The Draekhir, also known as the "Dark Elves" or "The Ones Who Went Below," are a mysterious and formidable sub-race of Elf. Unlike their surface-dwelling kin, the Draekhir despised their creators—the true True Dragon of the Dragon Realms—seeing them as tyrants rather than benevolent guardians. This hatred drove them to flee to the deep, dark caverns of the world known as the Underhollow, where they began a new chapter of their existence.
In the twilight of creation, during the Second Age, the elven races were sculpted by the powerful dragons of the elemental realms. While many elves revered their draconic creators, a faction within the Solir (Sun Elves) grew increasingly resentful of the dragons' dominion. This faction, which would later be known as the Draekhir, rejected the dragons' rule and sought freedom in the only place they believed the dragons would not follow—the Underhollow.
Over countless generations, the Draekhir adapted to their new subterranean home. The harsh environment of the Underhollow, with its lack of sunlight, scarcity of resources, and ever-present dangers, forced them to evolve both physically and mentally. Their skin darkened to a deep, shadowy hue, and their eyes became attuned to the faintest glimmers of light, allowing them to see in total darkness.
Draekhir society is a reflection of the brutal environment in which they reside. It is a matriarchal society ruled by powerful and cunning priestesses who worship an array of deities, often associated with darkness, chaos, and subversion. The Draekhir are known for their cruelty, both towards their enemies and within their own ranks. Betrayal and assassination are common, and only the strongest and most ruthless rise to positions of power.
Despite their cruelty, the Draekhir are also known for their unmatched skill in magic, particularly in the arcane and dark arts. They have developed a unique form of magic known as "Shadow Weaving," which allows them to manipulate the very shadows around them. This, combined with their natural stealth and agility, makes them deadly assassins and formidable foes.
The Draekhir have dark, almost black skin that blends seamlessly with the shadows of the Underhollow. Their hair is typically white, silver, or pale blond, providing a stark contrast to their dark skin. Their eyes, adapted to the perpetual darkness of their underground world, often glow faintly in shades of red, purple, or silver.
The Underhollow, the Draekhir's home, is a vast network of caverns, tunnels, and subterranean cities stretching beneath the world's surface. It is a place of perpetual darkness, filled with dangerous creatures and hostile environments. The Draekhir have carved out grand cities within the Underhollow, with structures made from the glowing minerals and fungal growths that thrive in the deep.
These cities are fortified and heavily guarded, as the Draekhir are constantly at war with other Underhollow-dwelling races such as the Illithid, Duergar, and aboleths. They are also vigilant against incursions from surface dwellers, whom they consider to be weak and naive. In addition to the Underhollow, Draekhir have also been found in The Shadowfell, presumed to be shadowy kin of the other elven species which exist on the Prime Plane.
The Draekhir's legacy is one of rebellion, survival, and unyielding resolve. Though they despise the surface world and its inhabitants, they remain one of the most feared and respected races of elves. Their mastery of the dark arts and their relentless pursuit of power have made them a formidable force in both the Underhollow and the world above. Despite their descent into darkness, the Draekhir hold true to one belief—they will never again bow to any being, draconic or otherwise.
In the present age, the Draekhir continue to thrive in their underground cities, their society as ruthless and unyielding as ever. While they occasionally make forays to the surface world—often for raids, subterfuge, or conquest—they are content to remain in the shadows, silently watching, waiting for the perfect moment to strike against those who dare to cross them.
The Draekhir’s disdain for their surface kin and the true dragons remains strong, a bitter reminder of their origins. Yet, it is this very hatred that fuels their ambition, driving them to greater heights of power and ensuring their continued survival in the unforgiving depths of the Underhollow.