Dragon Elves

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by faerayanthem

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Adventure Fantasy

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The origins of the hybrids are greatly disputed, primarily by Elves and Dragons. Whose quarrel extends to even whether they should be refereed to as Dragon Elves or Elf Dragons. Both races claim the hybrids arose as an envious attempt to integrate the clearly superior species into their own. Regardless of their beginnings, while not always hostile, their history has been one of marginalization in Elf and Dragon societies. They are known for their shape-shifting abilities and illusion magic. Being able to take on forms that fully mimic their counterparts. This is able to fool other races, but true elves and dragons are able to tell on an instinctual level they different.

In the greater world their reputation is often worse. Though in truth they are individually diverse, it is commonly held that they combine the arrogance of both lineages with their exceptional abilities to seize power and cause strife in the civilizations of "lesser" races. Usurping and masquerading as rulers, leading hordes of pirates, plotting their revenge against their kin. A reputation that is not aided by their frequent use of disguises in order to go about their business harassed.

Like their Elven kin, an Akashic Eye gem implanted at the top of their skulls. Hearkening to their draconic origins, these resemble eggs which are decorated with ornate patterns. They also tattoo their skin with spells in the composite language of their fore-bearers. Dragon Elves rarely come together in large numbers and given the immortal nature of both their kin (and often unpleasant life experience) procreate infrequently (though having a Dragon Elf in your distant ancestry from some dramatic liaison is a common enough tail). Despite existing as outcasts nearly everywhere they go, paradoxically they are often sought out for their tremendous breadth of knowledge and talent as well as being a link to their more aloof pure blood kin. Simultaneously objects of revulsion and fascination, a Dragon Elf is sure to turn eyes no matter where they go. "

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The Dragon Elves were a long time coming. Something I was not really certain I wanted to do (in an objective not to create a billion elf subraces) but ultimately came about due to two factors. Firstly, much like Snow Elves, I dislike the way D&D handled the concept, with their boring designs and abilities (so forgettable I can't even find the supplement i looked them up in, am I misremembering). Second, Retra's Half Elves are actually pretty well liked in Elf and other societies, so that outcast/rebel experience that usually accompanies half elves was missing for anyone who wanted it.

So here is to combining two of pop culture fantasy's iconic concepts.

Commission by @nyamaet on twitter

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