Homebrew Dunmer Species Details

The Dunmer, also known as Dark Elves, are the ash-skinned, typically red-eyed elven peoples of Morrowind. "Dark" is commonly understood as meaning such characteristics as "dark-skinned", "gloomy", "ill-favored by fate" and so on. The Dunmer and their national identity embrace these various connotations with enthusiasm. In the Empire, "Dark Elf" is the common usage, but they were named "Dunmer" by their Aldmeri brethren long ago. Their combination of powerful intellects with strong and agile physiques produce superior warriors and sorcerers. On the battlefield, Dunmer are noted for their skill with a balanced integration of the sword, the bow and destruction magic. Dunmer live two to three times as long as humans; with a 200-year-old Dunmer being old and a 300-year-old Dunmer being very, very old. In character, they are grim, aloof, and reserved, as well as distrusting and disdainful of other races.

Cursed by Azura

The Dunmer are descended from an ancient elven race called the Chimer, which had resplendent golden features. However, the Chimer were cursed by the Daedric Prince Azura for betraying an oath, and were turned into the Dunmer. Dunmer typically have ashen gray skin, bearing a resemblance to the landscapes of their home province, and mostly have solid red eyes with no visible sclera or pupil. Their hair ranges from white to gray in dull, colorless tones. Dunmer are normally similar in height and stature to the races of Men, making them taller than Bosmer but shorter than Altmer and Orsimer. 

Distrustful and Distrusted

Dunmer living in Morrowind are normally very different from those living in the rest of Tamriel. Most Dunmer in Morrowind are under the dominion of the Houses. There are several Houses of Morrowind -- House Redoran, House Dres, House Telvanni, House Hlaalu, and House Indoril. House Redoran has a presence mostly in northwestern Morrowind, and values strength and courage. Many members of House Redoran make excellent soldiers. House Dres is located in the Dres District of southeastern Morrowind. They are an agricultural society, and are the primary grower of the crop known as saltrice. House Telvanni governs eastern Morrowind, and is mostly composed of egocentric mages and their apprentices. House Hlaalu values business and diplomacy, and is prevalent in western and central Morrowind. House Indoril is in the heartland of Morrowind, and are the priests of the three beings known as the Tribunal. In Morrowind, the Dunmer are by far the most common race, and are lawfully governed by one of the Houses. Outside of Morrowind, the Dunmer have little presence or organization. They are often shunned by other races as well, especially the Nords of Skyrim. 

Worshipers of the Tribunal

The Dunmer normally do not worship the Nine Divines of the Imperial pantheon. Instead, they almost always worship the Tribunal. The Tribunal, also known as the Almsivi, are three godlike figures with a connection to the great warrior Indoril Nerevar. Nerevar was killed in the Battle of Red Mountain in the ancient First Era, and his most trusted friends became the Tribunal. These three are Almalexia, Nerevar's wife, his general Vivec, and the sorcerer Sotha Sil. The members of the Tribunal have existed for thousands of years, from the mid First Era to the late Third Era. Some Dunmer also recognize the Daedra, and often worship the three they deem the "Good Daedra" -- Azura, Boethiah, and Mephala. They are repulsive to the priests of the Almsivi, and aren't normally welcome in traditional Dunmer settlements. These Dunmer are usually called Ashlanders.

Dunmeri Names

Dunmeri first names mostly contain two to three syllables. Male names are usually simple with harsh consonants, while female ones are longer and more melodic. Dunmeri surnames vary more than first names. Most Dunmer have simple family names that sound similar to their first names. Ashlanders have longer, harsher surnames, and Dunmer that directly belong to the ruling family of a House use the House name as their surname. 

Male Dunmer Names: Adren, Balyn, Daren, Favel, Gathal, Hleras, Idros, Llandras, Madran, Nelyn, Ondar, Rindral, Sadryn, Thaden, Urvel

Female Dunmer Names: Alavesa, Bedynea, Danasi, Elynea, Favela, Gadasu, Hlevala, Idrenie, Meralyn, Narisa, Senise, Tirasie, Uresa, Varona

Dunmer Family Names: Andrano, Dralor, Dren, Faryon, Hleran, Indaren, Indrano, Nelas, Sadri, Seran, Serethi, Thalas

Ashlander Family Names: Addishpal, Assi-Samsi, Erushara, Hairanallit, Kau-Ammu, Maessmusa, Sehbabi, Ulyansour

Dunmer Traits

Your Dunmer character has a variety of natural abilities, the result of living in a harsh volcanic environment.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Intelligence score increases by 1.

Age

Dunmer live two to three times longer than most men. Although they can live until about 300 years of age, the harsh climate of Morrowind usually shortens their lifespans.

Alignment

Dunmer that live in Morrowind and belong to one of the Dunmeri Houses tend to be lawful, while Dunmer outside of the houses stray towards chaos. They belong to a wide range of moral values, and thus can be evil, neutral, or good.

Size

Dunmer are about the same size and build as humans. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

Due to your or your ancestors' time in the dark, ashen wastes of Morrowind, 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.

Volcanic Resistance

You have resistance to fire damage.

Birthed in Flame

You know the produce flame cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the burning hands spell at 2nd level once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the scorching ray spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Intelligence is your casting ability for these spells.

Languages

You can read, speak, and write Common and Dunmeri. Dunmeri is an archaic language that is rarely spoken, and is more commonly found in the names given to cities and other locations in Morrowind.