Homebrew Viera Species Details

"The Viera may begin as part of the Wood, but the Wood is not the only end that we may choose" — Fran, Vieran Master of Weapons

Originally a particular bred of demi-fae engineered for pleasure and subservience, the Viera are a race of lepimorphic humanoids with only one in ten born male. The males tend to be somewhat brawnier and more aggressive than the females, but both sexes have the slim, long-limbed elegance classical of elves and the fae from which they descended, and soft, leporine features. Although they rarely travel outside of their forests, some never leaving in their three-hundred-year or more lifespans, Viera make excellent scouts and guides, forming temporary but fierce loyalties with the parties with whom they bond. 

Slender and Elegant

The Viera have leporine features, including long ears and supple limbs. Tall and graceful, Viera have soft, furred ears that stand upright on their heads, and warm, angled features that belie the sharp claw-like nails on their hands. Their hindquarters from their waist to their feet are also covered in soft, fine fur that ranges in all shades of white, brown, and even red-tinted auburn. They are slightly taller than humans on average, ranging from well above 5 feet tall to just under 7 feet. They are more slender than humans, weighing only 100 to 145 pounds.  Males and females are about the same height, and males are only marginally heavier than females, with brawnier upper bodies. Their trademark long ears grant them exceptionally good hearing, although they are said to have excellent senses overall. Viera's coloration encompasses the normal human range and also includes skin shades ranging to the paler side of white and grey.

Separated and Sanctified

Having lost their ancient homelands to war over 450 years ago, some Viera began to question their way of life and went off to live among other races. This is against their law, referred to as the "Green Word," which forbids contact with the outside world. Once a Viera breaks this law, they are considered Viera no more and are regarded as outcasts. Adventuring Viera may be such expatriates, or they may be refugees, pilgrims, or guides. Such Viera must return to their forest and maintain no home outside of the Wood, lest their temporary separation become permanent.

Viera can be found mostly in thick forests, their cities built off the very living trees. Many viera can be seen in and around elven societies. Viera get well along with elves who share a love for the wilderness they live in and are not afraid to back either up when pressured. Separated by clan, the hierarchy of the Viera seem to stem from both spiritual importance and natural heritage. Males and females live separately, only making contact and communication when the need arises. Male Viera create separate settlements and only communicate with the females when necessary, as the males are secretive and competitive for food and space, even with their own species.

Viera Names

At birth, a Viera Soul-Seer will commune with the spirits of the child's ancestors and see into her future. Upon discovering what the child will become, the Soul-Seer grants her a name appropriate to the seen future. Such names may translate into Common as "Forest Protector", "Nature Speaker", "Love Binder", and "Bow Master", as examples. Like fae, Viera guard their true names carefully and often give these names in Common or take a nature-related pseudonym when traveling with non-Viera. A Viera that has been excommunicated or who has lost their place in Vieran society is no longer considered a Viera and is stripped of their proper name.

Male Names: Aelar, Beiro, Jorit, Noel, Tharivol, Walu

Female Names: Adrie, Enna, Glinta, Koteni, Luni, Ney

Viera Traits

Viera are more bold than the animal they resemble and will not think twice about anybody that dare lay a harmful hand on the forests they live in or what they've sworn to protect.

Dark Vision

Accustomed to twilit forests and the night sky, 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.

Fey Ancestry

You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put you to sleep.

Heightened Senses

You have proficiency in the Perception skill and have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks involving hearing.

Magic Sensitivity

You are sensitive to magic and feel the presence or absence of magical auras. You have advantage on Intelligence (Arcana) checks to discern the nature and strength of magic.

Trance

Viera don’t need to sleep. Instead, they meditate deeply, remaining semiconscious, for 4 hours a day. (The Common word for such meditation is “trance.”) While meditating, you can dream after a fashion; such dreams are actually mental exercises that have become reflexive through years of practice. After resting in this way, you gain the same benefit that a human does from 8 hours of sleep.

Viera Weapon Training

You have proficiency with the rapier, longsword, shortbow, and longbow.

Vieran Magic

You know the Guidance cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Speak with Animals spell at will. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for these spells

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Sylvan and Elvish.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Maturing at the same rate as humans, Viera have approximately three times their lifespan at about 300 years.

Alignment

Viera are usually good, but not often lawful or chaotic. Rare cases of evil Viera are usually found in males, as they are far more aggressive and prone to ill-thought and corruption.

Size

Viera height varies from 5'6" to 7'0" and they are generally lighter than most creatures their size. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.