Homebrew Altmer (ESRPG) Species Details

The Altmer, or self-titled "Cultured People", are a tall, golden-skinned race, hailing from Summerset Isle. They are also known as High Elves by the denizens of Tamriel. In the Empire, "High" is often understood to mean proud or snobbish, and as the Altmer generally personify these characteristics, the "lesser races" generally resent them. Altmer live two to three times as long as humans; with a 200-year-old Altmer being old and a 300-year-old Altmer being very, very old. Altmer consider themselves to be the most civilized culture of Tamriel; the common tongue of the continent is based on Altmer speech and writing, and most of the Empire's arts, crafts, laws, and sciences are derived from Altmer traditions. 

The Altmer are the most strongly gifted in the arcane arts of all the races. They are among the longest living and intelligent races of Tamriel, and they often become powerful magic users due to both their magical affinity and the many years they may devote to their studies.

Their skin maintains a very pale golden hue, not quite the pale white of the northern human races such as Nords, but far lighter than the Bosmer. They are slender, with prominently pointed ears and almond-shaped eyes.

On average, Altmer are of smaller build than humans, and thus generally not as strong. Their tall stature also makes them less agile than their Bosmeri cousins. However, Altmer are among the most intelligent and magically-inclined races on Nirn, surpassing even the Bretons in magical aptitude.

 

Altmer (ESRPG) Traits

The Altmer have common, ancestral, and cultural traits.

Ability Score Increase

Increase Intelligence by 2 and Wisdom by 1.

Highborn

You know one cantrip and one 1st level spell from the Wizard spell list. Once per long rest you may cast the 1st level spell without expending a spell slot. At 3rd level, you learn one additional 1st level wizard spell and you may cast it at 1st level without expending a spell slot. At 5th level, you learn one additional 2nd level wizard spell and you may cast it at 2nd level without expending a spell slot. Once you have cast a spell using this trait, you must finish a long rest to cast that spell again with this trait. Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Altmeri Resilience

You have advantage on saving throws to resist diseases and poison. D&D doesn't have a resist disease, so it's classified under resist poison. 

Studious Nature

You gain proficiency with two skills of your choice from Arcana, History, Nature, or Religion.

Tool Proficiency

You gain proficiency with one artisan's tools of your choice from alchemist's supplies, calligrapher's supplies, or the jeweler's tools.

Age

The average Altmer can live for over 400 years, although they are known to be able to live for thousands of years. It is rumored that some Altmer on the Summerset Isles are over 4000 years old. They reach puberty at 18 years old and are considered an adult at 30. They mature similar to humans, but their advanced age means that they are still considered young until the age of 60.

Size

High Elves are the tallest of the races of Tamriel, sometimes as tall as 7 feet, but they often have slender, thin builds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Bonus language

You learn one additional common or uncommon language of your choice.