Homebrew English Species Details

English

The English are a hardy people shaped by their island's rolling hills, misty moors, and turbulent history. Descended from resilient Anglo-Saxon roots and governed by a Norman elite, they are a blend of common folk and martial nobility. Known for their mastery of the longbow, their skill in animal husbandry, and their pragmatic resolve, the English thrive in a world of feudal loyalty, religious fervor, and monstrous threats.

 

History and Culture

The English hail from a rugged island kingdom, where fertile fields and dense forests teem with both opportunity and danger. Their society is stratified, with Anglo-Saxon peasants toiling under the rule of Norman lords who conquered their lands centuries ago. This conquest has left a lasting cultural duality: the common folk speak a Germanic tongue and cling to old traditions, while the nobility converse in French and uphold chivalric ideals. The English longbow, a weapon born of necessity, has become a symbol of their martial prowess, capable of felling knights and monsters alike. Archery is a cultural cornerstone, with laws mandating practice among the yeomanry.

Shepherding is a vital part of English life, as wool drives their economy and feeds the growing trade networks of the medieval world. Villages often center around grazing lands, and English shepherds are adept at navigating the wilds, protecting their flocks from wolves, bandits, and worse—creatures born of magic or malice. The English are fiercely loyal to their communities, but tensions between the peasantry and the Norman elite simmer, occasionally erupting into rebellion.

In a world of magic and monsters, the English have adapted pragmatically. Their longbows are often enchanted to pierce the hides of supernatural beasts, and their shepherds learn to ward off fey or demonic predators with folk charms. The English church, a powerful force, blends Christian doctrine with older pagan rituals, providing spiritual protection against the horrors that lurk beyond the village walls.

Roleplaying an English Character

As an English character, you might be a yeoman archer, trained from youth to wield a longbow with deadly precision, or a shepherd who knows the secrets of the land and its creatures. You could be a minor noble, fluent in French and steeped in Norman chivalry, or a rebellious peasant seeking to defy the feudal order. Your bilingualism makes you a bridge between commoners and elites, but it also places you at the heart of cultural tensions. You value resilience, loyalty, and practicality, but you may struggle with the rigid hierarchy of your society or the temptations of ambition.

English Traits

As an English character, you gain the following traits:

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1. The English are nimble archers and enduring folk, accustomed to the rigors of rural life and warfare.

Age

English humans reach adulthood at 15 and live up to around 80 years, though the harsh medieval world often claims lives sooner.

Longbow Mastery

The English are renowned for their skill with the longbow. You gain proficiency with the longbow.

Additionally, when you attack with a longbow, your normal range increases by 50 200, reflecting the superior training and power of the English longbow. Your maximum range remains 600 feet.

Shepherd’s Resilience

The English have a deep connection to their pastoral lands, particularly in rearing sheep. You gain proficiency in the Animal Handling skill.

Norman Influence

The Norman nobility has left its mark on English culture, granting you a knack for leadership and martial discipline. You gain proficiency in one of the following skills of your choice: History, Intimidation, or Persuasion.