Homebrew Aetherveil Kin Species Details

 

The Aetherveil Kin are mortals whose blood and breath have learned the quiet art of existing between states—between light and shadow, dream and waking, gravity and freefall. Some say they were born beneath a rare astral alignment; others insist they’re the descendants of travelers who crossed a seam in reality and came back carrying starlight in their bones. Whatever the origin, an Aetherveil Kin moves like the world is a little softer around them—like space makes room.

 

They are also long-lived to the point of legend—functionally immortal in the elven sense. An Aetherveil Kin does not die of old age. Time may refine them, but it does not take them. Most eventually become something like living landmarks: a familiar figure seen across centuries, unchanged except for the slow deepening of their gaze and the patience in their posture. They can still be killed by violence, catastrophe, or potent magic; they simply do not wither into death naturally.

 

Their appearances vary widely, but they often share telltale “veilmarks”: faint constellation freckling, eyes that catch light with an uncanny gleam, hair or fur with a dusk-sheen, or shadow that clings a heartbeat too long. Many develop subtle feline or draconic traits—slitted pupils, a predatory grace, small hornlets, a tail, or a voice that resonates oddly in still air—but none of these signs are universal. What is consistent is presence: even when they’re quiet, they feel there, like a lighthouse behind fog.

 

Culturally, Aetherveil Kin tend to become watchers, wardens, and wayfinders. They’re drawn to thresholds—city gates at night, cliff edges under moonlight, temple doors, crossroads, hospital corridors, and anywhere the world feels thin. Some serve as protectors and guides, using their Veilstep to place themselves exactly where they’re needed. Others become scholars of hidden patterns: ley-lines, star charts, forgotten languages, or the “etiquette” of spirits and strange places.

 

In most worlds, Aetherveil Kin aren’t common enough to have a single homeland. Instead, they form loose constellations of kinship—small circles, mentors and protégés, found-family bands that keep in touch by rumor, ritual, or the simple habit of showing up at the right time. They’re often respected… and occasionally feared. Because when the veil thins and something terrible reaches through, an Aetherveil Kin is the one who steps forward—calm, bright-eyed, and unmovable—like they’ve been waiting for this moment all along.

Aetherveil Kin Traits

Aetherveil Kin traits reflect their star-stitched immortality and veil-walking nature, blending subtle shadow-and-radiance resilience with short-range spatial slipping and a touch of innate astral magic.

Languages

Common, one other language, and one rare language of your choice.

Darkvision

You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light (in shades of gray).

Veil-Adapted

You gain the following damage type resistances when you choose this species: necrotic and radiant.

Astral Claws

Your unarmed strikes can deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength or Dexterity modifier (your choice).

Veilstep

You can slip through a hairline crack in reality. As a bonus action, you teleport up to 15 feet to an unoccupied space you can see.

 

You can use Veilstep a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.

Aether-Touched Magic

You know one cantrip of: dancing lights.

Your spellcasting ability for it is Charisma.

 

At 3rd level, you can cast detect magic once per long rest.

At 5th level, you can cast misty step once per long rest.

You don’t need material components for these spells.

Starlit Artisan

These are for taste without power gain. Gain proficiency with one set of artisan’s tools or one musical instrument.

Void Listener

For taste without power gain. You gain proficiency in Arcana, History, Insight, Investigation, Medicine, Perception, Religion, or Stealth.

Size

You are either small or medium sized.