There are no specific Gender Ideals typically held by Dark Elves, as there is little sexual dimorphism among them. However, Born-Female Dark Elves typically have stronger metabolisms.
Courtship Ideals
It is customary for Dark Elves who enter a relationship of any kind to exchange a vow over Violet Ribbons or written in Violet Ink, or for more romantic sorts, by exchanging stems of Lilacs.
Related Locations
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