Veiled Shadows

There are plenty of myths in Yandelar, of monsters and gods. Most are rooted in their own cultures. But one has persisted and pervaded throughout all of them.

Veil Elves

The truth behind it all is that veil elves are a society of assassins, so it is no small surprise that such stories crop up about them. Powerful people have paid the veil elves to bring down cities, bring down entire family dynasties, and disrupt the trade of nations. When such monumental things happen and no one claims credit, it is automatically assumed it is the work of the veil elves. Even if it might not be.
That's all most know of them. That they're a cloak and dagger sect of elves, assassins and thieves for hire, and once they have been paid, a job will be done. The ins and outs of their society are a mystery, even to the other elves.

"They said the fire was an accident, but Lady Paseithas lost everything. The title to her house, her father's will and estastes... I swear it was the work of some Shadow that set her up. It all worked out too perfectly for her cousin."
- suspected Veil elf involvement

"I never did see what ran through the barracks. Not really. A blur? Some moving darkness. I climbed down from the watch tower, when I thought it might be safe. There was never any sound, no alarm or alert... And they were all dead. Still in their beds. They could've all been asleep if I didn't know any better.

I could've sounded the alarm. Probably should have, but I was afraid the Shadow might come back for me. So I climbed back up in the tower. Stayed there 'till morning.

There were only two of us left come sunrise, and I'd never heard a sound during the night."
- Fort Guard, recounting

Assassin's Creed Origin's Fort by Martin Deschambault

Variations & Mutation

Ask anyone around Yandelar and they can tell you about a time they, or someone they know, had a brush with the veil elves or their Shadows. Whether it's something petty, like stealing a horse in the middle of the night, to causing all the crops to wither, or even cause someone prominent and popular to die... If no one knows the answer, someone will happily explain just how the veil elves are to blame.
Digging any deeper into this theory, some believe the Veil Elves control swaths of their cities, play puppet master to certain merchant lords or land barons, and might even conspire with the highest offices. If someone looks hard enough, they can see the elve's involvement in just about anything.

Damesk

The only country where these rumors, suspicions, and theories do not fly like wildfire is the nation of Damesk. To suggest that the country might be puppeted or ruled by anyone other than Phrixus is to invite the scorn of proper society, at best, and the attention of an Inquisitor at worst. They are a nation that treats the very idea of corruption and infiltration as a serious threat to their prosperity. As such, no one even thinks too hard about veil elf meddling unless they believe it to be true. And then, they report it. Lest suspicion fall on them.

Cultural Reception

People of all races are afraid of Veil Elves, and for good reason. Though there are so many stories about them, they are rooted in truth. It's said that the only person safe from a Veil elf is one that is currently employing a Veil Elf. They are elves of contract and they keep their word. Anyone who has contacted them swear by their services, if they would be pressed to do so, but they're never used for legal purposes.
Always for things people don't want associated with.

"I don't go out after dark, not in the city streets. I've seen too many shadows move on their own." - Local drunk

Related Species

• Elf

Assassins by Lee zudARTs

Contact:

Veil Elves and their contacts are everywhere. As the rumor goes, put out a request at a tavern, and a guy who knows a guy will pass along word and the Veil Elves will find you.

You don't find them.

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