Aëlf
Origin & Overview
Aëlf are a unique and lesser-known branch of the vast elven family. Unlike their taller and more regal cousins, Aëlf have evolved in micro-dimensions or extremely magical fairy enclaves. This overexposure to mana has condensed their metabolism, drastically reducing their size while saturating their blood with incandescent or nocturnal energy, depending on the celestial body their enclave was linked to.
Physiology and Luminescent Fluid
Aëlf are physically tiny, with extremely sharp and delicate features. Their most striking trait is the luminescent fluid that circulates within their veins. In some areas, their skin is so translucent that this fluid creates moving and hypnotic patterns on their skin (similar to liquid tattoos).
Aëlf Names
Aëlf names are generally similar to traditional elven names, but they favor surnames that evoke celestial bodies and light.
Examples of First Names: Aramil, Enna, Laucian, Sariel, Meriele.
Examples of Last Names: Radiant-Dawn, Starfall, Shadow-Glow, Night-Veil.
Racial Traits
The dimensional mutation of your lineage has uniquely shaped your metabolism.
You have the following racial traits.
Age. Aëlf live as long as their standard cousins, often exceeding 700 years.
Size & Weight. You stand between 1.1 and 1.3 meters tall and weigh around 25 kilograms. Your size is Small.
Movement Speed. The fluid flowing in your veins energizes you. Your base speed is 10.5 meters.
Creature Type. You are a Humanoid.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Elvish.
Darkvision. You can see in dim light within 18 meters as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light.
Fey Ancestry. You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic cannot put you to sleep.
Trance. You do not need to sleep. You meditate deeply, remaining semi-conscious, for 4 hours a day to gain the benefits of a long rest.
The Solar Aëlf
Your blood boils with the incandescent purity of dawn.
You have the following racial traits.
Solar Appearance. Your skin ranges from intense golden tones to coppery orange. Your eyes glow like embers without pupils, and your internal fluid emits a comforting warmth and golden light.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity increases by 2 and your Charisma by 1.
Incandescence. The solar fluid in your veins prevents you from going unnoticed in darkness. You can use a bonus action to illuminate the patterns on your body, emitting bright light in a 3-meter radius and dim light for an additional 3 meters. You can extinguish this light with another bonus action.
Radiant Magnetism. The warm aura emanating from you instills confidence. You gain proficiency in either the Persuasion or Performance skill (your choice).
Solar Magic. You know the cantrip Light. At 3rd level, you can cast the spell Faerie Fire once per long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.
The Lunar Aëlf
Your soul is cradled by the icy tranquility of the night sky.
You have the following racial traits.
Lunar Appearance. Your skin is alabaster white with deep dark blue or violet undertones. Your eyes are pure silver, and your fluid pulses with a bluish and cold glow, reacting to starlight.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity increases by 2 and your Intelligence by 1.
Cold Radiance. Your lunar fluid absorbs light rather than projecting it. You have advantage on saving throws against effects that would blind you (Blinded condition).
Shadow Movement. You have proficiency in the Stealth skill.
Lunar Magic. You know the cantrip Dancing Lights. At 3rd level, you can cast the spell Sleep once per long rest. Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for these spells.
