Homebrew Bosmer (Elder Scrolls) Species Details

People of the Forest

The Bosmer (formerly the Boiche) are the Elven clan-folk of Valenwood, a forested province in southwestern Tamriel. In the Empire, they are often referred to as Wood Elves, but they typically call themselves Bosmer and the Tree-Sap people. Bosmer rejected the stiff, formal traditions of Aldmeri high culture, preferring a more romantic, simple existence in harmony with the land and its wild beauty and creatures. They are relatively nimble and quick in body compared to their more "civilized" Altmeri cousins (who often look down upon the Bosmer as unruly and naive). Their agility makes them well-suited as scouts and thieves. However, they are also a quick-witted folk, and many pursue successful careers in scholarly pursuits or trading. As elves of the wilds, the Bosmer people's appearance is said to match the life which grows in Valenwood. They're known by some to be a tall people, despite consistently being known for their small stature. Sexual dimorphism is present when it comes to height, as Bosmer women can grow taller than men. Wood Elves also have other unique traits, some natural and some artificial. Their eyes have star-like pupils and they're known to file their teeth to sharp points. Some Bosmer have antlers which are typically glued on, although some individuals with real, magically-grown antlers can also be encountered.

 

Bosmeri Culture

The earliest days of the Bosmer are lost in legend. Some speak of the Ooze, the shape-shifting formlessness from which they came before the Green Pact with Y'ffre. The forest was flourishing and primordial still, making shapeshifting a necessity. More obscure legends also suggest that not all Bosmer agreed to the Green Pact, and others wished to keep their shape-shifting abilities. According to legend, Y'ffre turned the Ooze into a kind of purgatory state for these individuals, where they would be stricken from Y'ffre's story upon death and unable to interact with any world or afterlife. Eventually, these dissenters were overcome by the other Bosmer faithful to Y'ffre. These "Oathbreakers" were then buried in Ouze so that they could be imprisoned and protected until the time of renewal. Others however managed to live on outside the Ouze, and became known as changelings.

The Bosmer have a sense of fashion that may seem strange to some of Tamriel's other inhabitants. For example, Wood Elves in the Second Era thought that shawls made of blue bunting feathers were the height of fashion, while people from most other cultures perceived them as tacky. Humor also plays a role in Wood Elf fashion, as some clothing items are simply worn as a joke. The Pod-Singers wear clothes made entirely out of animal leather and quills. On the whole, Wood Elves prefer clothing that allows their skin to breathe, and think covering oneself from head-to-toe doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Leather is a common component in Bosmer clothing: doeskin, chamois, crocodile skin—if it has hide, it's free game for leather.

Their gravitation towards leather doesn't keep them away from fabric; wool is also a component in Bosmeri stitchwork. Felt is also used in clothing, with the Silvenar's personal guard being known to wear unique felt caps. Beading, turquoise, sea-beads, and even iridescent deep-forest beetle shells are common accents in Bosmer fashion, giving clothing extra flair. Translucent cloths, and nothing more, are traditionally worn during ritual dances.

Cultural mixing between Bosmer and Khajiit has had an effect on fashion as well, such as unique hairstyles. A messy and dyed hairstyle popular in the second era was named after the Bosmeri drink, Rotmeth.

The Green Pact

The Green Pact, also known as the Treaty of Frond and Leaf, is a strict code upheld by many of the Bosmer of Valenwood to preserve the Green. It is said to have guided their existence since the beginning of the "great story". Its rules are clear. Do not harm the forests of Valenwood. Do not eat anything made from plant life. Eat only meat. When enemies are conquered, their meat must be eaten, not left to rot. Do not kill wastefully. Do not take on the shape of beasts.

Green Pact Bosmer are said to attack any who would harm the forest in which they live, which they call the Green. However, they usually don't mind other races cutting trees down (most notably in the case of Vinedusk Rangers and Wood Orcs in their respective territories), and are known to buy wood from them. The cannibalistic "Meat Mandate" of the Pact sets them apart religiously from other cultures. The requirement to eat fallen enemies before three days pass is perhaps the most shocking part of the Pact to outsiders. Though many Bosmer still try to respect the Green Pact, the practice of eating dead enemies diminished by the Second Era, and is typically only practiced in the most remote villages. The family members of the warrior who slaughtered the enemy may help him with his meal. Bosmer who honor this facet of the Green Pact typically attempt to prepare themselves before large battles by fasting.

In return for protecting Valenwood from harm, Y'ffre allowed the Bosmer to make Valenwood their home and granted them his patronage and protection. As a result, they use bone, animal, and insect products widely; imported wood is used when necessary. Rather than drinking conventional liquor made from grain or fruit, the Bosmer consume jagga (fermented pig's milk) and rotmeth. Rotmeth is made from fermented meat seasoned with thunderbug organs, takes years to brew, and is considered a precious ritual beverage that symbolizes "the muscle of the boar, the power of the forest, the strength of the Bosmer people". No wedding can take place without it. Y'ffre is believed to have first blessed them with their form, thus their appearance is sacred, so although Bosmer may take the shape of beasts, the Pact normally bans this practice. However, the Wild Hunt is considered a result of the Green Pact: in return for their patronage to Y'ffre, the Bosmer may perform a ritual in dire times that transforms the participants into a horde of wild, shape-shifting beasts, which go on to lay waste to the enemies of the Bosmer.

 

Bosmeri Names

Bosmer names involve the incorporation of ancient Aldmeri naming customs, but with the surname being replaced by the name of their hometown/village. Due to these villages being primarily forest themed in name, it gives the Bosmer a sense of oneness with the environment.

Male names: Eradthragoth Rosemire, Anrualas Bluehollow, Elegvir Barkdale, Dangman Rosemire, Syleleg Fernthorn, Monalorn Bluewing, Aratos Foresthollow, Glautan Rosedale, 
Eleebros Oakwood

Female names: Thamne Pinelake, Faradael Softbranch, Adanrihill Lumberwood, Radrrilin Greenshade, Marval Shadyvale, Niolgaerwen Nightthorn, Ginina Forestblossom, Emenwen Barkpool

Bosmer (Elder Scrolls) Traits

Your Bosmer character will have the following traits

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.

Age

Bosmer reach maturity at 18 and can live for up to 850 years. 

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Forestkin

Bosmer dedicate their lives to the protection of Valenwood, and thus have acquired the remarkable benefit of being unable to be poisoned. Their hyperactive metabolism not only rejects poison outright, but nullifies its effects entirely. You have immunity to poison and cannot be poisoned

Y'ffre's Guidance

Being raised in marksmanship from the moment they can learn to hold a bow, Bosmer are trained to seek out the weaknesses of all possible threats, ensuring that they hit their mark, lest the enemy find theirs first. You can cast True Strike as a bonus action a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus

Life Detect

Bosmer naturally have the ability to discern life within their surroundings, allowing them to hear the heartbeat of even the smallest creatures. In order to tap into this gift, they must go into a meditative trance. Once per long rest, you may enter a state of detection around you. You can detect the lifeforce of all creatures within 30ft of you for 1 hour. This effect shows itself as a  light blue mist that takes the vague shape of whatever creature it emanates from. This power has no effect on Plants, Constructs, or Undead.

Language

You can speak, read, and write common and one other language of your choice.

Size

Your size is Medium.