Homebrew Darkwood elf Species Details

(This race was made for a custom campaign but feel free to use it.)

Graceful Nature

Imposing in stature, Darkwood elves stand as one of the highest race of elves, with their muscular bodies, slender builds and long narrow ears. Their skin ranges in hues of blue, from a light blue sky to the deep blue of the water and hair varies from lush green, to blue, to dark purple. Their skin is covered in glowing tattoos in many different shapes and colours that usually match they're eye colour, which can be anywhere in the fluorescent spectrum. This serves as both a camouflage and a way of expressing themselves and generally the more accomplished an elf is the more tattoos he or she has. The tattoos are magically enchanted and can the glow can be controlled by the elf, though have also been known to react to emotions in certain cases.

Ancient traditions

Darkwood elves are not native to Xyletheria and still cling to their past home, they carry out their traditions in druidic magic and special hunts involving long complex rituals. Some of these set elves apart from one another while others decide their roles in the community. The most common is the ritual of coming of age involving a great challenge to hunt the most ferocious beasts in the Darkwood to prove they are ready to be adults.

Eyes through time

Darkwood elves are capable of living for thousands of years giving them a unique perspective on the world and the other shorter lived races. They trust in diplomacy rather than conflict but will never forget a transgression or a betrayal of their kindness. They are always excited to experience or learn new things that come from outside of the Darkwood. When given a mission or objective they are endlessly relentless and will hold nothing back to get to their goal even if it means they are hurt in the process.

 

Ancient names

Darkwood elves had a long tradition of names in their home world that have slowly been forgotten by all but the oldest among them, now the younger generations enjoy complete freedom when choosing a name but many try to find names already on their family tree.

Examples:

Male Names: Alegorn, Daros, Eiron, Mathrengyl, Mardant, Gasul, Lanoth, Khardona, Andissiel, Sillarn 
Female Names: Astaia, Saelienne, Jeen'ra, Lelanai, Keina, Alathea, Lotherias, Cordessa, Aquinne 
Family Names: Moonlance, Shadewhisper, Nightrunner, Bearwalker, Briarbow, Moonblade, Proudstrider

Darkwood elf Traits

Darkwood elves bring their own set of special traits from their home world

Size

Darkwood elves range from 7 to 8 feet tall with slim/slender builds. Your size is medium.

Speed

Your base speed is 35 feet.

Honed senses

From your many hunts you have gained proficiency in the Perception skill.

Natural Resistance

Because of the many poisonous and sometimes venomous things in you homeland you have advantage on saving throws against being poisoned, and you have resistance against poison damage.

Shadow veil

You can attempt to hide even when you are only lightly obscured by foliage, heavy rain, falling snow, mist, and other natural phenomena.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Darkwood speech

Huh, glowy

You can control how bright your tattoos and eyes glow outside of combat, it can be completely extinguished or go bright enough to light up something you are holding but never enough to replace a torch or other light source.  

Ability score increase

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

Age

Darkwood elves reach physical maturity at the same age as humans, but the Darkwood elves understanding of adulthood goes beyond physical growth. They typically claim adulthood and an adult name after they complete their coming of age ritual.

Alignment

Darkwood elves are infatuated with nature and protecting is, especially their home land forest which tends to pull them to be good. But, they also enjoy freedom and variety pulling them towards being a little chaotic. 

Darkvision

Accustomed to the dim lighting and darker parts of your the Darkwood. 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.