Homebrew Avariel (Winged Elf) 2024 Species Details

The avariel are winged elves. These rare creatures were more common when the worlds of the multiverse were young, but frequent conflicts with dragons greatly reduced the winged elves’ numbers. Still, a few colonies persist here and there on the Material Plane and the Plane of Air.

Like all elves, avariel trace their earliest ancestry to the elves created by the god Corellon. When the first elves lost their ability to change their forms at will, they spread through the Feywild and eventually into other planes of existence. Some settled in places dominated by open skies, high mountains, and powerful elemental winds. Over countless generations, these environments transformed them, granting them feathered wings and the natural ability to fly.

## Winged Elves

Avariel resemble other elves in many respects. They have slender features, pointed ears, and little or no facial or body hair. A pair of broad, feathered wings extends from their backs. Their plumage varies between individuals and bloodlines, displaying shades of white, silver, gray, brown, black, or combinations of several colors.

An avariel’s wings are powerful but require freedom of movement. Their clothing, armor, packs, and other equipment are constructed to leave the wings and shoulders unobstructed. Although avariel can walk as easily as other elves, most feel most comfortable in the air and dislike remaining underground or confined for long periods.

Avariel live for around 750 years. They don’t sleep but instead enter a trance when they need to rest. During this trance, they remain aware of their surroundings while immersing themselves in memories, meditations, and recollections of open skies.

## Scattered Colonies

Ancient wars with dragons destroyed many avariel settlements and brought the winged elves close to extinction. The surviving colonies withdrew to places difficult for earthbound creatures to reach: isolated mountain valleys, towering cliffs, hidden islands, and distant domains within the Plane of Air.

Because their people remain few, avariel communities are often cautious when dealing with outsiders. They carefully preserve their histories, defend their nesting grounds, and watch for threats that might reveal their settlements. Nevertheless, curiosity still draws some avariel beyond the safety of their colonies. Such individuals might become scouts, explorers, envoys, dragon hunters, or adventurers seeking lost avariel settlements and other survivors of their scattered people.

As an Elf, you have these special traits.

Darkvision

You have Darkvision with a range of 60 ft.

Avariel Elven Lineage

ou belong to the Avariel lineage, which has been transformed by high mountains, open skies, and the elemental influence of the Plane of Air. You gain the benefits shown in the Avariel Lineage table when you reach the specified character levels.

You can speak, read, and write Auran.

At character level 1, you have a pair of feathered wings. Because of your wings, you have a Fly Speed equal to your Speed. You can’t use this Fly Speed while wearing Medium or Heavy armor. You also know the Prestidigitation cantrip.

At character level 3, you gain the Born to the Sky benefit. You are acclimated to high altitudes. As a Bonus Action, you can give yourself Resistance to Cold damage for 1 hour. Once you use this benefit, you can’t use it again until you finish a Long Rest.

At character level 5, you always have the Detect Magic spell prepared. You can cast it once without expending a spell slot, and you regain the ability to cast it in that way when you finish a Long Rest. You can also cast the spell using any spell slots you have of the appropriate level.

Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma is your spellcasting ability for the spells granted by this trait. Choose the ability when you select this lineage.

Fey Ancestry

You have Advantage on saving throws you make to avoid or end the Charmed condition.

Keen Senses

You have proficiency in the Insight, Perception, or Survival skill.

Trance

You don’t need to sleep, and magic can’t put you to sleep. You can finish a Long Rest in 4 hours if you spend those hours in a trancelike meditation, during which you retain consciousness.