Homebrew Elves of the Compact Species Details

"We are the shepherd of the spheres and guardians to the great races of the Compact".
—Alluin Lunemoor

 

The Elves of the Compact have long been the rulers of the spheres since the breaking of Teratemult by Alluin Lunemoor himself. Consisting of different great houses, Elves hold the majority stake of power and might in the Compact. Elves are the highest on the pyramid making up the local rulers, military leaders, fleet captains and politicians. The Elves were the first race to break away from Teratemult and settle on its moon Lunemoor. Elven leadership and Gnomish technology has allowed all races to settle on different planets, overseeing the terraforming of planets that would have otherwise been uninhabitable. The rule of the Elves has been for 2051 years. However lately the Elves are divided into different great houses that are constantly vying for power, leading to much infighting. Over the years of their leadership, elves have slowly been genetically modifying their gene pool to produce some of the strongest and fastest humanoids. They tower over other races and are as strong (if not stronger) than half-orcs. They have bone density similar to steel, and are extremely smart. The greatest of the elves are the ones that attend their planets institute where they learn the art of war and conquering. These elves are known as “Paragon Elect”. 

Power in Beauty

Elves come in all shapes and colors depending on the planet that they hail from. Lunemoor elves tend to be taller and thinner due to the low gravity present on the moon, while Teratemult Elves are more stout and sturdy looking. With their unearthly grace and fine features, elves appear both hauntingly beautiful and horrifyingly perfect. They are much taller than humans on average, ranging from well over 7 feet tall to just over 8 feet. They are more muscular than other races, due to their advanced gene editing. Males and females are about the same height, and males are only marginally heavier than females.

Elves’ coloration encompasses the normal human range and also includes skin in shades of copper, bronze, and almost bluish-white, hair of green or blue, and eyes like pools of liquid gold or silver. Elves have no facial and little body hair. They favor elegant clothing in bright colors, and they enjoy simple yet lovely jewelry.

A Timeless Perspective

Elves can live well over 2000 years thanks to genetic manipulation, giving them a broad perspective on events that might trouble the shorter-lived races more deeply. They are more often amused than excited, seeing others as lower creatures than they are. They tend to take great pride in their family name and are quick to start a fight if it is insulted in any way. When pursuing a goal, whether adventuring, on a mission, or learning a new skill or art, elves can be focused and relentless. They are slow to make friends and quick to make enemies, never forgetting a promise made or an insults sting. They reply to petty insults with violence and to serious insults with extreme violence.

Like the branches of a young tree, elves are flexible in the face of danger. They trust in the strength of self, often opting to escalate to violence rather than pursue diplomatic solutions. They have been known to engage with a threat swiftly and completely, with no trace of the offending party left.

Grand Sprawling Estates

Most elves dwell in massive estates, where what would be akin to a small town bustles under their dominion. Elven estates tend to have every flavor of race present, with each having a different roll in serving the house. At the top are the paragons each house, or the progenitors. Since the Compact's board of quality control is strict on how many elves can exist at any given state, the actual number of elves in one of their grand estates tends to be low compared to other races. Some elves treat the servants of the house with great respect and make sure all of their needs are met. Other houses will see the help as nothing more than insects that complete their task, never bothering to interact with them unless absolutely needed. 

Honor and Service

To an elf, honor and pride are two of the most important traits to be cultivated and protected. Insult a elf and expect to fight them in the bleeding place. Elves not trained in combat defend their honor in less direct ways, using the great power they wield to defame other houses or stir dissent. The lust for power and status is somewhat of a new trend, with younger elves concerning themselves with gaining as much fame and fortune as possible. Older elves tend to distain this sort of display, but have done nothing to aid in its decline. Familial bonds are just as important as honor and pride to an elf. If a family member has become an outcast it is likely due to a grave mistake or error on their part, as elven families are strong as durosteel.  Military service is also important to elves, as the highest positions of power are held by those who command the great armies of the Compact. You will never find a human leading a fleet of ships to battle. 

HAUGHTY AND ARROGANT

The majority of elves are haughty even to those of their own race. Seeing all other races as sheep that need guiding, their opinions of the other races tend to be scathing or dismissive at best. 

Dwarves. “Dwarves are dull, clumsy oafs. But what they lack in humor, sophistication, and manners, they make up in numbers. The way that they toil away in our mines is a sight to behold. Where would our great fleets be without the labor they provide?”

Halflings. “Halflings are people of simple pleasures, as is by design. We can't abide a halfling who thinks for themselves, they must serve for the good of the Compact.”

Humans. “All that haste, their ambition and drive to accomplish something before their brief lives pass away—human endeavors are futile at best. This drive fuels their willingness to fight, to the benefit of the Compact.”

Elf Names

Elves are considered children until they declare themselves adults, some time after the hundredth birthday, and before this period they are called by child names.

On declaring adulthood, an elf selects an adult name, although those who knew him or her as a youngster might continue to use the child name. Each elf’s adult name is a unique creation, though it might reflect the names of respected individuals or other family members. Little distinction exists between male names and female names; the groupings here reflect only general tendencies. In addition, every elf bears a family name, typically a combination of other Elvish words. 

Child Names: Ara, Bryn, Del, Eryn, Faen, Innil, Lael, Mella, Naill, Naeris, Phann, Rael, Rinn, Sai, Syllin, Thia, Vall

Male Adult Names: Adran, Aelar, Aramil, Arannis, Aust, Beiro, Berrian, Carric, Enialis, Erdan, Erevan, Galinndan, Hadarai, Heian, Himo, Immeral, Ivellios, Laucian, Mindartis, Paelias, Peren, Quarion, Riardon, Rolen, Soveliss, Thamior, Tharivol, Theren, Varis

Female Adult Names: Adrie, Althaea, Anastrianna, Andraste, Antinua, Bethrynna, Birel, Caelynn, Drusilia, Enna, Felosial, Ielenia, Jelenneth, Keyleth, Leshanna, Lia, Meriele, Mialee, Naivara, Quelenna, Quillathe, Sariel, Shanairra, Shava, Silaqui, Theirastra, Thia, Vadania, Valanthe, Xanaphia

Family Names (Common Translations): Amakiir (Gemflower), Amastacia (Starflower), Galanodel (Moonwhisper), Holimion (Diamonddew), Ilphelkiir (Gemblossom), Liadon (Silverfrond), Meliamne (Oakenheel), Naïlo (Nightbreeze), Siannodel (Moonbrook), Xiloscient (Goldpetal)

Subrace

Ancient divides among the elven people resulted in three main subraces: TeraTemultian Elves, Lunemoorian Elves and Avoxian Elves. Each subrace has their own specific set of skills and traits. 

Elves of the Compact Traits

Your elf character has a variety of natural abilities, the result of thousands of years of elven refinement.

Elven Superiority

Whenever you use a hitdice, add 1d4 to the roll. This includes hitdice used when leveling up. Any healing applied to your character will also behave in this manner.

Elves are trained in the art of war from a young age, and as such you may pick two from the following skills to be proficient in: Survival, History, Athletics or Acrobatics. All Elves are proficient in simple weapons.

Faster, Stronger

Your Dexterity score increases by 1 and your intelligence by 2.  

Age

Although elves reach physical maturity at about the same age as humans, the elven understanding of adulthood goes beyond physical growth to encompass worldly experience. An elf typically claims adulthood and an adult name around the age of 100 and can live to be 2000 years old.

Size

Elves range from under 7 feet tall to upwards of 8 feet tall and have slender muscular builds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 45 feet, due to your superior genetics.

Darkvision

Accustomed to twilit forests and the night sky, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Keen Senses

You have proficiency in the Perception skill.

Trance

Elves don’t need to sleep. Instead, they meditate deeply, remaining semiconscious, for 4 hours a day. (The Common word for such meditation is “trance.”) While meditating, you can dream after a fashion; such dreams are actually mental exercises that have become reflexive through years of practice. After resting in this way, you gain the same benefit that a human does from 8 hours of sleep.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Elvish. Elvish is fluid, with subtle intonations and intricate grammar. Elven literature is rich and varied, and their songs and poems are famous among other races. Many bards learn their language so they can add Elvish ballads to their repertoires.