Dirahku
"What is better - to be born good or to overcome your evil nature through great discipline?" - Master Zaani
Servants No More
All dark elves are the children of Adeptus, the primordial god of darkness. Created to serve their master, the dark elves were made to conquer one of the largest planes in all of existence: the Infernal Realms. With the guidance of the specially chosen caste of religious leaders known as the Shadowpriests, the dark elf empire grew into a mighty and unstoppable force. Slowly, the dark elves dominated the other demonic races and slaughtered the followers of any other god within the Infernal Realms, leaving behind only destroyed ruins and razed cities. Surprised by how effective and bloodthirsty the dark elves were, Adeptus wished to conquer an old enemy with his new demonic army: Sanctus.
The Angeris had only recently left the Aethereal Realms and were spreading their influence, and as Adeptus had assumed, the influence of Sanctus as well across the world of Amora (a large physical plane with many unique races and creatures within it). These High elves were the children of Adeptus's twin brother, Sanctus, the primordial god of holy light - and between the two god-twins stood a long lasting and bitter hatred of each other. And so, Adeptus commanded his servant-children to construct a large portal to enter the world of Amora with, to conquer his foes, no matter where they stood.
For thousands of years after the first Hellgates were opened, the Angeris and dark elves fought brutally with each other in intermittent wars known as the Eternity Wars. But eventually, the Warlords of Infernum grew tired of this endless conflict and sought out a way to end this brutal war with the Angeris. A large majority of the Warlords gathered to strike a treaty with the enemy, to end the pointless war. The Angeris agreed to help the renegade warlords strike a coup against the Shadowpriest Caste and destroy all of the remaining Hellgates, in exchange, the Warlords would assume leadership and take their people far away from the Angeris to live out much more peaceful lives. Many had grown tired of endless violence and wished to start anew, to fall away from their race's chaotic nature, to live with much more self-control and discipline. Most followed the renegade Warlords, but those who remained faithful to Adeptus branded them traitors and claimed they were "Fallen" dark elves, these defectors were known as The Dirahku.
The Angeris had only recently left the Aethereal Realms and were spreading their influence, and as Adeptus had assumed, the influence of Sanctus as well across the world of Amora (a large physical plane with many unique races and creatures within it). These High elves were the children of Adeptus's twin brother, Sanctus, the primordial god of holy light - and between the two god-twins stood a long lasting and bitter hatred of each other. And so, Adeptus commanded his servant-children to construct a large portal to enter the world of Amora with, to conquer his foes, no matter where they stood.
For thousands of years after the first Hellgates were opened, the Angeris and dark elves fought brutally with each other in intermittent wars known as the Eternity Wars. But eventually, the Warlords of Infernum grew tired of this endless conflict and sought out a way to end this brutal war with the Angeris. A large majority of the Warlords gathered to strike a treaty with the enemy, to end the pointless war. The Angeris agreed to help the renegade warlords strike a coup against the Shadowpriest Caste and destroy all of the remaining Hellgates, in exchange, the Warlords would assume leadership and take their people far away from the Angeris to live out much more peaceful lives. Many had grown tired of endless violence and wished to start anew, to fall away from their race's chaotic nature, to live with much more self-control and discipline. Most followed the renegade Warlords, but those who remained faithful to Adeptus branded them traitors and claimed they were "Fallen" dark elves, these defectors were known as The Dirahku.
A Life of Discipline and Atonement
Since their defection from Adeptus and Infernum's Armies, the Dirahku have lived out their days in solitary cities far away from most other races and civilizations. Their capital city of Sovereign resides deep underground, beneath the mountains of Krios where few outsiders are permitted. Many Dirahku today dwell within monasteries high atop snowy mountain peaks or deep within underground towns and cities equally difficult to reach for those who do not know the hidden paths and entrances. Within these solitary places the Dirahku find peace and serenity to focus on their chosen studied mantra; depending on which they uptake, their mantra helps them quell their demonic nature and pursue much more controlled lives, ones where their rage does not control them any longer.
Many Dirahku feel it is their duty and moral responsibility to control their inner fire - to redeem their race of their ancestors' atrocities. When in contact with other races Dirahku tend to be people of few words, they hold a very reserved personality, never indulging in their emotions too much out of the fear of losing control. But when among trusted friends, a Dirahku can be an incredibly loyal and trustworthy friend, one who will never break their word or hold a grudge.
Many Dirahku feel it is their duty and moral responsibility to control their inner fire - to redeem their race of their ancestors' atrocities. When in contact with other races Dirahku tend to be people of few words, they hold a very reserved personality, never indulging in their emotions too much out of the fear of losing control. But when among trusted friends, a Dirahku can be an incredibly loyal and trustworthy friend, one who will never break their word or hold a grudge.
Physical Traits
- Age - Most dark elves can live up to around 450 years old.
- Speed - Dark elf base walking speed is 30 feet.
- Size - Most male dark elves stand at around 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall. Dark elf females usually stand at around 5 feet 2 inches to 5 feet 5 inches tall. They have lithe yet firm frames allowing them to have deceptively strong bodies sometimes. Their size is medium.
- Complexion - Dark elves have an ashy gray skin color, sometimes appearing as a more charcoal black or light gray-white. Dark elves usually have longer, more rounded faces with high cheekbones with small noses and mouths. All dark elves also have longer upper and lower canine teeth, giving them a slight fanged grin. Common hair colors among them include: white, black, gray brown, and dark purple or red.
- Eye Color - All Dark elves have glowing red eyes, although some may appear to be more dark amber than red.
D&D Race Stats - Dark Elf
- +2 Wisdom, +1 Charisma
- Elven Heritage - (See the Elves Page for more details)
- Thaumaturgy - As a dark elf you can manifest a minor wonder, a sign of supernatural power, within range. You create one of the following magical effects within range:
- Your voice booms up to three times as loud as normal for 1 minute.
- You cause flames to flicker, brighten, dim, or change color for 1 minute.
- You cause harmless tremors in the ground for 1 minute.
- You create an instantaneous sound that originates from a point of your choice within range, such as a rumble of thunder, the cry of a raven, or ominous whispers.
- You instantaneously cause an unlocked door or window to fly open or slam shut.
- You alter the appearance of your eyes for 1 minute.
- If you cast this spell multiple times, you can have up to three of its 1-minute effects active at a time, and you can dismiss such an effect as an action (See the Spells Page for more details).
- Mantra of Discipline - You follow the path of the true Dirahku, and call upon great inner strength to quell your demonic nature. With this path you gain the Inner Discipline ability instead of Demonic Rage.
- Inner Discipline - You draw upon your implacable inner strength to harden your resolve - as a reaction you can mentally and physically strengthen yourself by adding your Wisdom modifier to any and all saving throws, as well as increasing your Armor Class equal to your Wisdom modifier. This effect lasts until the end of your next turn and must be used before knowing if the roll failed or succeeded. Can be used once per long rest (See the Spells Page for more details).
OR
- Mantra of Tyranny - You follow the path of your ancestors and choose to embrace your demonic blood, gaining the Demonic Rage ability instead of Inner Discipline.
- Demonic Rage - You give into your fiery blood and embrace your demonic nature - as a free action on your turn, you can enrage yourself and add a damage amount equal to your level to your next successful damaging attack roll during the duration of the rage. You cannot be charmed or frightened while raging. This rage lasts until the beginning of your next turn and can only be used once per long rest (See the Spells Page for more details).
- Languages - Dark elves can speak, read and write in Common and Infernal.
Variant Dark Elves: Jigoku
Some dark elves wish to further their alignment more to their demonic heritage and undergo an intense and horrific ritual to become almost full-fledged demons. These hellspawn or as the Dirahku call them, the "Jigoku" are horrific creatures of fire and brimstone and choose this painful and intense ritual to further their power through means of demonic corruption. Jigoku are shunned in Dirahku society and any found are either casted out and banished or outright killed as punishment for their taboo transgressions. These demon elves were once common practice for great warriors and warlocks within the infernal armies of Adeptus, a gift he enjoyed giving to only the most devoted of his children.
The ritual is now mostly forgotten in Amora and most Jigoku were left behind in the Infernal Realms, where they play as warlords to lesser demons. Most who wish to undergo the ritual must travel to the Infernal Realms themselves to make a pact with a Jigoku warlord. Although some few might find the ancient knowledge hidden away in forgotten Dirahku crypts and monasteries, almost lost to time.
The ritual is now mostly forgotten in Amora and most Jigoku were left behind in the Infernal Realms, where they play as warlords to lesser demons. Most who wish to undergo the ritual must travel to the Infernal Realms themselves to make a pact with a Jigoku warlord. Although some few might find the ancient knowledge hidden away in forgotten Dirahku crypts and monasteries, almost lost to time.
Physical Traits
- Age - Jigoku live shorter lives than most dark elves, most live up to around 200 years old if transformed early into their lives.
- Speed - Jigoku base walking speed is 30 feet.
- Size - Jigoku stand taller than most regular dark elves, standing at around 5 foot 9 inches to 6 feet tall for males, and a few inches shorter for females. They are much more well built and hardy as well. Their size is medium.
- Complexion - Jigoku retain many of their elven qualities after their transformation including skin and hair color, as well as facial features. However they appear much more demonic and have large horns that take any of a variety of shapes: some have curling horns like a ram, others have straight and tall horns like a gazelle’s, and some spiral upward like an antelopes’ horns. They also have thick tails with a barb at the end. Their tails are around four to five feet long which have some prehensile ability as well. Instead of just their upper and lower canines being sharpened like other dark elves, Jigoku have all their teeth sharpened giving them a ferocious grin.
- Eye Color - Jigoku have glowing fiery red eyes with catlike white pupils.
D&D Race Stats - Jigoku
- +2 Charisma, +1 Constitution
- Superior Darkvision - Accustomed to the dark labyrinths and grottos of the Infernal Realms Jigoku have superior vision in dark or dim conditions. They can see in dim light within 120 feet of them as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. However, they cannot discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
- Sunlight Sensitivity - Being on the surface or in areas of sunlight are uncomfortable for Jigoku, and their eyes cannot fully adjust to the brightness. You have disadvantage on attack rolls and Wisdom (Perception) checks when you, the target of your attack, or whatever you are trying to perceive is in direct sunlight.
- Infernal Presence - You seethe with a dark aura that subverses lesser mortals to fall under your sway. You gain proficiency in the Intimidation skill.
- Demonic Spirit - The corruption of the ritual runs so deep it even permeates into your soul. Your demonic spirit gives you advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened, also magic cannot put you to sleep.
- Fiendish Constitution - Your demonic body has some additional resilience but at a price. Starting at level 3, you regenerate 1 hitpoint at the beginning of each your turns. This regeneration only works while you are in combat and while you are conscious and above 0 hitpoints. In addition, you are resistant to Fire damage but also vulnerable to Radiant damage. The regeneration of Fiendish Constitution increases by +1 at the 7th, 11th and 17th levels.
- Demonic Rage - You give into your fiery blood and embrace your demonic nature - as a free action on your turn, you can enrage yourself and add a damage amount equal to your level to your next successful damaging attack roll during the duration of the rage. You cannot be charmed or frightened while raging. This rage lasts until the beginning of your next turn and can only be used once per long rest (See the Spells Page for more details).
- Languages - Jigoku can speak, read and write in Common and Infernal.