Peoples of Barastîr

Deeply devoted to the service of the Greater Gods the Light Elves (Înura Alcárid) consider themselves the 'keepers of the true light.’ Wherever they have settled, these people are dedicated to keeping and guarding the statues of the Varnír and preserving the way of life they had in the ‘blessed life of Tal Alsham.’ Beyond their religious fervor, the Light Elves are deeply skilled in metallurgy and smith craft. As a culture, they highly value the patient and persistent mastery of a skill or craft. The Second and Third Ages saw the finest achievements of their culture’s creations — weapons perfectly balanced and imparted with divine blessing for the smiting of evil and infernal influence.

Light Elves have skin tones ranging from bronze to golden, with hair colors covering the range of blond to red. Their eyes are flecked with gold, and are generally colored golden, hazel, or green. They are taller and more muscular than the other Elven races, frequently reaching or exceeding 7 feet in height.

There is a tendency for Light Elves to be prideful or obstinate in their rigid faith and skillful work. This is often overcome by their being shown the honor and respect that most often is deserved.

Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 1.

Elven Weapon Training. You have proficiency with the longsword, shortsword, longbow and shield.

Light Elf Cantrip. You know one cantrip of your choice from the Cleric spell list. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for it.

Sacred Longing. Divine Connection. Due to your people’s deep devotion to the gods, you experience a soulful longing to perform communion rites with them. If you have not cast a spell to connect with your god (such as augury, divination, commune, etc.), or spent an hour in ritual prayer in the last week, you will begin to contend with this longing. You must succeed a DC 10 Wisdom saving throw after your next long rest or suffer disadvantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom and Charisma saving throws until you have sated this longing. These effects can be lifted by the means of reverence listed above.

Masters of Craft. When examining gems, precious stones, or metalwork you have advantage on Intelligence checks to identify its material, its place of origin, the culture of the crafter, and what the object may have been used for.

Light Elf Names: (male) Aisome, Cétómo, Danwë, Imdaith, Kulél, Nanwë, Pulórë, Tulméth; (female) Alsényë, Fianéth, Lialan, Melsienmé, Niessaryë, Ólómyē, Sélesa, Uilné; (surname) Aidseeker, Farsight, Highoath, Lightbringer, Pactholder, Rightlaw, Truefaith.

Level-headed thinkers enamored of philosophy and arcane pursuits, the Twilight Elves (Înura Istálid) are naturally an inquisitive people. Inspired by the stars above them, they prefer to investigate for themselves what forces are at work in the world. Originating from a group of elves in Tal Alsham that dared to descent from the high religious, the Twilight Elves have from their beginning prized knowledge and discoverers above all things. In this way they can been seen as the true parents of arcane study. Their kingdoms in Alésia are rumored to all be united via systems of teleportation. In Barastîr, the nation of Eryn Gwista is a Twlight Elven enclave.

Twilight Elves  are a kindred more of intellect than bloodline, and therefore have a wide range of pigmentation depending on where they settled after their departure from Tal Alsham. In Alésia, they tend to have fairer skin and dark hair. Their eyes are flecked with silver, and are usually brown, hazel, or slate grey in color. They are of average height and build for elves.

Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence score increases by 1.

Elven Weapon Training. You have proficiency with the longsword, shortsword, longbow, and shield.

Twilight Elf Cantrip. You know one cantrip of your choice from the Wizard spell list. Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for it.

Sacred Longing. Knowledge and Mysteries. Due to your people’s intrinsic concern with growing in knowledge and understanding, you experience a soulful longing to feed this hunger. If you have not cast a spell that helps to gain knowledge (such as comprehend languages, identify, legend lore, etc.), or spent an hour reading a new text or learning something new in the last week, you will begin to contend with this longing. You must succeed a DC 10 Wisdom saving throw after your next long rest or suffer disadvantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom and Charisma saving throws until you have sated this longing. These effects can be lifted by the means of reverence listed above.

Arcane Masters. You are proficient in the Arcana skill, and have advantage in Intelligence (Arcana) checks in relation to the presence of arcane influence on items or places.

Twilight Elf Names: (male) Alcion, Carastaro, Curo, Fennon, Ilcamo, Lenwano, Nardomo, Varyo; (female) Airawen, Coronmë, Hróniel, Nahammë, Nindiel, Oloriel, Ravëien, Silmë; (surname) Ancientbeam, Eveningforge, Highpost, Moonshield, Oddbinder, Runegazer, Sunmight.

The Dawn Elves (Înura Athdhea) are truly an industrious seafaring people. They are well attuned to the winds and swells of the oceans, and prize all manner of ship craft. Their strongholds, towns, and cities are all built to take advantage of the coastline as best they can, and many towns are built to take advantage of the natural acoustics of the sheer cliff faces and concave inlets. The heart of Dawn Elf culture is found in the southeast of Alísia, though their mastery the seas has led to the establishment of colonies and trade routes all across the globe.

Dawn Elves’ skin tends to range from pale to tan. Their hair is most often black, but auburn hair can be seen from time to time. Their eyes are flecked with pale blue, and are most often brown, bronze, or dark blue in color. They are average height for Elves, lean and muscular of build. Unique to their kindred, Dawn Elves often will tattoo a chronicle of their voyages and accomplishments on their dominant arm. This has because so fixed in the culture that even those who never take to the sea have adopted this habit.

Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 1.

Elven Weapon Training. You have proficiency with rapier, spear, light crossbow, and net.

Sacred Longing. Waves and Wanderlust. Due to your people’s spiritual connection to the sea and exploration, you experience a soulful longing to feed this hunger. If you have not cast a spell dealing with exploration or aiding in seafaring (such as pass without a trace, water breathing, control water, etc.), or spent an hour actively exploring new places or within sight of water you will begin to contend with this longing. You must succeed a DC 10 Wisdom saving throw after your next long rest or suffer disadvantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom and Charisma saving throws until you have sated this longing. These effects can be lifted by the means of reverence listed above.

Friend of the Sea. Using gestures and sounds, you can communicate simple ideas with any beast that has an innate swimming speed.

Acclimated to the Seas. You have a swim speed of 30, and are proficient with waterborne vessels.

Dawn Elf Names: (male) Aegnir, Arodben, Calardear, Êldor, Glirion, Haeredor, Orthellion, Saerion; (female) Angwedhil, Echadis, Galadis, Helethiel, Ingiel, Maelien, Norien, Teliadis; (surname) Ablehand, Dewfooted, Fishkin, Northseeker, Stormtamer, Tidefriend, Windblessed.

Sylvan Elves (Înura Málosid) live primarily in the interior lands of Ædresta, taking advantage of the majestic old-growth forests. Feeling frustrated with the confines of the coastal urban context of Tal Alsham, the Sylvan Elves simply faded into the wilds, clinging to the rich forests and crafting woodland kingdoms. These are centered around locations of spiritual import to them, and their Druids and Clerics are often revered for their roles not just in religious observance but also in the running of government. Because of their early departure into the wilds, these Sylvan Kingdoms are among the oldest in all Alésia.

The Sylvan Elves are olive skinned, ranging from light to dark in hue. Their hair tends to be coppery or brown, though some have blond or even black hair. Their eyes are flecked with copper, and are brown or green in color. Sylvan Elves are shorter than nearly all their kin, and are exceptionally nimble and lithe.

Sylvan Elves tend to stick to their own kind, but they have found an esteem for the Aedani as well as some of the Gavleór for their woodcraft. They are also friendly with the Earthbound Gnomes and many Halfling peoples, in recent years even inviting them into their forested realms. They are fiercely loyal to their allies, and often ruthless in seeking to bring justice where wrong has been done.

Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 1.

Elven Weapon Training. You have proficiency with Battleaxe, Shortsword, Longbow, and Shortbow.

Sacred Longing. Cultivation and Woodcraft. Due to your people’s spiritual connection to the flora and fauna of the wilds, you experience a soulful longing to feed this hunger. If you have not cast a spell that has helped you commune with nature (such as druidcraft, speak with plants, tree stride, etc.), or spent an hour actively engaging with plants or animals you will begin to contend with this longing. You must succeed a DC 10 Wisdom saving throw after your next long rest or suffer disadvantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom and Charisma saving throws until you have sated this longing. These effects can be lifted by the means of reverence listed above.

Sylvan Elf Cantrip. You know one cantrip of your choice from the Druid spell list. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for it.

One with the Trees. You are proficient in Survival, and additionally have advantage on Dexterity (stealth) checks when in forested contexts.

Sylvan Elf Names: (male) Aethalfir, Carfir, Ciraros, Daegal, Elmaris, Naeceran, Omaran, Themaer; (female) Baela, Daephyra, Heledi, Kara, Olanala, Phiyra, Sylrel, Wyncaryn; (surname) Alderbark, Fernclothed, Honeyherb, Maplewhite, Roselock, Springwood, Willowroot.

For the Veiled Elves (Înura Hastálid), weakness is just that: weakness. The ability to take advantage of others in moments of weakness is celebrated among them, and their rulers are masters of betrayal. Veiled Elves are trained for battle from the cradle, and truly believe that only the strongest and craftiest are worthy of survival.

Obviously they don’t call themselves the “Veiled” Elves, but rather the “Blessed” people (Înura Amanyíth).

Due to their life underground and preference for the darkness, the Veiled Elves have sallow skin — ranging from blotchy white to yellowish to pale brown. Their hair is black, but the higher casts often have silvery white hair. Their eyes are dark, flecked with iridescent red. Tall and imposing, they have been bred by their cruel gods to strike fear in eyes of their opponents.

Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 1.

Elven Weapon Training. You have proficiency with rapier, shortsword, and shortbow.

Corrupted Elf Cantrip. You know one cantrip of your choice from the Sorcerer spell list. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for it.

Sacred Longing. Ambition and Influence. Due to your people’s native desire to exert influence and authority over others, you experience a soulful longing to feed this hunger. If you have not cast a spell that has helped you influence the beliefs or actions of others (such as charm person, major image, compulsion, etc.), or spent an hour actively influencing the thoughts and actions of others you will begin to contend with this longing. You must succeed a DC 10 Wisdom saving throw after your next long rest or suffer disadvantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom and Charisma saving throws until you have sated this longing. These effects can be lifted by the means of reverence listed above.  

Accustomed to Darkness. Your eyes are uncommonly attuned to the darkness, providing you with a dark vision radius of 120 feet, but causing you to have disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight when you, the target of your attack, or whatever you are trying to perceive is in direct sunlight.

Corrupted Elf Names: (male) Anlath, Eronden, Inelos, Masver, Odradas, Selrak, Tythol, Vyarrin; (female) Alelen, Cailenn, Derana, Elavie, Kali, Kredis, Sedamine, Zaralzia; (surname) Bloodlord, Blackstalker, Cursebinder, Mooncurse, Palehand, Sternhand, Whitemantle.

Brightfoot Halflings are a bit smaller of stature (often standing less than 3 feet high), with a lighter and swifter frame. This nimbleness and small size allows them to easily hide from notice, even using other people as cover. They’re inclined to be affable and get along well with others. In Ædresta, Brightfoot Halflings’ friendship with the Nalthan’ei has lead to their presence in all lands that were once part of the great Nalthanar. Because of their more laidback disposition, the the Brightfeet have much better relations with other peoples, and the most likely of of their kind to wind up living lives as adventurers.

Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 1.

Vanish from View. Due to your nimbleness and small size, you can attempt to hide creatures that are at least one size larger than you.

Gifted Storytellers. You’ve a natural disposition towards storytelling that gives you advantage on Charisma (Performance) checks when telling stories.

Brightfoot Names: (male) Adelbert, Anson, Conrad, Falkin, Hamlet, Isembold, Perrin, Teagan; (female) Amethyst, Brenna, Donnamira, Elanor, Goldilocks, Lily, Poppy, Tawnie; (surname) Billberry, Farfoot, Greenbottle, Oldbuck, Stoutgrass, Tealeaf, Underhill.

Boldheart Halflings were at one time plains dwellers in the Mogilan Planes of the Horselands (an eastern region of Alésia), but their hard-won esteem for the Nalthan’ei lead to their spread to the west. By contrast to the small Brightfeet clans, Boldhearts are tall and broad (ranging from 3’1” to-3’5”). Despite bragging rights for being the tallest of the Halflings, these little people are still smaller than just about any other race upon Ædresta. It was the legions of Boldheart slingers marching with the armies of Nalthanar that earned the this people the name Azgarâhîn, ‘the children of war.’

Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 1.

Eyes of Fury. The ferocity of the Halfling people lives in you, and a menacing glare can do wonders. You gain advantage on Charisma (Intimidation) checks.

Ferocious Slingers. Due to a lifetime of using the sling, you up the damage dealt with this weapon to 1d6.

Boldheart Names: (male) Berilac, Bungo, Folco, Gorbulas, Hamilcar, Isengar, Longo, Smeagol; (female) Ahana, Balnina, Charla, Enya, Grimalda, Lalia, Magda, Oda; (surname) Banks, Bolger, Burrows, Grubb, Noakes, Pott, Tunnelly.

In most cases throughout Alésia, the merging of Elf and Human is not seen as positive. The proud and long-lived firstborn are outraged at the idea of union with the uncouth and short-lived newcomers, and prefer not to deal with these Half-Blooded people. Humans are often much less overt in their distaste, but frequently harbor secret resentment for the latent talent and grace of Half-Elves. The outstanding exception to this is found in the kingdom of Nalthanas. There, due to millennia of relationships between the Elven peoples (primarily the Dawn and Twilight Elves) and the Nalthan'ei, everyone has at least some elven blood in their family, and manifesting Half-Elven characteristics is often seen as a proof of noble heritage.

Half Orcs share the bloodline of both the passionate and rugged Orcs and the versatility of their human parents. Half Orcs are not naturally disposed towards being evil or wicked by nature (as many would like to believe), but like their Orcish parents, Half Orcs feel emotion deeply. Half Orcs quite often exist as rarities within the lands of Orcs or Humans, and therefore spend their lives as outcasts — either figuratively or win actuality. The great exception to this trend are the Half Orc states in central Alésia, where the these folk have come together to form societies of their own.

Depending upon which Orcish clans they are descended from, Half-Orcs will often have skin tones ranging from grey to pale green — sometimes even reaching tones of dark jade. They bear pronounced tusk-like teeth that rise out of their bottom jaws, and are far more muscular then Humans (though not nearly as bulky as Orcs).

With their center of power in the southern regions of Lutterveld, the Brass banking clans have amassed a tremendous wealth which they are happy to share, as long it is paid back with interest.

Banking with the Brass can be depended on to be a safe bet, and nearly every major city in Barastîr has Brass bank located in it.

Landing first in central coast of Essone, the Silver Dragonborn have made a name for themselves as being savants of political analysis. This ability and reputation has set them up to be the name counted upon in the matter of bonds trading.

Not all Silver Dragonborn are active in the work of their clans, but none are entirely cut off from it either.

The ambitious and direct disposition of the Green Dragonborn pilgrims that first came to Barastîr lead to a natural bond with the rugged folk of Elmen, and it is here that the Green banks are rooted.

Where the Brass banks play the safe and steady game, the Green banks have found success doing just the opposite. Loans are much easier to come by and interest gained on investments can be much higher, but woe to anyone that fails to pay back their debt in a timely manner.

Exceptionally savvy in trade and diplomacy with a hint of the fanatic about them, the Blue Dragonborn settlers found a fast friendship with the sea folk of Barast. A study of the last two hundred years’ history would show the clear link between the establishment of the Blue Banks in the cities of Halen and Eupen and the the shipping monopoly that Barast has built.

These days, a Blue Dragonborn representative of the Barast Exchequer is a common sight on the ships of Barast.