Homebrew Elfborn Species Details

“Elfborn - bah. Wouldn’t trust ‘em as far as I can throw ‘em. But they’ve a Gods-damned temper on ‘em - fire in the blood, have no doubt. They’ll fight like cornered beasts, all teeth and nails and spitting blood & thunder - no one I’d rather have by my side in a scrap than one of them knife-eared bastards.”

— Garrin Blackhand, Loan-Shark

 

To be greeted with stares and whispers, to suffer violence and insult on the street, to see mistrust and fear in every eye: this is the lot of the Elfborn. And to twist the knife, Elfborn know that this heritage is through no choice of their own, but simply the product of being the progeny of a bloodline afflicted by the taint of the Elef generations ago. Their appearance and their nature are the result of ancient sins & blasphemies, for which they and their children and their children’s children will always be held accountable.

Savage Legacy

Like humans, Elfborn vary by appearance. In some, the Elef bloodline is more easily recognisable, whereas others may almost pass as human. The distinctive physical characteristics of the Elfborn include pointed ears, ashen or even grey skin, and sharper-than-usual teeth with pronounced canines. Many Elfborn mark their skin with elaborate, tribal tattoos, the designs of which are handed down by families through generations. 

Fickle Nature

Stereotypes of Elfborn hold them as deceitful and devious, particularly suited to thievery and criminality. While each individual is, of course, different, it is true that many Elfborn are hot-headed, quick to anger, and prone to what many would see as excessive violence. Nonetheless, their sharpened senses and predilection for bloodshed ensure that many of the Elfborn are skilled hunters, gatherers & trackers - skills which many Elfborn are further forced to refine by virtue of their ostracisation from 'civilised' society.

Second Class Citizens

Though Imperial law mandates that Elfborn are equal in standing to pureblood humans, in practice, society mistreats and scorns them. Though few of their detractors are familiar with the complexities of Elfborn bloodlines, they are still often considered ‘abhuman scum’, and as such many live as outcasts on the outskirts of society. Most Imperial cities of any size have a Elfborn ghetto, usually under the control of violent gangs and entirely unpatrolled or unguarded by Imperial Legion Peacekeepers. Systemic racism within the legions themselves is also prevalent. While some Elfborn carry out their military service, it is rare to encounter high-ranking Elfborn legionaries or officers.

Life Unbound

Many city-dwelling Elfborn live their lives never leaving the ghettos or slums. Others, chafing under the mistreatment and thinly-disguised racism of the Imperial system, leave the cities altogether, instead seeking a life for themselves in the wilds. Some even go so far as to seek out Elfborn enclaves in hidden corners of the world, joining mercenary companies, or simply becoming bandits in those gangs that can see past their heritage. Many of these criminal elements even prize the violent streak that many Elfborn seem to harbour.

Outside the Empire

The distrust and mistreatment of the Elfborn is by no means exclusive to the Calerian Empire. In the Kjeld, the Elfborn are seen as touched by the twisted Fimir, and are ostracised and even hunted. In the Mearc and the fens of Frydia, superstition holds the Elfborn to be linked to trickster spirits, and as result they are mistrusted and shunned. Only in Mu'andoguk, where all folk are held to be masters of their own ambition, is it common to find Elfborn in positions of power of influence.

 

Elfborn Traits

Your Elfborn character has some qualities in common with the Elef.

Ability Score Increase

Your Charisma score increases by 2, and two other ability scores of your choice increase by 1.

Age

The Elfborn mature at the same rate humans do and reach adulthood around the age of 18. They live shorter lives than humans, however, and rarely live beyond 50 years.

Alignment

Elfborn share the savage bent of their Elef heritage, often showcasing a tendency for aggression and a predilection for bloodshed. The Elfborn value personal freedom, demonstrating neither love of leaders nor desire for followers. They chafe at rules, resent others’ demands, and sometimes prove unreliable, or at least unpredictable.

Size

The Elfborn are about the same size as humans, ranging from 5 to 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Blood Scent

You have advantage on any skill check involving your sense of smell. If the source of the scent of blood (or any sharp, distinct smell) is within 90 feet of you, you immediately know the direction of that source, no roll required as long as nothing muddles the smell you are following (such as a strong wind or a myriad of other strong smells etc).

Skill Versatility

You gain proficiency in two skills of your choice.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, and one extra language of your choice.