Homebrew Etherian Species Details

 

As their name suggests, Ethereans are native to the Border Ethereal, where they exist alongside, but apart from, the Material Plane. From this hazy threshold, they observe the world through a muted, gray veil, witnessing life without fully experiencing it. Most Ethereans dwell in small, scattered communities and cultivate rich traditions of poetry, art, and performance to bring color to their subdued surroundings.

While relatively few threats can reach them in the Border Ethereal, survival still depends on cooperation and mutual respect. Many Ethereans value the safety of their home over the vivid but perilous nature of the Material Plane. Yet those who cross into that realm often find its sensations and experiences incomparable to anything they have known.

An Obscure Lineage

Ethereans bear a resemblance to elves, with light gray skin and slender features, though their eyes and hair set them apart. Shades of violet and magenta are common, but a wide spectrum of colors can occur; a phenomenon often attributed to prolonged exposure to the Ethereal Plane. Their hair drifts as though suspended in an unseen current, fading gradually into nothing at the tips.

Decent By Necessity

In the Border Ethereal, physical barriers offer little privacy, as movement through solid matter is effortless. This ever-present vulnerability has shaped Etherean culture, fostering a strong emphasis on respect, restraint, and communal trust. Their societies tend toward order, built on the expectation that one’s privacy will be honored in return for honoring that of others.

Even so, many Ethereans delight in harmless mischief. Whether born of whimsy or quiet rebellion, lighthearted pranks are widely accepted, adding moments of levity to an otherwise subdued existence.

 

Worlds to Experience

Some Ethereans grow restless within the stillness of their home and seek passage to the Material Plane. Those who succeed find themselves bound by gravity and exposed to new dangers but also to wonder, sensation, and possibility. Many embrace a life of travel, eagerly accepting opportunities to explore distant lands and unfamiliar cultures.

Their tastes often reflect this newfound vibrancy. Bright, elaborate clothing is common, a stark contrast to the muted tones of the Ethereal. While some fall prey to the excesses of the Material world, most rely on their discipline and resourcefulness to maintain balance.

Ideal Travel Companions

Curious and open-minded, Ethereans readily form bonds with those unlike themselves. Their enthusiasm for storytelling and shared experiences makes them engaging and memorable companions on any journey.

Etherean Names

Ethereans typically possess a given name and a family name, and may adopt a nickname over time. Such nicknames are often whimsical and may be self-chosen or bestowed by companions.

Given Names: Aelrin, Brasha, Corynth, Delva, Eryss, Fennel, Grynn, Havren, Ilyra, Jorren, Kezra, Loryth, Mavik, Nestra, Orlyn, Prynn, Quess, Rivra, Sylren, Tyraen

Family Names: Avenwyl, Brenthis, Corlune, Draevin, Elythra, Fenwyck, Lorvane, Myrren, Thessari, Velorin

Etherian Traits

Your etherean character has a variety of traits as a result of their unique plane of origin.

Ability Score Increase

Your Charisma score increases by 2, and one other ability score of your choice increases by 1.

Age

Ethereans mature at the same rate as humans but live a few years longer.

Alignment

Because of the strict code of conduct that’s necessary when living in etherean society, most ethereans are lawful out of a sense of honor or decency. However, many ethereans enjoy setting silly pranks, provided that they aren’t mean-spirited, in order to fulfill some of their more chaotic leanings. They have no particular inclination toward evil or good, although many that survive in the more untamed corners of the Ethereal Plane will end up evil out of necessity.

Size

Ethereans are about the same size as humans and have willowy builds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet. While on the Ethereal Plane, it increases to 40 feet.

Darkvision

Accustomed to the chaotic and often unavoidable lighting of the Border Ethereal, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. 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. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Misty Sight

Your eyes are naturally attuned to the Border Ethereal, allowing you to always see out to your normal range while on the Ethereal Plane.

You can also use a bonus action to focus on seeing the unseen. For 1 minute, or until your concentration ends (as if concentrating on a spell), you can see invisible creatures and objects as if they were visible, and you can see into the Ethereal Plane. Once you use this trait, you can’t use it again until you finish a short or long rest.

Veil Shift

You can use a bonus action, while on the Material Plane to slip into the Ethereal Plane, and vice versa, until the start of your next turn. Any object you take while on this other plane of existence is left there when you return to your original one. While on the Ethereal Plane in this way, you can only affect and be affected by other creatures on that plane, and you still move as if you were on the Material Plane. Creatures that aren’t on the Ethereal Plane can’t perceive you or interact with you while you’re there, unless a special ability or magic has given them the ability to do so, although you can still see and hear them. Once you use this trait, you can’t use it again until you finish a short or long rest.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice. Ethereans tend to learn the languages of neighboring creatures from the Material Plane.