Dark Elves
Dark Elves (Ungoldil) are a sub-species of Elf that live predominately within The Deepdark. Because of their subterranean lifestyle Dark Elves have an aversion to bright light, specifically sunlight.
A vast majority of Dark Elves are followers of the Dark Deity Arachne, the Spider Queen, with their origin able to be traced back to the legend of Arachne, the Goddess' ancestor, who is said to have lead to ancestors of the Dark Elves into The Deepdark.
A majority of Dark Elves are also under the jurisdiction of the Children of Arachne, who control much of The Deepdark. The Children of Arachne are a theocratic, xenophobic matriarchy, made up of almost exclusively Dark Elves, and who believe that all other species are inferior to the Dark Elves. This mentality is extremely prevalent among Dark Elves, they use this as justification for the exploitation, murder and enslavement of other species, with the Children of Arachne being well known for their vast number of slave labour. The Children of Arachne are also incredibly devoted to the Goddess Arachne, who is both their head of state and the Divine Patron of the Dark Elves. The following of Arachne believe that the female form is in the image of Arachne and is therefore superior. Because of this male Dark Elves are almost always subservient to a woman and are barred from high society, especially from leadership of religious duty.
Arachne and her Dark Elf empire of worshipers are also largely held responsible for beginning The Exorsian Civil Wars, after Arachne began her invasion of the surface world. Their defeat at the end of The Exorsian Civil Wars, combined with the Fall of Arcanum, lead to the Dark Elves almost going extinct, but they have begun to grow in number once more, reclaiming control of the Deepdark and looking towards the surface world.
Because of their history of violence, xenophobia and slavery Dark Elves are widely hated and feared across Exorsia and the Deepdark, leading to them being mistrusted and even hunted, particularly within Elderan, where Dark Elf raids and spies are more common.
Arachnid Ascendance
Many worshippers of Arachne appease their Goddess through acts of cruelty and macabre devotion. But only her most loyal followers are given the gift of Arachnid Ascension by Arachne herself. Through dark rituals, the devoted are transformed into a monstrous Arannid (Ungolain). Towering and powerful half-spider hybrids, beings made in the image of their Goddess.
Aranni retain their Dark Elf upper body, gaining eight black, pupil-less eyes and fangs, while their lower body is replaced with the abdomen and legs of a giant spider.
Aranni are terrifying creatures, possessing unnatural strength and spider-like abilities, making them difficult to combat. They usually occupy important positions, particularly within the military of the Children of Arachne, and have been know to lead Dark Elf strike forces into combat. Fortunately they are an uncommon sight.
Appearance
Dark Elves tend to have an incredibly distinct appearance, with very little variation to their features of dark grey sink, white hair, sharp, fang-like canines, and red eyes. This is largely down to eugenics, with outliers that don't match the image of Arachne often killed during infancy to maintain Dark Elf purity.
Complexion: Dark Elf skin tones are usually a shade of grey or purple.
Hair: Dark Elf hair is almost exclusively white in colour.
Eyes: Dark Elves tend to have blood red eyes, but some have been recoded with grey, black or purple eyes.
Diet
Omnivore
Native Language
Elvish
Patron Deity
Arachne - The Spider Queen
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