Elves

The world of Chronicle > D&D 5th Edition compatible > Races

The long-lived children of Belagaea, the Wild Mother, elves have been tasked with protecting The Wild.  However, there are conflicting thoughts amongst the elves on how to do so.  This divide has become so  wide that two distinct cultures have formed.  

The Celasyn, or high elves, believe that in order to protect The Wild they must tend it and care for it.  Their settlements are majestic, beautiful creations that are seemingly grown from the land itself, carefully guiding the plant life into structures.  Their cities have no walls, but for the forest itself allowing animals to pass through on their trails.  In the boughs of the Celasyn cities, however, a war is waged.  Not a war of military might, but of political intrigue.  The Celasyn noble houses are masters of politics and are always vying for the upper hand.

The Saesyn, or wild elves, on the other hand see their role as the guardians of The Wild and live in the untouched primal places deep in the woods.  They build simple tree villages where a few clans gather together.  All Saesyn clans have a totem spirit animal that guides them and reminds them of their connection with The Wild.

Physical Description

Although generally taller than humans, Celasyn possess a graceful, fragile physique that is accentuated by their long, pointed ears. Their eyes are wide and almond-shaped, and filled with large, vibrantly colored pupils.

Saesyn have a more defined, lithe physique of toned muscle on a compact frame.  They tend to be shorter than their highborn cousins with a more tanned complexion. Their eyes, however, are the same large, vibrant colored eyes as their cousins.

While elven clothing often plays off the beauty of the natural world, Celasyn tend to bedeck themselves in the latest fashion whereas Saesyn wear animal hides and plants.

Society

All elves feel a bond with nature and strive to live in harmony with the natural world. Celasyn, however, prefer instead to indulge in the finer arts, with their inborn patience making them particularly suited to wizardry.  Saesyn live off the land and in close communities, with their innate resourcefulness making them well-suited for rangers and druids.

Relations

Celasyn and Saesyn treat each other with mutual disdain.  Both cultures believe that the other has strayed from Belagaea's Calling of "Guard The Wild."  As such, they are automatically Unfriendly to each other in starting attitude unless otherwise noted.

Celasyn are on good terms with humans having made large strides in alliance.  Celasyn find human nobility especially interesting.  Half-elves are common and viewed more with disdain than hatred.  They view dwarves with an indifference, seeing their usefulness but unable to forget ancient wounds between the two races.  They treat aun as little children that must be humored.  They are outright unfriendly towards gnomes as their science and progress is an affront to The Wild.  All other monstrous races are viewed either with hostility or suspicion.

Saesyn view all outsiders with suspicion.  They keep good relations with the fey and do enjoy the company of caun.  Monstrous races are treated with hostility.

Alignment and Religion: Elves are emotional and capricious, yet value kindness and beauty. Most elves are chaotic good.

Elf Traits

Celasyn

Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence score increases by 1.
Noble Houses. Your Celasyn is sworn to one of the Noble Houses, either as a member of the family, a servant of the family, or a commoner who pays fealty to the House.  Choose a noble house from the Noble House List. It counts as one of your Personality Traits and you gain its Background Feature in addition to your normal one.
Urbanite. Celasyn gain advantage on Insight checks made to gather information or to get a hunch about a social situation.
Elf Weapon Training. You have proficiency with the longsword, shortsword, shortbow, and longbow.
Extra Language. You can speak, read, and write one extra language of your choice.

Shelter of the Wild. You are at home in the wild. You are able to find a place to hide, rest, or recuperate in the wilderness. Your campsites are secure.

Whispers. Your house keeps a web of informants in most major cities. You are able to check in with this network and gather a small bit of information about the people and places of the local area.