Homebrew Deep Elf Species Details

The Underdark and its drow inhabitants is but one level of life below the surface of the world. Further below, in the realm of the Illithid, you'll find a more sparse but nonetheless rich society of creatures such as deep gnomes and deep elves.

Further displaced from their elven roots than even the drow, deep elves rarely venture to the surface. And if they do, they must wear heavily smoked lenses over their eyes so as not to be blinded by even overcast skies.

Physically, deep elves are obviously elf kin though their ears are slightly more pointed and are even longer than those of any other elf subrace. What separates them most distinctly is their alabaster white skin and their black or silver eyes which are vaguely fishlike in their monochromatic appearance.

Deep elves are renowned for their abilities as gem cutters and jewelers with their works being highly sought after by those with the gold to afford them. Though their dealings with those of the surface world are rare, deep elves do employ points of egress unknown to the drow by which they trade their crafts with select intermediaries there. As rare as it may be, you may still find deep elves in the surface world though they must take great pains to hide their eyes and skin from the light of the sun.

Their unique skillset makes a deep elf particularly suited for life as a gloomstalker ranger, monk, rogue, or druid. 

Unlike most of their cousins in the worlds above them, other than sun and moon elves, deep elves are typically lawful and good by nature. Like those other outliers, the worship of Vandria Gilmadrith is a focal point of deep elf culture. Individual freedoms are viewed as counter to the desire for a sound and solid society capable of repelling the many threats of the deep.

Deep elves gain a +2 bonus to their dexterity scores and a +1 to both constitution and wisdom.

They have proficiency in stealth and are proficient in the use of both rapiers and hand crossbows. 

Deep elves, like drow, have superior darkvision and can see 120 feet in absolute darkness though they only see in shades of gray. Deep elves also have Blindvision to 20 feet in environments where there is no light at all. Against opponents who do not have this ability, deep elves attack with advantage in complete darkness, even under the effects of Darkness or Blindness spells.

In broad daylight, deep elves are at disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks. They are also vulnerable to radiant damage. When in direct sunlight, they must cover their skin and wear heavily smoked lenses. If they aren't covered, they suffer severe sunburn at the rate of a loss of one hit point per hour and, if burned, operate at a complete disadvantage for a full day. In direct sunlight their Blindvision doesn't function and, if their eyes aren't protected, they suffer the same effects as if under the effects of the Blindness spell.

They know the Fairie Light cantrip from an early age. 

Deep Elf Traits

Ability score increases, proficiencies, magic

Blindvision

Your Blindvision gives you the ability to send your environment in a 20 foot radius in complete darkness even under the effects of Darkness or Blindness spells. Against opponents without this ability and in the same environment, you attack with advantage. 

Ability score increase

You gain a +2 bonus to your dexterity score, and a +1 bonus to both constitution and wisdom.

Proficiencies

You are proficient in stealth, perception, and in the use of both rapiers and hand crossbows. You have vulnerability to radiant damage. You speak Common, Elvish, Undercommon, and Deep Speech. You have advantage on dexterity attacks and on ability checks when in partial to complete darkness. You have superior darkvision to 120 feet.