Homebrew Breton Species Details

Bretons (from the Ehlnofex beratu meaning "half") are a hybrid race of both human and elven ancestry that primarily inhabit their ancestral homeland of High Rock, and the Systres Archipelago. Bretondom originated from the Nedes of High Rock and Aldmer interbreeding for centuries as far back as the Merethic Era. This mixed ancestry gives Bretons a unique perspective on Nirn's oldest feud: the conflict between men and mer. The Bretons' Nedic ancestors are referred to as the Druids of Galen (or proto-Bretons) by retroactive nomenclature, while Clan Direnni are primarily credited as being their Aldmer ancestors. Bretons are also distantly related to the Reachfolk.

The Direnni left a significant mark on the Bretons: the race's obsession with nobility, status, and lineage can be traced back to their days as vassals of Clan Direnni. Bretons possess an inborn and instinctive bond for the magical arts, often attributed to their elven blood, and they are known for their intelligence and quick, perceptive grasp of spellcraft, enchantment, and alchemy.

Bretons are also noted for having some natural resistance to destructive and magical energies, a trait associated with their race but not tied to their elven lineage. However, their shorter human lifespans place them at a disadvantage compared to their elven counterparts, whose naturally long lives grant them far more time to study, refine their craft, and establish lasting reputations. Even so, their potential has not gone unrecognized. The Assistant Sapiarch of Culinary Arts once remarked that Bretons were the second-best sorcerers after the Altmer, believing they had the potential to achieve more than they have demonstrated so far if given equal opportunity. While it is often difficult for an individual Breton to leave a lasting mark on the greater magical community—since the widespread mystical aptitude among their people makes it harder for any one mage to stand out—Bretons have nonetheless produced mages considered among the greatest in Tamriel, with notable figures such as Voernet, Druid King Kasorayn, and Gyron Vardengroet.

Bretons have also retained a connection to their human druidic forebears, and are believed to be the reason for their "shrewd resourcefulness". Druidic spellcraft (which differs from the arcane) is said to be the first truly Breton creation. Bretons have a natural affinity for environmental manipulation, which druids believe should be utilized to enhance or perfect nature, reshaping it just as their god Y'ffre once did. What it means to be a Breton is considered an age-old quandary by their people. To make sense of it all, some may focus on a specific aspect of their culture, or seek to blend it all together. Some Bretons hold their elven heritage in high esteem, which may influence them to worship Phynaster, the patron deity and "teacher" of the Direnni. Others attempt to seek out the druidic roots of their Nedic ancestors and reconnect with nature.

High Rock is fractious and divided politically, which is seemingly encouraged by the layout of the land itself. Warfare between kingdoms accounts for much of Breton history. Despite this, Bretons across the province share many facets of culture, including language, bardic traditions, and heroic tales. Bretons make up the peasantry, soldiery, magical elite, and ruling families of the feudal kingdoms competing for power within High Rock, but they are found across Tamriel, often as merchants or mercenaries. Knighthood is pivotal to the Breton identity; its earliest practitioners served under Clan Direnni, but knights are credited with kickstarting High Rock's modern cultural history through tales of liberating the race from their elven oppressors. These knights of old set the example for those that followed by going on grand quests for adventure and glory. In their free time, Breton youths of all walks of life imitate knights through chivalric pursuits in their thoughts or by their actions. Indeed, the profession encapsulates the traditional chivalric principles of Breton society, and the "quest-obsession" that has become a national identity for High Rock.

Breton Traits

Creature Type: Humanoid
Size: Medium (about 4–6 feet tall) or Small (about 2–4 feet tall), chosen when you select this species
Speed: 30 feet

As a Breton, you have these special traits.

Breton Resistance

Your elven blood grants you resistance to a magical damage type of your choice.

Breton Diplomacy

You gain proficiency in the Persuasion, Intimidation, and Deception skills. You also have a +1 to your Charisma score.

Elven Lineage

Your elven lineage gives you the Magic Initiate Origin Feat. You also gain additional cantrip of your choice.