Elves

D&D 3e (3.0/3.5) Rules

by Jeremy Forbing

Elves are generally the same on Krynn as they are in the Player's Handbook. Most of the various elven groups trace their lineage back to the Silvanesti elves, though the Kagonesti claim to be closer to an elf's true nature than any of the others.

Subrace: Silvanesti Elves

The Silvanesti consider themselves the noblest and highest of the elven races, with the purest lineage and the proudest history. Named for their legendary founder Silvanos, the Silvanesti inhabit a large, insular nation in the forests of Southeastern Ansalon.

As a whole, Silvanesti place little trust in outsiders, and consider intermarriage-- even with other elven races-- to be inappropriate, if not wicked. They have strained relations with every other race on the face of Krynn, and little or no tolerance for those they consider their inferiors. During their occupation of Southern Ergoth during the War of the Lance, they even went so far as to enslave a race of fellow elves, the Kagonesti. This racism is perpetuated by their lack of communication with other races, for Silvanesti keep to themselves save in the most desperate times. Despite their arrogance, they are considered one of the most advanced and learned peoples in Ansalon. Silvanesti are strictly divided into an unyielding caste system, known as the Houses. At the top of the system is House Royal, from which their nobles-- including Speaker of the Stars, their monarch-- descend. Beneath this house are crafts guilds, such as House Gardener, House Protector and House Woodshaper. Beneath all these is House Servitor, which consists of base workers and servants (and into to which the Kagonesti were lumped).

Silvanesti have light-brown to blonde or even white hair. Black hair, however, is considered the mark of House Royal. These elves prefer loose, flowing robes and capes in shades of green or other forest colors that compliment their hazel eyes. Their fair-skins are matched by voices of great delicacy and melody, and they move with inimitable grace.

Game Rules: In addition to the normal elven ability score modifiers of +2 to Dexterity and -2 to Constitution, Silvanesti receive a +2 to Intelligence and a -2 to Strength. In all respects not described above, they are identical to the gray elf Subrace described in the Monster Manual.

Subrace: Qualinesti Elves

The Qualinesti Nation was founded by the Silvanesti Prince Kith-Kanan, who led a group comprised primarily of elves from the Silvanesti House Protector to found their own kingdom in the southern lands of the Abanasinian subcontinent.

Less insular and intolerant than their cousins in the East, the Qualinesti nonetheless distrust humans somewhat, due to their belief that human arrogance caused the Cataclysm. Kender are seen as childlike cousins, and half-elves-- many born of rape during the dark years after the Cataclysm-- are viewed as unfortunates to whom the community owes guidance.

Qualinesti society has little of the strictness characteristic of the Silvanesti, and in fact there is a democratic element. Though the Speaker of the Suns--a descendant of Kith-Kanan--holds the highest title, the people are also represented by a house of Senators. Individuality is prized among the Qualinesti, though tradition must be observed, especially by those of high birth.

Compared to their Silvanesti cousins, the Qualinesti are short. They tend towards darker skin tones, with eyes of blue or brown and hair ranging from honey-brown to blonde. They have strong, pleasant voices and a friendly, open manner. They prefer long dresses for women and woven trousers and jerkins for men, and both sexes tend to wear earth tones.

Game Rules: Except as noted, Qualinesti are identical to the regular elves ("high elves") described in the Player's Handbook and the Monster Manual.

Subrace: Kagonesti Elves

Often referring to themselves as the "true elves" that have stayed closer to the ways of the original elven race, the Kagonesti are a passionate and wild people with short tempers and a fierce, abiding pride.

Unlike the other elves, the Kagonesti do not build cities, instead settling in villages of impermanent wood and hide buildings. They live in tribes composed of family groups, and are led by chiefs.

Kagonesti believe all things have a living spirit with in them, and because of this they show great respect to nature.

Though they are no larger in height than other elves, the Kagonesti tend to be much more muscular in build and fierce in appearance. Their dark hair and hazel eyes match the colors of the wilderness, and they tattoo or paint their skin to camouflage themselves as well as for spiritual purposes. Only in age does their hair whiten into the silver often seen among the Silvanesti.

Almost all Kagonesti clothing is made of leather, and they adorn themselves and their clothes with feathers, paints, turquoise, and silver.

Game Details: In addition to the normal elven ability score modifiers of +2 to Dexterity and -2 to Constitution, Kagonesti receive a +2 to Strength, -2 to Intelligence and a -2 to Charisma. In all respects not described above, they are identical to the wood elf Subrace described in the Monster Manual. Unlike other elves, their favored class is ranger.

Subrace: Dimernesti and Dargonesti Elves

Culturally similar to the Kagonesti, the Dimernesti and Dargonesti are the descendants of Silvanesti mariners who were altered by the power of the Graygem of Gargath. These changes left them adapted to life beneath the sea, and they breathe water as easily as air.

Their adaptations also drastically altered their appearance, giving them blue, rubbery skin, webbed fingers and toes, and wide, narrow-pupilled eyes. They tend towards Silvanesti hair-colors, although silver hair is far more prevalent.

The Dimernesti have the power to transform into sea otters at will, and the Dargonesti can become dolphins in the same manner.

Game Details: Dimernesti and Dargonesti are treated as aquatic elves, as described in the Monster Manual, and as such they receive a +2 to Dexterity and a -2 to Intelligence. An aquatic elf's favored class is fighter.

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