Duskborn

The Duskborn are an ethnic group found throughout Atrareia and the The Dark Realms . They are a community of stalwart souls with lineages tracing back to the beginnings of this harsh realm. Whether they are human, dwarves, elves, or other races, they share similar physical features, developed through thousands of years of adapting to sunless lands: dusky to ebon-blue skin, luminescent eyes, and black claw-like nails.

Culture

Shared customary codes and values

While the Duskborn are not exactly known for being kind-hearted or hospitable, they have an understanding between each other: their ancestral bond is sacred. At least, this is the case for the Ascari Duskborn, who draw a tangible line between themselves and the Havokin Duskborn, the latter of whom are considered blood traitors by the former.
For Ascari Duskborn, there is an understanding that none should go out of their way to harm another, even in situations of dire hunger or competition for resources. While one clan might not traditionally allow a wayward kinsman into their camp for the night, they might do so if the benefit is mutual (i.e. if the kinsman has an offering to provide). This method of mutual survivability has aided in the longevity of the Duskborn across Atrareia.

Coming of Age Rites

Every adult Duskborn traditionally possesses a dagger serrated with Glowworm fangs. When a Duskborn reaches adulthood at 17, they take part in a ceremony in which they must successfully capture an adult glowworm and rip the fangs from its mouth. Should a newly adult clan member refuse or fail, they become second-class citizens. After a successful hunt, fellow Duskborn clan members will then aid in crafting a specially forged umbral dagger, affixing the sharp edges of the blade with as many as a hundred glowworm teeth.
Some Duskborn pass on their daggers to their children when they come of age, in lieu of a ceremony.

Major organizations

There are two main factions within the Duskborn: the Ascari and the Havokin, with the latter making up the minority between the two. The Ascari have maintained loyalty to none but their own kind, while the Havokin pledged loyalty, long ago, to the Faceless One. During the years of Olenna's terror, these Duskborn joined her side and waged war on those who would not submit to the Faceless One's rule, even if it meant spilling the blood of once-allied Duskborn.
When Olenna was sent back to the lands and imprisoned in Atrareia, so were those loyal to her. This forced the two factions of Duskborn to once again face each other, and they have been hostile enemies to this day.

Related Locations

• Atrareia