Homebrew Moonshadow Elves Species Details

Overview

Moonshadow elves believe in oath and duty above all else. Th eir bond with the Moon primal is exemplified through their elusive nature and profound connection with the concept of balance. Stealthy and speedy, they’re well-suited to the role of assassin or scout. Though many are peaceful guardians of the forests in southwestern Xadia, Moonshadow elves are among the most feared kinds of elves. Some human cultures consider them synonymous with death itself.

Fashion

Moonshadow elves usually wear garments that allow them to move quickly, comfortably, and silently. They favor dark garments that evoke the colors of the night sky and the shadows below, such as deep green and violet. Horn rings and decoration are a traditional symbol of marriage. Elves express affection and intimacy by braiding each other’s hair.

Culture

Moonshadow elves tend to live amongst the trees or near the mountains. Because they guard their emotions well and the more martial among them are trained to never show fear, they can appear rather rigid to outsiders. Yet they incorporate dancing into their rituals more than any other elves, from magical protection spells to marriage ceremonies.

History

In ancient times, before they assisted in the banishment of humans, there were Moonshadow druids in western Xadia. Conducting their studies around the Moon Nexus, they created the Moon Henge, which allowed them to open a portal to the strange and dreamlike realm between life and death. Unfortunately they were forced to destroy it when the world was divided, separating them from their most sacred place of power.

Cursed Caldera

Humans tell stories of the terrible monsters that infest this mountain. In truth, the mountain peak is the home of the Moon Nexus, once the center of all Moonshadow power. As it lies within human territory, it’s mostly abandoned, guarded by a solitary Moonshadow mage who protects its magic and many secrets with terrifying illusions that scare away any human who dares approach.

The Silvergrove

Deep in the Moonshadow Forest lies a hidden community of Moonshadow elves. Home to the most feared assassins in all of Xadia, it’s also known for its weaponcraft . The village’s entrance is difficult to find without a Moonshadow guide, and the assassins there might not have a warm welcome for every party that manages to get past their entryway defense. Despite their hostile reputation, the elves here value tranquility.

The Hollow Wood

A bustling village of trade, it has a less elaborate magical spell protecting it from outsiders than that of the Silvergrove. Though founded and inhabited by Moonshadow elves, the village entertains Sunfire elves, Earthblood elves, and others who come from faraway cultures to enjoy the outdoor markets—even the occasional human.

Individuals of Note

A former leader of the Silvergrove assassins, Runaan disappeared and is presumed dead after invading the Katolian capital city. Tiadrin and Lain, two heroes of the Silvergrove chosen as Dragonguard to Queen Zubeia and her unhatched heir, also vanished years ago. Their child, Rayla, is a member of a small group of friends that has shaped the future of Xadia by defending Queen Zubeia’s child. A powerful mage, Lujanne, watches over the Moon Nexus in secret.

Moonshadow Elves Traits

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

Shadow Shape

With this you can hide under moonlight with a strategic stealth check, however, it works more under different types of moonlight. 

Waxing Crescent: 25%

First Quarter: 50%

Waxing Gibbous: 75%

Full Moon: 100%

Waning Gibbous: 75%

Third Quarter: 50%

Waning Crescent: 25%

New Moon: 100%

 

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases 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 750 years old.

Size

Elves 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 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.

Fey Ancestry

You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put you to sleep.

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.