Homebrew Breton (Elder Scrolls) Species Details

The Manmeri

Bretons are a hybrid race of both human and elven ancestry that primarily inhabit their ancestral homeland of High Rock, and the Systres Archipelago. High Rock is fractious and divided politically, which is seemingly encouraged by the layout of the land itself. Warfare between kingdoms accounts for much of Breton history. Despite this, Bretons across the province share many facets of culture, including language, bardic traditions, and heroic tales. Bretons make up the peasantry, soldiery, magical elite, and ruling families of the feudal kingdoms competing for power within High Rock, but the race can also be found around the rest of Tamriel, often as merchants or mercenaries

History of High Rock

The province of High Rock is the ancestral home to the modern day Breton people, and by tradition the name High Rock originates from humanity. Before them, there's evidence that a beastfolk population were High Rock's original inhabitants, though they did not build permanent communities, and what interactions they had with Men and Mer are unknown. Bretons themselves originated from Nedes and Aldmer interbreeding for centuries as far back as the Merethic Era. Whether Man or Mer came to High Rock first is debated in scholarly circles: some believe that Nedic civilization and their Druid King were already established in the province when the Aldmer arrived, while others claim that the Nedes arrived in High Rock afterwards, and encountered the elves gradually with a variety of reactions and outcomes. 

Of Might and Magic

Magic permeates throughout all of Breton society, from the serf all the way up to the king. Though no two mages weave their spells in exactly the same way, the average Breton mage is said to perform "flamboyant gesticulations" when spellcasting. Due to the innate magical ability of Bretons, children are tested for their magical potential at an early age, and those who pass enter apprenticeship programs funded by the Mages Guild or independent sponsorships. Children are known to practice illusion spells on each other in the streets of cities such as Daggerfall. In more remote regions, such as Glenpoint and the Wrothgarian Mountains, witches and medicine men, barely distinguishable from Orcish shamans, hold sway over the superstitious peasants with feats of untutored, but often impressive, magical ability. Many use their magical talents to earn success, such as undertaking an ancient Breton tradition by taking on the role of a court mage. Not much is known about the magical elite that sit right below the ruling families in the social hierarchy, but these gifted see themselves above the rest.

Bretonian Names

Breton naming is based heavily off of Old English naming traditions, due to the entirety of High Rock being a massive medieval fantasy. Here are some Breton names to aid in character creation.

Male Names: Hatbertton Petinique, Robnel Kirbnnie, Birsedt Desielle, Alixxeon Surioriane, Norred Frereles, Tyntonann Amevan, Blaieyncois Tailaud, Beneveos Arthbatha

Female Names: Malvtte Adrreinace, Carcina Arnel, Soseau Beanrde, Ascianne Miliyne, Edaadette Magie, Vyctielle Steginie, Evanele Julabatha, Delphe Geotya

Breton (Elder Scrolls) Traits

Your Breton character has the following racial traits.

Ability Score Increase

Your Intelligence score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.

Age

Bretons become adults at 18 years of age, just like normal humans. However, due to their Meric ancestry, Bretons can live unhindered for up to 500 years.

Size

Your size is Medium

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30ft.

Dragonskin

As a reaction when you are targeted by a spell, you can activate Dragonskin to absorb magical energy. You gain resistance to that spell's damage type and regain hit points equal to half the spell's level (rounded up). You can use this ability once, and you regain the ability to do so after finishing a long rest.

Breton Resistance

Your Meric Blood has granted you a unique form of magical resistance. You have advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Arcane Affinity

You have proficiency in the Arcana skill.

Breton Magic

You know the Mage Hand cantrip. Once you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Shield spell once per day as a 1st-level spell. Once you reach 5th level, you can also cast the Misty Step spell once per day. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and one extra language of your choice.