Dunmer (Dark Elf)
The Dunmer, commonly known as Dark Elves, are a race of gray-skinned elves native to the province of Morrowind. Renowned for their fiery red eyes and adeptness in both magic and combat, they hold a unique position in Tamrielic history and culture. After the catastrophic eruption of Red Mountain, many Dunmer sought refuge in other provinces, including Skyrim, where they often face prejudice due to their elven heritage and status as displaced people. Despite adversity, they continue to thrive as skilled mages, merchants, and warriors.
Biology
Dunmer are characterized by their ashen-gray skin tones, which can vary from bluish hues to greenish undertones, and their distinctive glowing red eyes. Their lithe builds and sharp features reflect their elven ancestry, while their physical and magical resilience speaks to their harsh homeland of Morrowind.
History
Migration: Red Mountain Eruption
The eruption of Red Mountain marked a turning point for the Dunmer. This catastrophic event devastated much of Morrowind, forcing many to flee to other provinces. In Skyrim, some found refuge in Windhelm, although they encountered hostility and discrimination. Others, especially those skilled in magic, joined the College of Winterhold, finding solace in their magical studies.
Azura's Vision
Before the Red Mountain's eruption, Azura, one of the Dunmer's revered Daedric Princes, granted visions to her faithful. These visions warned of the impending disaster. Several Dunmer heeded this divine warning and sought refuge in Skyrim, where they constructed the Shrine of Azura. Although the shrine now stands as a relic of their faith, only one priestess, Aranea Ienith, remains to honor Azura's legacy.
Dunmer Traits
- Age: Dunmer mature at the same rate as humans but live significantly longer, often exceeding 300 years.
- Size: Dunmer range from under 5 to over 6 feet tall and have slender builds. Your size is Medium.
- Speed: Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
- Darkvision: Accustomed to the ashlands of Morrowind, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet as if it were bright light and in darkness as if it were dim light. You cannot discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
- Innate Resistance: You have resistance to fire damage, reflecting your resilience to the volcanic landscapes of your homeland.
- Ancestor's Wrath: Once per long rest, you can summon the fiery wrath of your ancestors to engulf yourself in a protective aura. As a bonus action, you activate Ancestor's Wrath for 1 minute (10 rounds). While active, any creature that starts its turn within 10 feet of you takes 1d6 fire damage.
- Languages: You can speak, read, and write Tamrielic and Dunmeris. The Dunmer dialect of Elvish incorporates unique phrases and intonations derived from their Daedric traditions.