Homebrew Yordle Species Details

History

Yordles came from a self-contained pocket within the spirit realm, with no direct "mirror" in the material realm of Runeterra. The origin of this race is unknown but can be traced back to a prehistoric time when there were no civilizations on land thanks to the existence of Fizz, an amphibious yordle. At that time they were a nomadic race, travelling from one part of Valoran to the other. They lived in tight neat family groups as well as near early humans. During prehistoric times they had tails and front canine teeth.

Overtime as human civilizations advanced, so did yordles appearances and capabilities. To easily blend in human areas, yordles at one point started using an ability called "Glamour", which gave them the appearance of a small stature humans. To this day, most yordles stay inside the mystical spiritual realm known as Bandle City, only venturing out on rare occasions. There are numerous gateways across Runeterra that yordles, and others more knowledgeable and perceptive, are able to use to get to in and out of Bandle City.

The Mythical Bandle City

Opinions differ as to where exactly the home of the yordles is to be found, though a handful of mortals claim to have traveled unseen pathways to a land of curious enchantment beyond the material realm. They tell of a place of unfettered magic, where the foolhardy can be led astray by myriad wonders, and end up lost in a dream...
In Bandle City, it is said that every sensation is heightened for non-yordles. Colors are brighter. Food and drink intoxicates the senses for years and, once tasted, will never be forgotten. The sunlight is eternally golden, the waters crystal clear, and every harvest brings a fruitful bounty. Perhaps some of these claims are true, or maybe none—for no two tale-tellers ever seem to agree on what they actually saw.
Only one thing is known for certain, and that is the timeless quality of Bandle City and its inhabitants. This might explain why those mortals who find their way back often appear to have aged tremendously, while many more never return at all.

Physiology

Yordles have exceptionally longer lifespans than most humans, this partially due to their innate magic and Fae ancestry. The average life of a Yordle is 500 years, but they appear youthful for most of that life. Many Yordle elders remember the terrible Rune Wars and other events that happened centuries ago. The Yordle race have innate magic within them which helps them achieve extraordinary things usually impossible for someone of their stature. Also, they require far more social interaction with their own kind than humans do. They generally are a peaceful and amicable race, often marked with streaks of joviality and light prankishness; their moral compass is most often pointed toward goodness and benevolence. Their desire for social interaction drives them toward this ethos, as the mental health of a yordle is very much dependent on the positive company he or she keeps. This does not mean, however, that they are incapable of cruelty and evil. In fact, a yordle who is kept in isolation for too long – especially from contact with other yordles – runs the risk of becoming withdrawn and sullen. Some who already are centered more toward malevolence will become exceedingly so in due course. These yordles will often twist their desire for social interaction into a desire to seek out others to inflict pain and suffering upon them, but such examples are very rare.

Yordle Traits

Jovial, fierce critters who can surprise the most unsurprised.

Ability Score Improvement

Increase Dex by 1 and Int by 1.

Fey Ancestry

Fey Ancestry. Yordles have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can't put yordles to sleep.

Keen Senses

Keen Senses. You have proficiency in the Perception skill, and your large ears give you advantage in Perception checks related to hearing.

Innate Magic

Innate Magic. You know the cantrips friends and guidance. You require no material components to cast any of these spells.

Age

Age. Yordles have exceptionally longer life spans than the average human, this is partially due to the innate magic within all yordles.

Glamour

Glamour. Your mystical nature to blend into human society allows you remain unremarkable. People will generally see you as a short-statured dwarf, halfling, or gnome. You gain advantage to deception and persuasion checks to maintain the ruse. Additionally, you know the Disguise Self spell and can cast it once per Long Rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for this spell.

Yordle Nimbleness

Yordle Nimbleness.  You can move through the space of any creature that is a size larger than you, but you can’t stop in the same space.

Creature Type

Creature Type. Yordles can be mammals or amphibian. Most are humanoid. 

Size

Your Size is Small (about 2–3 feet tall).

Naturally Stealthy

You can take the Hide action even when you are obscured only by a creature that is at least one size larger than you.

Languages

Your character knows at least three languages: Common plus two languages you roll or choose from the Standard Languages table. Knowledge of a language means your character can communicate in it, read it, and write it.