Goroesi

The goroesi, commonly called dark elves, are a subrace mentioned only in the deepest records of the gwerin and dwarven peoples. Thought to have gone extinct at Moons Fall, about 4,000 years ago, a remnant survived in a time-warped bubble and re-emerged in the chaos of the Cataclysm. Now, in 250 AC, they are reaching out and will soon make contact with the members of the Federated Nations. Who are these wanderers from the ancient past? How will they alter the balance of power?

A few of them are known as the Seers of Godsfall, but those were removed from their culture in their youth and do not know (or care) from whence they came. Another small population is rumored to exist in the Riftwall mountains of central Soefra--if they exist, they have few dealings with the surface cultures.

Physical Description

Goroesi are easily identified by their appearance. Their aelvar masters in ages past warped their ancestors with lasting wizardry, the results of which they bear on their skin and hair. Goroesi are of middling height for elves, standing 5'6" to 6'0" tall on average. Unlike the refined, elongated gwerin or the lithe, slender puun ihmisia, the goroesi are more solidly-built. They develop musculature more akin to that of a dwarf, and women tend to be amply endowed. Also unlike most elves, the males grow facial hair (although much less so than dwarves). Looks are deceiving, however. Goroesi share the same genetic legacy of nimbleness with their cousins, reacting with speed that belies their bulk.

The most distinctive features are the goroesi's skin, hair, eyes, and ears. Their skin, the source of the common name, is dark grey, ranging from a light ash grey to an ink-black without trace of other color. Their skin tone is cool, with more blue than red. Their eyes, like those of the gwerin, are jewel toned, but this color is uniform throughout the eyeball and their eyes lack visible pupils. Furthermore, their eyes have a faceted appearance, almost like an insect’s eyes. Sapphire blue and amethyst purple are the most common colors, but almost any pure jewel tone is found. Their hair is light and straight and has a metallic sheen. Usually metallic white or silver, but other shades are also not uncommon. Their ears, while pointed like those of the gwerin, are longer and stick out at a large angle to their angular skulls. All told, a goroesi can only pass for a member of another race while hooded and gloved with no skin showing.