The Dark Elves, or more properly thjodannalfen, are the descendants of those elves who were deceived by Korissin into following Imith, who then cruelly subjugated them. Their plight was compounded when the lysælfen under X'Rell's direction drove them beneath the surface of the Material Planes.
Basic Information
Thjodannalfen display characteristic sylvan anatomical features.
Thjodannalfen reproduce sexually. They cannot reproduce with other sylvans, due to a curse laid upon them by X'Rell, but are fully capable of breeding with humans, and their offspring are called half-sylvans. Half-sylvans are capable of producing their own offspring. Half-sylvans that mate with other half-sylvans produce another generation of half-sylvans. When a half-sylvan mates with a sylvan, their offspring is of the same species as their sylvan parent. Half-sylvans that mate with humans produce human children.
Many regard the thjodannalfen as inherently evil. This is incorrect.
In general, thjodannalfen live in a rigid society where the clever and strong thrive, while the foolish and weak wither. This is reinforced and encouraged by their subjugation under the Unmarkarey gods: Imith, Evishar, and Korissin. As a result, in order to survive, most dark elves learn behaviors that outsiders misinterpret as selfishness. In actuality, these are survival behaviors. Thjodannalfen families are as loving as any, but the expression of that love comes in the form of strengthening each other to better survive the individualistic society in which they are trapped.
Additional Information
Thjodannalfen generally have stark white hair and grey or purple skin of various hues. They still feature the shift to light pink coloration at the entrance to the ear canal. Their irises, what can be seen of them, are denim blue or indigo.
While all elves exhibit the ability to see in darkness, the darkvision of the thjodannalfen is twice as acute. For this reason, they conversely suffer difficulty when using their vision in direct sunlight.
Preferred Common Name
Thjodannalfen
Alternate Name(s)
Dark Elves, Drow
Scientific Name
Arcanae arcachordata psuedomammalia xareliata sylvana decipi
Dark Elf Traits
Ability Score Increase
Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.
Age
Although elves reach physical maturity at about the same age as humans, the elven understanding of adulthood goes beyond physical growth to encompass worldly experience. An elf typically claims adulthood and an adult name around the age of 100 and can live to be 750 years old.
Size
Your size is Medium
Superior Darkvision
Accustomed to twilit forests and the night sky, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 120 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Sunlight Sensitivity
Your superior darkvision comes at a cost. You have disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight when you, the target of your attack, or whatever you are trying to perceive is in direct sunlight.
Keen Senses
You have proficiency in the Perception skill.
Origin in Vigor
Your species originated on the Realm of Vigor and developed certain traits there. You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can't put you to sleep.
Trance
Elves don’t need to sleep. Instead, they meditate deeply, remaining semiconscious, for 4 hours a day. (The Common word for such meditation is “trance.”) While meditating, you can dream after a fashion; such dreams are actually mental exercises that have become reflexive through years of practice. After resting in this way, you gain the same benefit that a human does from 8 hours of sleep.
Languages
You can speak, read, and write the dialect of Elvish spoken by the thjodannalfen. You can also speak another language, usually the Common language in the area where the campaign begins.
Drow Magic
You know the dancing lights cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the faerie fire spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the darkness spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.
Dark Elf Weapon Training
You have proficiency with rapiers, shortswords, and hand crossbows.
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