I might be able to help you a little bit until the ahriman is able to complete his rounds and get a little shuteye (OH HO! IT'S FUNNY BECAUSE IT'S SO LITERAL!). Let's see what I can dig up, eh?
Originally Posted by
Eisengrin
Is there a particular reason that most of them choose a more criminal or mercenary living, as opposed to a more (for lack of a better term) conformist one?
Duskwight culture has become stubborn and unruly. Conformist is simply not in their nature, anymore. When your kind withdraws to the caves and stubbornly refuses to interact with any but their own, living outside the law is one of the only options you have. You take what you can get, or you sell your sword on your own terms to those who would not ask too many questions or impress upon you too many restraints.
Originally Posted by
Eisengrin
Are there any large underground settlements of Duskwights even left? Do they still exists in the wake of the Calamity?
I would assume so. When the Elezen were one, united tribe, they believed Eorzea to be their birthright; a gift of the Twelve. The other races were a vast minority until the hyur began to arrive in droves - this is how the Duskwight lost their homes. Whereas the Wildwood fought against the hyuran "invasion," the Duskwights retreated underground. Over the course of a thousand years of this, you can bet they'd build something that'd survive a little while.
Originally Posted by
Eisengrin
There are some indications that, while Duskwights being on the surface has always happened, there have recently been a larger number of them appearing on the surface than before. Is this true? Is there a particular reason for this?
Though the Wildwood have since, for the most part, put aside their differences with the Hyur, the Duskwights remained very isolationist. However, they can only ignore so much. They might not have come out just because the races were getting along, the when the Astral Era literally goes to hell and the entire realm unites under one banner to fight off not only an invading empire, but otherworldly forces like Ascians and Elder Primals... might as well join in.
Originally Posted by
Eisengrin
When the Elezen came down from the north into Eorzea, had the Elezen already split into the Wildwood and Duskwight Tribes? If not at what point did they split? Was the split between the two tribes the root cause of their animosity for one another, or did that happen later?
As hinted at above, the split seems to have been driven largely by how they reacted to the perceived Hyuran invasion. The Wildwood stayed above ground and fought for their home, the Duskwight abandoned it for the subterranean, likely assuming that with wave after wave of hyur coming, it would be futile to resist the change.
Originally Posted by
Eisengrin
Duskwights are reclusive and elusive by nature it seems. Being that most of them are also mercenaries and bandits, would it be inaccurate to say that the majority of Duskwights give more regard to their own kind? More so than other races? Possibly because they face a pretty large amount of prejudice for their (mostly) less than reputable lifestyles?
It wouldn't be inaccurate, in my opinion. Isolationist is the best word, I think. By now I'm sure you can see where it all fits together, assuming I haven't made any mistakes!
Here's some reading material from the olden days. As you'll notice, it explains almost everything you wanted to know, aside from the bits about the ruins, of course.
The Elezen
In former times, the Elezen were the sole inhabitants of Eorzea, claiming dominion over her. Traditionally a nomadic people, the tall, slender Elezen believed the realm to be theirs by divine right―a gift from the Twelve themselves. Unfortunately, this belief made the eventual appearance of the Hyur in their multitudes akin to an invasion, and a long history of conflict ensued.
Ultimately, the Elezen diverged into the two clans that exist today. The Wildwood Elezen took to the forests in their ongoing fight to protect their homeland against the encroaching Hyur, while the Duskwight Elezen withdrew to caves and subterrane, opting instead to avoid all contact with any but their own.
The Wildwood
For hundreds of years the Wildwood Elezen have lived in the relative safety of Eorzea's lush forests. They are blessed with extremely keen eyesight―a contributing factor to their famous talent for archery.
With the formation of Eorzea's governments, many Wildwood ventured forth from the forests, drawn either to the exhilarating cosmopolitanism of the cities or the simple nomadism of the plains. There is minimal dimorphism between the two genders, though males are generally considered to be milder and more chivalrous in demeanor whereas females are generally considered to be wiser and more intellectual. Among their Duskwight brethren, Wildwood Elezen are referred to as Greens, for their love of the forest.
The Duskwight
Centuries ago, a number of Elezen sought out a life of peace and seclusion in the depths of Eorzea's caves and caverns. Today, they are called the Duskwight, though to their Wildwood cousins they are known simply as the Greys, after their preference for darkness and stone.
As part of their physical adaptation, the Duskwight have developed an acute sense of hearing, capable of detecting the faintest of sounds. This natural gift grants them an uncanny awareness, which many have put to exemplary use in the field of hand-to-hand combat. The cave-dwelling ways of the Duskwight persist today, with some among them turning to robbery and pillaging to survive, earning them the scorn of their woodland relatives. There are few differences between the genders, but Duskwight males are often regarded as being the more stern and authoritative of the two whereas females are often regarded as being the more passionate and unyielding.
EDIT:
I just noticed this was your first post in the forums! Welcome!