Homebrew Blood Elf Species Details

Blood elves are a race of elves that were made slaves by an ancient red dragon known as Malroth. Malroth used the elves for two reasons; he would either feed off of their connection to magic or he would use them to mine resources to build his collection. Once an elf lost his/her connection to magic, they were placed in a mining camp where they could procreate and would mine for precious items for his collection. If an elf couldn't bring their weight in baubles, they would be burned to inches of their lives. This had two effects on the race; they grew to resist the pain of the flames and their skins charred into what they now use as armour. 

As Malroth fed on their magic, his own magic grew stronger. He could breathe fires over 100,000 degrees, and was able to engulf an entire army in a second. This would also be his downfall and that was because the blood elves as a race lost connection to magic. When Malroth went to feed, his meal was of an untouched, magicless elf. This caused the process to backfire and severely weaken him. In this moment, the blood elves slew Malroth and used his cave as a home. Once they were able, they used his bones as weapons and emerged into what would be a new world for them. They immediately grew into prominence due to their battle prowess. 

Known as Helves, these elves became known for their battlefield prowess. Unfazed by all but the strongest fire magic, these elves boast resistance to fire damage. They also serve as fear units because commanders would douse them with fire to scare their enemies into submission, but could go into a blood rage if that didn't work. This skill has helped cement them as berserkers to be feared, and are highly sought after as mercenaries.

Age:

Blood elves are forced into a life of combat at a young age. They are considered adults when they lift their first great sword, and will typically carry that sword for the next 300 years of their life. Blood elves retire from fighting when they are around 350-375 to become teachers to the next generation. This is also the time that they find a mate for the rest of their life, which can last upwards of another 300 years. The typical life span of a Helf is 650-700 years.

Alignment:

Due to their servitude to Malroth, the blood elves learned to put their people first. Their people can be other blood elves or can be a chosen family that is a group of people who have bled for the elf. They will do anything to protect their family should danger arise. They are typically Chaotic Good but can vary. (CG)

Size:

The Blood Elves are slightly taller than the typical elf, standing at 5.5-6.5ft.

Speed:

• Running 30ft
• Burrowing 5ft
• Climbing 20ft
• Swimming 20ft
• Flying 0ft

Ability Score Bonuses:

• Strength: +2
• Dexterity:
• Constitution: +1
• Intelligence:
• Wisdom:
• Charisma: -1 (No penalty to Intimidate)

Languages:

Due to generations of slavery for Malroth, Blood Elves have forgotten what should be their native tongue. Though it has spun together with draconic to create its own language.

• Draconic
• Common
• Helvish (Draconic mixed with Elven)

Blood Elf Traits

Elves of red skin colour that have thick black scabs that cover their upperbody and are scattered along the rest of their body. They are purely warriors due their inability to cast magic of any form, and actively hate all dragons. They are also immortal as a race and actively seek adventures for the thrill of death.

Natural Armour

As a benefit of Malroth's torture, the blood elves have become resistant to fire damage and have charred skin. This charred skin works as a natural barrier for all forms of non-magical damage and reduces the effects of fire-based damage.

Mystic Sight

Due to the living conditions of the blood elves, their sight can pierce even the deepest of natural darknesses. They can now see 120ft in the dark as if they were in the sun and can see up to 60ft before suffering a disadvantage in perception. Due to Malroth's punishment, looking at the sun does not harm the blood elves' eyes.

Blood of Revenge

Due to their forced servitude to Malroth, Blood Elves fight as if their freedom is the reward when fighting a dragon. They are even able to slightly mitigate damage from red dragons and their variants.

Dragon Slave's Nap

Due to their servitude to Malroth, the blood elves consider 2 hours a short rest and can nap to restore specific short rest skills twice per short rest.