When the first elves were created, their population was spread across Temmarendil, and they were one unified race. Shortly after the emergance of man, the elves began to move to more isolated lands, however this caused division amongst them: not all were happy to move. Those who chose not to continue moving, preferring to fight, slipped into the darkness, never to be seen by their kin again: they became known as the Dark Elves. As time saw Temmarendil change, so too did the Moriquendi; now, they have truly become a separate people.
There are no aknowledged subgroups, however there are rumours of a small sect of Moriquendi that live in hiding from their brethren who are said to be somewhere between the light and the dark - `grey' elves, if you will. There is, however, no evidence to support these rumours, so they shall remain as just that.
Like the elves, the Moriquendi tend to be taller than humans, and would rarely be called 'stocky', but they are not quite so slender. Where elves have slender limbs, the Moriquendi have well-toned muscle - far more promient than in any of their distant cousins. Their bodies are exceptionally resilient, and able to withstand astounding ammounts of punnishment.
Their skin is often pale even by elfin standards, though this tends to be due to their lifestyle as their skin tones can be closer to that of other elves. Their hair and eyes both tend to be dark colours, however every race does have the odd exception - light-haired Moriquendi are considered touched by Kantos, and usually become religious leaders.
Like their kin, the Moriquendi are able to endure extreme burdens and work for long hours without rest, and do not sleep - rather they rest through meditation. However, unlike their cousins, they are significantly stronger, and can put themselves through trials no other elf could hope to.
Like all elves, the Moriquendi can only die through either a violent death, or through having lifed through so much they lose the will to live any more.
As with all elves, they are greatly blessed in this regard and their bodies have remarkable capabilities. They are highly resistant to extreme temperatures, are immune to common natural diseases and have a high resistance to natural sickness (although not being immune). If they do become sick however (even though it is very rare), it is no light matter and usually very serious. Though it takes them longer than humans to heal wounds, it heals more fully and scarring is almost unheard of. In addition, the Moriquendi are naturally resistant to magic that affects the mind.
The designs of Moriquendi clothing, in daily life, is not dissimilar to that of any elf, though they are typically less elaborate. They prefer base colours, and for daily wear - with a few special exceptions - black or white cloth is never seen. They do not choose to blend in with their environment, as light elves do, as they do not believe they should hide from humans: if any were to find them, the Moriquendi would quickly silence them. They are a practical people, so wear boots or other clothing that are suitable for what they are doing; even the nobility would not wear fine clothing and dainty boots where leathers would be more appropriate.
The nobility distinquish themselves with items of ivory or silver. Piercings are not uncommon, and are usually intended to make the individual seem more fearsome. Practitioners of magic have their backs tattooed with the mark of their guild; because tattoos are associated with the dark arts, no one else would dare have one anywhere on their body.
A weakness to sunlight, though this is probably more due to their lifestyles than their biology. It is highly probable that an individual could overcome this by spending enough time adusting to bright lights.
Because they use slaves for most mundane tasks, the Moriquendi themselves are free for their pursuit of power. Some seek power in crafting: the greatest blacksmiths, architects and other craftsmen are held with great respect, and are able to effortlessly change their alligences if a new group begins to surpass their current benefactors. Others seek the path of war: proving one's self in battle can allow an individual to move up the ranks, and ultimately command a sizable force. No one can hold power without the backing of the millitary, so a skilled veteran officer would be able to have anything he desired. The nobility have power-games of their own, for any noble can potentially hold the highest seat of power. Those few who become cleris or wizards are able to hold power through fear.
Moriquendi marry only for selfish reasons. Diplomatic marriages, marriages of convenience, and other such practices are common. No Moriquendi would ever admit to weak feelings such as love, and any would quickly turn on their partner should it be advantageous to do so.
The Moriquendi are followers of Kantos, though they have their own religious leaders and scriptures, and as such hold little respect for the Necromancers and Dark Paladins. They would, however, have no hessitation to unite, albeit for a short time, with any other followers of the dark god should it be to his glory.
Large, cruel weapons that inspire fear in their foes: these are the favoured weapons of the Moriquendi. Ranged weapons are uncommon, as they belive glory to be found only in melee combat. Their weapons are dark-coloured, and superbly constructed. They are often elaborately decorated with designs intended to make they seem even more fearsome.
Moriquendi favour dark, heavy suits of armour. Their smiths have truly mastered the art, enabling them to create suits of plate armour that are balanced perfectly to allow the most the Moriquendi's natural strength and speed. Therefore, it is thick and heavy where needed, but light and flexible in other places. A person of high rank would have a suit made specifically to their fighting style, making them a tryly formidable advesary.
Commodities are the primary means of compensation for goods or services. In a world where an unsubstantial thing like money is meaningless, slaves or raw materials are far more valuable. Even the lowliest Moriquendi is capable of collecting either of these, and that is the bottom of the ecconomy. As it filters up, the slaves may pass several hands, the resources may become valued products, and the cycle continues.
The Moriquendi speak a dialect of elvish that is hardly changed from the ancient elvish once spoken by all elves, before they went their own paths. It would be beautiful, if it were not spoken with such spite and in sich a harsh accent. More educated individuals speak other languages, though few of these bother to learn more than the common tongue. They see other tongues, especially mannish tongues, as disgusting utterings, far below their station.
They are prejudiced against most all races, however their utter hatred it truly reserved for light elves.
They reside in the the darkest corners of Magnamund, where none with a desire to live dare walk. Little is known of their homes, for such knowledge does not come easily.
[General Reference | Histories, Legends, and Tales | Poems and Songs | Maps | Temple Entrance]