Svartálfar
One of the oldest species in existence, they are one of the first to have existed when the whole of the realms came out of the nothingness alongside their brother race, the Ljósálfar. Strong and extremely resilient, they have been involved in a endless war with their sibling race, known as the Álfheimr War, for as long as their recorded history has been maintained. Forced from their ancestral homeland of Álfheimr due to the conflict, they have geared their entire society towards war and have taken to living in Nifleheim. Each member of the race is aggressive and more than willing to fight to the death, regardless of the damage to the physical body. Their culture has also been subsumed by the advent of war leading to a stagnation of practice in nearly all facets of life that do not benefit their capacity for war. For most part, the Svartálfar believe they will return to Álfheimr and restore their natural place, but a growing number are starting to think Nifleheim has become the new permanent home of their people; only time will tell who is right in this debate.
Stat Modifiers
The following are the modifiers and features to be added if creating own Creatures/Monsters/NPCs based of this race:
- Ability Modifiers: Dexterity +2 & Wisdom +1
- Monster Features: Avoidance, Fey Ancestry, Superior Darkvision, Truesight, Trance, & Magic Resistance.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Members of the species have four limbs in total, with a distribution of two arms and two legs. Their bones and muscles are much denser than Ljósálfar allowing for their bodies to be under greater stress before needing rest. Both males and females have between one to three set of membrane wings situated roughly in the middle of their back; the number varies based on their status in society that is influenced by demonstrations of might.
Genetics and Reproduction
Svartálfar age at a much slower rate than other Elves across the realms, with maturity being reached at 120 years old on average. Once they reach adulthood, they will cease to age at a noticeable rate with a near limitless lifespan.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Svartálfar are omnivorous in nature able to each both meat and plant matter with little distaste for most things. For the most part they exist on a diet heavy in meats as very little vegetation grows in Nifleheim.
Biological Cycle
Upon reaching adulthood, both sexes start to grow large antlers on their head that harden over time as they age further. The antlers of female branch out more akin to a forest with tips being sharp enough to pierce even thin metal. The male's antlers grow to be more akin to spikes and are extremely sharp to the point of being able to pierce through plate mail with enough exertion and not break.
Additional Information
Facial characteristics
Sharp & angular with slightly slanted eyes.
Average Intelligence
subterfuge
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Similar to Ljósálfar, they also have extremely defined sense for hearing and sight, granting Proficiency with Perception. Furthermore, they have Superior Darkvision (120 feet) compared to their brother race due to the extended time they have spent in Nifleheim. In time long passed they had similar magic sensing abilities like the Ljósálfar, but it has instead been replaced Truesight (60 feet) to make up for its loss due to the constant need for being able to see through illusions in the Álfheimr War.
Civilization and Culture
Major Organizations
Absolute monarchy under the leadership of King Malekith
Major Language Groups and Dialects
- Common
- Elven
- Draconic
- Primordial
History
Initially existing in harmony with the Ljósálfar in the early days before the GodFall event. What happened between the two is unknown, mostly due to the loss of records from the fighting/death/destruction, yet they eventually they went to war over the Álfheimr and to who would be the ultimate species to control the realm. Over the course of several thousand years they were locked in a stalemate until an long forgotten event forced them to flee to Nifleheim in order to continue fighting the Álfheimr War.
Lifespan
~Indefinite
Average Height
6'03" - 7' 10"
Average Weight
Males: 150 lbs - 220 lbs
Females: 130 lbs - 210 lbs
Females: 130 lbs - 210 lbs
Average Physique
Extreme physical fitness & endurance that is seemingly limitless
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Most members have a skin tone that ranges from deep blue to dark purple. Rare member have charcoal black skin which denotes them members of the race who will be physically more robust than most of the race.
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