Homebrew Elflin Species Details

 Hardened and hardy creatures, Elflins know from birth what it is to walk a difficult path. For those that survive their unlikely conception, they will never meet another of their kind. A pariah to most societies, Elflins must accept their fate to exist in the liminal cracks of society, or fight to find and forge a family of their own.

Unlikely Parentage

In broad daylight, an Elflin’s nature is to attract a second look from passersby, followed by stares of curiosity and often fear. An unnatural mixture of Elvin and Goblinoid features, they do not strongly resemble either parent. In height, they range from 4-5 feet tall. They tend to be wiry, scrappy creatures, weighing between 70-100 pounds. Their sharper, more pointed features could pass for Elvish were it not for their wide variation in coloring, ranging across both lines of their parentage, or their ears which are a misshapen cross between Elvin and Goblin ears. For those that can, they may grow their hair to try and cover their ears in hopes of passing for a Wood Elf. For those whose goblinoid ancestry makes hair growth difficult and uneven, they may seek to hide their appearance in baggy clothing, hoods – or worse, attempt to correct their appearance themselves.

Liminal Creatures

One can only imagine the circumstances that would lead to the mating of a Goblin and an Elf. From birth, they are lonely creatures, met with fear and disgust by most of society. It is a small comfort to Elflins that the feeling is mutual. Naturally stronger and more intelligent than Goblins, most Elflins are equally disgusted by their Goblin tribe as the tribe is fearful of them. In an urban environment, an Elflin may attract ridicule, suspicion, or outright hostility. Their experiences have taught them to be suspicious, distrustful, and isolated. For their own safety, they may choose to live outside society, finding solace in the wilderness, or on the outskirts of society, banding together with other outsiders and misfits. If an Elflin is to find a tribe, it will be of their own making.

Elflin Names

Due to the rarity of their existence, Elflins lack a distinct naming pattern of their own. They are named in the custom of whomever raises them, or they may rename themselves in adulthood in order to avoid attracting further attention.

Elflin Traits

Elflin traits are an unlikely mixture of Elf & Goblin features, unique to themselves.

Ability Score Increase

Your dexterity score is increased by +2.

Note: Base racial traits for this race are based on shared traits between Goblins & Elves. Optional Traits are listed throughout the character build, but should be added in a way that avoids over-stacking your character. My recommendation is that you utilize character building traits either based on what makes sense per your character narrative (e.g. if your Elflin was raised by Goblins, they should know Goblin language and not know Elvish language because they wouldn't have learnt it) or based on dice-rolled randomized genetics. I recommend the following method: Gather all racial traits for Goblins and your desired Elf subtype (or base-Elf if preferred). I recommend using a D6 and assigning odd numbers as Goblin genetics, even numbers as Elf genetics. For each available trait, roll a D6 & assign accordingly (e.g. if it is a Goblin racial trait and you roll an odd number, your character has that trait. If it is a Goblin trait and you roll an even number, your character does not have that trait). You can use this dice method for non-score related traits as well. 

Age

Due to the combined genetics of Goblins and Elves, Elflins have a lifespan and development similar to that of a human. They reach adulthood in their late teens, and live up to 100-120 years of age. 

Size

Elflins range from 4-5 feet tall. Their size is Small to Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 ft.

Darkvision

A minor benefit to your otherwise bereft genetics, you have increased ability to see in the dark. 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.

Language

Your Elflin will know Common. They may know one other language, likely Goblin or Elvish, dependent on the circumstances of their birth and upbringing.