Erlkonicht

Ethereal, distant, cold and shrouded in the mists and fogs of the twilight, the midnight and the hour before dawn. Once ruling where mankind now stands, these elves (for there is no better term to describe this race which is so close to the fey yet so removed from the depictions of the sun-speckled, dew-sipping figures in most tomes. Instead, they command an air of mystery, chill and fear.

Basic Information

Ecology and Habitats

Elrkonig thrive in territories which experience long periods of dim sunlight and fog. This makes their homeland the best place for them. The vapors allow for them to move about unseen and detect what is happening within their lands; the darkness gives them a shadow to hide beneath as they hunt their enemies. Their kingdom has long since diminished but anywhere that holds a suitable combination of fogs, darkness and trees is ripe for the taking as far as Erlkonig are concerned.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Like their bodies, Erlkonig have lean, hungry and angular features which are symmetrical--another point of discomfort for those not used to seeing them. Their eyes have an odd sheen or shine to them, reminiscent of the sort of polished look of an insect's although they have the same irises and pupils that many other humanoids have. They have a tendency to have heterochromia, the only thing on their faces that may break the symmetry and some may have glowing or lambent irises with black sclera. Their faces can lean towards a sort of androgyny, and their hair is almost always fine, soft and pale.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Almost all Erlkonig have a sense that allows them to follow the movement of fogs, mists and other such vapors. By detecting minute motions and patterns within the swirling clouds, they can trace movement down to a near-precise location of anything that is moving within them.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Erlkonig set the prescedent for naming conventions in Grausland. The patter is as follows: First Name [Given Name] Middle Name [Admired Figure's Name] Last Name [Patriarchal Line] of [Birthplace]. Ex. Frederic Bismark Grotten von (of) Klinde

Major Organizations

The Empire of Grausland, also known in the Erlkonig dialect as 'Königreich der Grausland' is the ruling body of government for the entirety of that country and is broken up into a set of smaller 'kingdoms'--a hectarchy. This once ruled the bulk of the Northern Continent and controlled the Sea of Mists. It has since diminished, its control now relegated to a smaller segment of the continent.
The Eyes of the Mists, or 'Mistens Øjne' is the spy network of the Empire, moving through the shadowy places of the world to collect information and further the will of Grausland. Only pure-blooded Erlkonig are permitted to join and must provide a pedigree to prove their status.

Lifespan

350 years

Average Height

1.75 m - 1.8 m

Average Weight

65.3 kg - 69.8 kg

Average Physique

Erlkonig are characterized by their long, symmetrical builds. They have willowy outlines, and even broad shoulders lack true weight, all having ectomorphic bodies. Their fingers are longer than the average human's. They have a sort of extended knuckle that looks at first glance as if they have two--this accommodates their longer digits and adds to their unusual and somewhat alien appearance.

Geographic Distribution