Homebrew Nord Species Details
Hardy and Strong
The Nords are a race of men who typically are regarded as light-skinned, fair-haired which is often braided, and imposing in size and build. They are the direct descendants of the Atmorans, who in ancient days sailed to Tamriel from the frozen continent of Atmora, and to a lesser extent of the Nedic peoples, who were human natives of Tamriel that gradually interbred with the Atmorans over the centuries. The Nords, along with the Redguards and Orcs, are on average more muscular and larger of size than the other races of Tamriel. They are known to have an innate resistance to the freezing cold as well as a fierce and uncompromising mindset in the face of adversity; physiological and psychological traits that are likely a consequence of countless generations having successfully endured the harsh, overcast northern climates of Atmora and Skyrim.
The God-Hero Talos
Tiber Septim, also known as Talos and Ysmir conquered all of Tamriel and founded the Third Empire and the Septim Dynasty that would rule it for centuries, marking the beginning of the Third Era. Upon his death, he is believed to have ascended to godhood s the Hero-God of Mankind. His divinity was a reward from the Gods themselves upon his death. A considerable number of Imperials are followers of the Talos cult, which in general is popular among soldiers of the Imperial Legion, colonists, and assimilated foreigners. They follow the cult openly, and hold a strong, and personal, connection to the cult. In Skyrim, Talos is the leader of the Nordic Pantheon. He is referred to as Ysmir, and is the direct patron deity of the Nords. They hold him in the highest of regards, and most Nords take any rhetoric reducing his power as a personal insult and attack on both their faith and their personal sense of being.
A Boisterous Culture
The Nords have a diverse culture that spread across multiple aspects, such as music, food, the arts, education, festivals and holidays, architecture and infrastructure, and religion. They consider themselves to be the children of the sky, referring to Skyrim as Throat of the World, because they believe it is where the sky exhaled the North Winds on the land and formed them. The Nords have a reputation of being fierce proud warriors. Nord warriors are said to value their fierce independence, are hardy in the thankless severity of their lands, and are comfortable with appalling violence as a daily occurrence. Their armor and weaponry reflects their boisterous fury, but may also be revered as part of a family's trappings. For the Nord is a warrior race, and all from the goat farmer to the High King own an armament of some kind. The typical Nord warrior holds his or her reputation in high regard and insulting a Nord's strength, bravery, or honor in any way almost inevitably leads to violence as the offended party attempts to prove otherwise. They are also known to revel in the imbibing of their drink of choice: Mead. Refusing a drink is seen as an admittance of weakness and is a sure way to alienate yourself from the Nords that invited you to their revelry. Though they may seem rude, insults are not always meant to offend and can be used as terms of endearment.
Aside from being warriors, Nords excel in blacksmithing and craftmanship. For the Nord, the creation of fine (if inelegant) weapons and armor is as important as proficiency with a blade, axe, or hammer. Such skills are learned from youth and are almost mandatory. Through the ages, the Nords have learned to manipulate steel the way a sculptor would clay. Most Nords are also literate and can both read and write. Those who value the art of speechcraft become bards. Magic is typically frowned upon in Nord society, as it reminds them of elves, who've they've been at war with for centuries.
The Skaal
An isolated tribe living on the island of Solstheim known as the Skaal follow a different form of faith from their mainland brethren. Instead of having regular religious worship, they venerate nature. They believe that certain parts of nature, such as the winds, the trees, and the sun, were given to them by the All-Maker, a benevolent, unknowable creator-deity. In this regard, wolves and bears are especially sacred to this small tribe. They believe all aspects of nature must constantly be in harmony, for this is what gives the Skaal their shamanic powers. Further research into their oral traditions has led to the conclusion that the All-Maker is their version of Alduin. The Skaal also tell tales of the Adversary, the enemy of mankind, and his lieutenant, the Greedy Man. As other tales show, the Greedy Man is none other than another incarnation of Lorkhan in a Nordic pantheon, yet cast in this case as a demon. In view of this, the Adversary is none other than Padomay/Sithis of the north, who gives birth to Lorkhan in elven tales. Indeed, in this regard, the faith of the Skaal is nearly the reverse of the pantheon of Skyrim. Although they do not worship them, the Skaal are also aware of the existence of the Daedric Princes.
Nord Names
Nord names are typically derived from Scandinavian names.
Male names: Kodlak, Toyrgg, Vidivir, Brynjolf, Vilkas, Esbern
Female names: Lydia, Astrid, Serana, Elisef, Aela, Valerica
Nord Traits
Nords are a well-adapted and hardy people who share several traits in common.Battlecry
Once for long rest, as an action, you may apply the Frightened condition to a 30-ft area. Every non-friendly creature (you define if a creature is "friendly" or not) in the area of effect must make a Constitution saving throw. On a successful save, the creatures will avoid you, but only you, for the rest of the combat, unless you are the only combatant on the field. On a failed save, the creatures have the Frightened condition applied.
Frightened has the following effects:
- Disadvantage on Ability Checks and Attack rolls while the source of its fear is within line of sight.
- The creature can’t willingly move closer to the source of its fear.
Cold Resistance
Adapted to the frozen land of Skyrim, all Nords are capable of survival in even the most frigid temperatures. You have resistance to cold. You have advantage on all saving throws related to the effects of cold.
Blessings of Talos
All Nords have proud ties to Talos, a Nordic mortal who ascended to godhood upon his death. This inborn connection to Talos, in turn, makes the Nords a faithful people. You have proficiency in Religion.
Sure-Footed
Skyrim is a harsh land, full of mountains and icy plains. Hailing from this unforgiving region, all Nords are able to handle most rough terrains with ease. You are immune to the movement reductions associated with all rough terrain except for water.
Ability Score Increase
Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1.
Age
Nords reach adulthood in their late teens and live less than a century.
Alignment
Despite their loud and boisterous personalities and cultures, Nords hold honor in combat in high regard. Because of this, they are almost never an evil people. Many of them are fiercely loyal to their leaders, but they are also a fickle people who will very quickly turn on those they do not consider worthy of leading them. This puts most Nords in a neutral alignment. Nords can be chaotic, but this is rare, as most of them have very strong, loyal reasons for following the leaders they do.
Size
Nords tend to be of an average height, usually between 5 to 6 feet tall. They are typically of a large and muscular build. Your size is Medium.
Speed
Your base walking speed is 30 feet. You have a climbing speed of 15 and a swimming speed of 15.
Languages
You can speak, read, and write Common and one extra language of your choice.
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