Dokkjoro: Night Elves
+1 wis +2 dex
Description:
The Dokkjoro, or Night Elves, are a subrace of the Shialill who prefer the twilight and shadowed environments of cave systems, though they do not dwell deep within the earth. Before their exile from the lands of the Erlin, the Dokkjoro lived above ground, in harmony with the natural world. Unlike their high-born Erlin cousins, who are often seen as pretentious and selfish, the Dokkjoro have retained a sense of humility and connection to the earth, despite the harsh treatment they’ve endured. While they are often mistaken for their cursed kin, the Mordharrow, by the Erline who fail to distinguish between the two, the Dokkjoro remain distinct in their culture and values. This misidentification has led them to distance themselves from other elves, but they are not reclusive by nature. Though cautious due to their history of oppression, the Dokkjoro are not inherently malevolent and prefer to live in peace within their chosen environments.
Physicality: The Dokkjoro possess a striking appearance, with skin tones that range from light to dark purple, and some even have black skin with a subtle purple tint visible in the right light. Their complexion can sometimes take on an ashen appearance, though it leans more towards a lavender hue than pure white or grey. Their hair varies in color, often appearing in shades of white, purple, or streaked with black. Unlike their deep elf cousins, the Dokkjoro do not suffer from light sensitivity, allowing them to navigate both their cavernous homes and the outside world with ease. They are slender and agile, with a natural grace that aids them in moving through the shadows and the twilight environments they favor.
Relations:
The Dokkjoro, while generally open to interaction, harbor a deep-seated mistrust of the Erlin, whom they blame for their social decline and the rise of the Mordharrow. This mistrust is primarily directed at the Erlin, while other Shialill subraces may harbor some suspicion towards the Dokkjoro, particularly if they are aware of the Mordharrow. However, the Mordharrow's existence is not widely known outside the Erlin and the Dokkjoro community. Despite these tensions, the Dokkjoro maintain good relations with the Cynndracca people—comprising mostly humans and Dragonborn—and the Mordsidhi, a group of halflings and gnomes. Within their own communities, the Dokkjoro form strong, supportive bonds, valuing loyalty and trust.
Alignment:
The Dokkjoro generally lean towards good alignments, valuing the happiness and well-being of their community. They are a contented and joyful people when not facing subjugation, fostering a culture of kindness and cooperation. However, their cautious nature and experiences with oppression lead them to adopt a neutral stance in interactions with those outside their race, particularly towards those who do not show them kindness. Their actions are primarily motivated by the need to protect their people and ensure their survival, reflecting a balance between their inherent goodness and the pragmatic neutrality required by their harsh environment.
Lands:
The Dokkjoro inhabit a network of caverns close to the surface, primarily within the Jarro Mountain range. These caverns, known as the Caves of Karamantias, are intricately connected by tunnels that the Dokkjoro expertly navigate. While their homes are mostly underground, they are not deep beneath the earth, allowing the Dokkjoro to frequently venture outside. The lands near the cavern entrances are foraged and farmed for food, though their activities are generally confined to areas close to their homes. The Dokkjoro's largest city, Karamantias, is situated at the foot of the great Mt. Randir, serving as the heart of their kingdom.
Reason to Adventure:
Few Dokkjoro venture beyond their caverns, but those who do are often driven by a need to seek out new resources, uncover ancient secrets, or find allies to protect their people. Some are motivated by a desire to prove themselves, to reclaim lost honor, or to escape the oppressive weight of their history.
Psychological:
The Dokkjoro are often regarded as one of the lower classes of elves, frequently mistaken for their deep cousins by the Erlin. This misidentification, coupled with their history of subjugation and slavery, has led them to distance themselves from other elvenkind. Despite their hardships, the Dokkjoro strive to remain upbeat and creative, finding joy in music and art. They work hard to be seen as friendly and welcoming to outsiders, though their past experiences make them cautious and wary, particularly towards other elves. While they generally prefer the safety of their cavern homes and venture outside infrequently, their resilience and positive attitude reflect their determination to overcome their troubled history.
Naming Traditions
Family names
Dokkjoro names are inspired by both the earth (Glosmordin) and the whimsical nature of their goddess Zylestra. While some names reflect the connection to the land, others carry a playful or creative quality. Family names often correspond to the regions or caverns they inhabit, with each name holding significant meaning tied to their history and identity.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The Dokkjoro speak a dialect of Elvish that has evolved over centuries of isolation. Their language is soft and melodic, with a focus on subtle inflections and tones that are difficult for outsiders to mimic. They also use a form of silent communication, relying on gestures and expressions to convey meaning in the dark.
Culture and cultural heritage
The Dokkjoro lead lives closely attuned to the rhythms of twilight and dawn, preferring these times for their outdoor activities. While they are comfortable in their cavernous homes, where they find shelter and safety, they are not bound to these spaces and will venture outside when needed. Skilled in various crafts and trades, the Dokkjoro excel as hunters, gatherers, and artisans, creating intricate works from the natural resources around them. Their society values a sense of community and mutual support, where each individual contributes to the well-being of the group. Despite their preference for privacy, they do not shun interaction with others and maintain a strong tradition of storytelling, music, and ritual. This rich oral heritage is a cornerstone of their culture, ensuring that the knowledge and wisdom of their ancestors continue to thrive.
Religion: The Dokkjoro worship Zylestra, the mother of their people, a goddess revered by bards, artists, and inventors. She embodies creation, celebration, and individuality, values central to Dokkjoro culture. They acknowledge other gods like Jerika-Fey, Majika, Kanach, and Yemoja, though Zylestra remains their primary deity. Unlike the Mordharrow, who worship the Obsidian Queen, the Dokkjoro are devoted to Zylestra, honoring her as the origin of their lineage.
Shared customary codes and values
Society & Culture:
Arts & Crafts: Dokkjoro art is characterized by its functional elegance and whimsical touch, reflecting their reverence for Zylestra. They are skilled artisans, creating beautifully intricate carvings in stone and bone, and crafting practical yet aesthetically pleasing tools and ornaments. Their music, though haunting and ethereal, carries a melodic and uplifting quality, often used in communal gatherings and celebrations.
Magic & Technology: The Dokkjoro excel in earth-based magic, using it to shape their environment and enhance their daily lives. They employ this magic to create protective wards and concealed traps, ensuring the security of their caverns. Their technology is practical and efficient, focusing on enhancing their quality of life rather than pursuing complex innovations.
Family Structure: Dokkjoro society is organized into family groups, with each group led by a council of respected elders. Leadership is earned through wisdom and experience rather than lineage, and decisions are made collaboratively with a strong emphasis on communal welfare.
Power Dynamics: Power is generally stable within Dokkjoro society, with conflicts typically resolved through dialogue and consensus. Disputes are handled through formal mediation by the council of elders or through established rituals, rather than through open conflict. Tensions may occasionally arise over resources, but these are managed through negotiation and compromise.
Government: The Dokkjoro have a semi-decentralized system of governance, where individual family groups maintain autonomy but come together for significant matters. Major decisions affecting the entire community are made during collective gatherings held in sacred locations within their caverns.
Laws & Justice: The Dokkjoro’s legal system is rooted in tradition and practicality. Laws are designed to ensure the safety and survival of the community. Justice is administered promptly, with a focus on restoration and balance. Serious offenses may result in severe consequences, while minor issues are resolved through mediation and reconciliation.
Parent ethnicities
Diverged ethnicities
Encompassed species
Related Locations
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