Homebrew Elvhen Species Details

Elf
A humanoid race, elves are typically shorter than humans and have a slender, lithe build and pointed ears.
Former Glory. Over two millennia ago the elves and dwarves were the powers of Thedas. The elves ruled above the earth and the dwarves below it. The elves spent centuries becoming master magicians, craftsmen, and artists, and it is said they were nearly immortal. When humans first arrived in Thedas, the elves gave them aid despite what they considered impatient and rude behavior on the human’s part. The elves were shocked when diseases carried by the humans began killing them. They were horrified when they discovered that just being near humans shortened their lifespan and made them mortal. They attempted to shut themselves away from the rest of Thedas, but the rising Tevinter Imperium attacked them with its legions and its blood magic. The elf kingdom of Arlathan fell and the survivors spent the next 500 years as slaves of the Imperium.

Lost History. When freedom did come, it was all to brief. The new elf homeland, the Dales, tried to revive the lost culture of Arlathan. That included worship of the ancient elven pantheon and this the Chantry would not tolerate. It declared an Exalted March against the Dales, accusing the elves of blood magic and practicing other forbidden rites, and for a second time the elves lost their homeland. After the fall of their great city of Arlathan and the empire of Elvhenan, its following plunder by the Tevinter Imperium and the subsequent generations of slavery, the elves lost most of their cultural heritage and identity. They attempted to rebuild their society in the Dales, but after three centuries they fell to the Chantry's Exalted Marches.

A Divided People. Since then, the elves have separated into two distinct groups: the Dalish, who chose to lead nomadic lives rather than submit and strive to keep elven culture alive, and the city elves, who live alongside humans, usually as impoverished outcasts, and have adopted many human customs. Overall, the elves are now a people associated with poverty, crime, barbarism, and are often used as scapegoats for humanity's difficulties. In Ancient
Tevinter elves were called "rattus". Modern humans use the racial slurs "knife ears," "slant-eared" or, less cruelly, "rabbit." Though most of the elven language has been lost, they once referred to themselves as "elvhen," which means "the people".
Elf Traits
If you choose to play an elf, use the Elf Traits presented on page 23 of the Player's Handbook with the following exceptions:
Languages. You can not speak, read, or write elvish. Trance. You do not have the Trance ability. You take a long rest as normal.
City Elf
Though overall treatment varies kingdom to kingdom, city elves are universally second-class citizens. Elves are, by law or prejudice, unable to join most organizations or hold decent jobs, and the law often turns a blind eye to their abuses. Slavery of elves is still legal in the Tevinter Imperium and there's a lucrative demand for elven slaves along with servants for nobles. They are often seen as beautiful by humans despite their low status.
Due to the difficult and dangerous nature of life in the city, city elves tend to be far tougher and more adaptable than their Dalish kin.
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 1.
Student of Human Nature. You have advantage on Wisdom (Insight) checks when interacting with humans. Versatile. You gain proficiency in one skill of your choice.
Dalish Elf
If you choose to play a Dalish Elf, use the Wood Elf subrace. Alternatively, if you plan on playing a spellcaster your DM may allow you to choose the High Elf subrace. All Dalish Elves have the following ability:

Lost History. When freedom did come, it was all to brief. The new elf homeland, the Dales, tried to revive the lost culture of Arlathan. That included worship of the ancient elven pantheon and this the Chantry would not tolerate. It declared an Exalted March against the Dales, accusing the elves of blood magic and practicing other forbidden rites, and for a second time the elves lost their homeland. After the fall of their great city of Arlathan and the empire of Elvhenan, its following plunder by the Tevinter Imperium and the subsequent generations of slavery, the elves lost most of their cultural heritage and identity. They attempted to rebuild their society in the Dales, but after three centuries they fell to the Chantry's Exalted Marches.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write elvish.

 

 

 

Elvhen Traits

Your elf character has a variety of natural abilities, the result of thousands of years of elven refinement.

Ranged Resistance

Elves have a resistance to ranged weapon attacks

Ability Score Increase

Elves have an expertise on Magic and Wisdom 

Age

The Elvhen used to live to almost immortality before their world was shattered... 

They live to average human lives. 

Alignment

Elves generally are very lawful, especially to their own people. They don't welcome those outside of their race very often, especially not humans. Usually they refer to them as "Shemlen" which roughly translates to, wandering children. 

They hide their secrets and dont mind living in isolation from the cities. Daelish travel often so Shemlen can't find/raid them, and the Elven Alienage has their own problems, as the humans can abuse them however they like. 

Size

Elves range from 4 to 5 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Keen Senses

You have proficiency in the Perception skill.

Fey Ancestry

You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put you to sleep.

Trance

Elves don’t need to sleep. Instead, they meditate deeply, remaining semiconscious, for 4 hours a day. (The Common word for such meditation is “trance.”) While meditating, you can dream after a fashion; such dreams are actually mental exercises that have become reflexive through years of practice. After resting in this way, you gain the same benefit that a human does from 8 hours of sleep.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Elvish. Elvish is fluid, with subtle intonations and intricate grammar. Elven literature is rich and varied, and their songs and poems are famous among other races. Many bards learn their language so they can add Elvish ballads to their repertoires.