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Dark Elf
Playable
Classes
Cleric,
Enchanter, Magician, Necromancer, Rogue, Shadow Knight, Warrior, Wizard
Armor
Size
Small, Medium
Race Abilities
Hide
+50, Ultravision
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History
The
Dark Elves call the city of Neriak home, a home they just about tolerantly share
with the Trolls, though only because the Trolls may be of some use to them.
Neriak is known to the good races as a dark, cruel city, full of evil idols,
symbols and charms, mutilated body parts and even corpses in varying states of
decay. The Dark Elves openly study and conduct Necromancy within Neriak's walls
and none except a 'native' inhabitant would find their Capital city anything
other than deeply unsettling. A dark magical aura seems to emanate from their
city and the surrounding forest, only the brave ever set foot in Nektulous
Forest and few of those who do ever emerge safely on the other side. There is
little doubt they are no strangers to the use of black magic and the wise are
forever wary of even the most seemingly courteous and respectful Dark Elf.
At least part of the explanation for an Elven race to so starkly differ from
their usual stance as an ally of light, is the twisted method of their
'creation'. Innoruuk the Prince of Hate, an innately evil deity shaped their
nature and motivation through pain, torture and manipulation, the resulting
product an outlet of his own hate and evil. Just like their 'creator' and
tormentor, the Dark
Elves see no problems in
achieving their goals through exploiting others, and have no respect for honour,
love or devotion. 'Friends' of a Dark Elf are purely a convenient tool and those
naive few who have tried to form meaningful friendships with them, have
more often then not found themselves behind the point of a dagger whether it is literally or
metaphorically.
As a race Dark
Elves are perhaps the most feared and reviled, known to be cruel, devious, and
extremely intelligent. They are perhaps the most genuinely evil race, at least
with the methods they consider acceptable; and moving silently in the
shadows, plotting and calculating to their own gain. Wisely, merchants and other Norrathians will as a
rule react to them with at least suspicion, often becoming actively hostile to their
presence. While its not unheard of for a Dark Elf to travel and hunt with other
races, it is quite rare and only an exceptionally honourable (or cunning) Dark
Elf has ever truly befriended another, whether their own kind or an others.
Because
of the nature of their race and their open study of necromancy, Dark Elves often
take up the path of a Necromancer or Shadow
Knight, but are also known to take up the pursuits more common of the High Elves.
As with the other elves magical energy, though dark in its source,
seems to be highly concentrated in the Dark Elves. Those brave enough to
renounce or deviate from the study of necromancy can be found as
Enchanters, Magicians, Wizards and even Clerics. Dark Elf party members are
often useful and effective examples of their class, their arcane potency and
skill with a fast blade rivalled by only a select few. In a dangerous area,
especially one where their talents and excellent night vision can be utilised,
the advantages may well outweigh the risks of a willing Dark Elf companion,
though their comrades should always be wary in a close battle.
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