Eldritch

In Norse mythology is an Eldritch (also called a Half-Elf) the offspring of an Elf and a Human.

Notable examples include the Danish princess Skuld of Hrólf Kraki's saga, the hero Högni of the Thidrekssaga (his mother was a human queen), and the royal line of Alfheim, which was related to the elves and more beautiful than other people. The Eldritchs are not a distinct race from Elves and Men, and must ultimately choose to which race they belong. This is significant because although Elves and Men are able to crossmate and produce fertile offspring, their final fates are separate: Elves are immortal, whereas Men are mortal (after death their souls depart the world for an unknown place and future).

Originally dubbed Half Elves, they have instead named themselves the Eldritch after the arcane aspect of their heritage. The Eldritch children of Svartálfar (Dark Elves) are the most unusual in appearance with their skin being a dusky grey, their hair bleached white. Their ancestry is perfectly obvious to all, and they typically find no solace or sanctuary in either Elf or human communities. Many Eldritch are also the unhappy byproduct of war crimes.

Physiology
Their skin is paler than human skin but have long, pointed ears like Elves. Height: 5-6 ft. Weight: 150-200 lbs. Abilities: Nightvision up to 60 metres. Lifespan: 500 years

Culture
Diversified mix of kind and evil people. Most humans have finally accepted them into society. Because humans are more easily accepting of them, they tend to socialize more with them. However, some prejudice still exists, especially from many high elves who are scornful of them and may or may not attempt to hide such feelings. Eldritch are not readily accepted in Elf communities. For unknown reasons Elven genes typically cannot cross with anything other than human genes. Most Eldritch are of Alvefolket (Wood Elf) descent. Some Elves will always break the mold of their kind by doing something unpredictable. A few Ljósálfar (High Elves) consent to speak freely with humans, and it is possible one could consort with a human out of love. Not all Svartálfar are ruthless, evil killers.

The life of an Eldritch can be hard. If raised by Elves, they seem to grow with astounding speed, reaching maturity within two decades. They become an adult long before they have had time to learn the intricacies of Elven art and culture, or even grammar. They leave behind their childhood friends, becoming physically an adult but culturally still a child by Elven standards. Typically they leaves their Elven home, which is no longer familiar, and finds their way among humans. If on the other hand Eldritch are raised by humans, they find themselves more aloof, more sensitive, less ambitious, and slower to mature. Some try to fit in among humans, while others find their identities in differences. Most find places for themselves in human lands, but some feel like outsiders all their lives.

Government
None