Sea Elves

Lore

Sea Elves, or aquatic elves, are a subrace of elves that dwell in the oceans and seas. Known for their affinity with water, they thrive in underwater environments and have developed a culture and society that reflects their deep connection to the aquatic world. Sea Elves are guardians of underwater realms, maintaining the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and protecting their homes from threats both above and below the waves. They have a longstanding war with the sahuagin, fierce and territorial sea creatures that frequently raid and disrupt Sea Elf communities.

Physical Characteristics

• Height: Typically stand between 5 and 6 feet tall
• Build: Lean and athletic, adapted for swimming
• Hair: Colors range from shades of blue and green to more common elven hues like blonde and brown; often worn long and flowing
• Eyes: Shades of blue, green, or seafoam; bright and reflective, adapted for low-light underwater environments
• Skin: Ranges from pale blue to deep turquoise, with a smooth, slightly iridescent texture

Society and Culture

Sea Elf society is structured around clans and tribes that inhabit various underwater regions, from shallow coastal waters to deep oceanic trenches. Their communities are often built within coral reefs, underwater caves, or sunken ruins, creating harmonious dwellings that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

Key Aspects

• Aquatic Adaptation: Sea Elves are perfectly adapted to life underwater, with the ability to breathe both air and water.
• Guardian Role: They serve as protectors of marine life, often coming into conflict with those who threaten the ocean's balance.
• Art and Craftsmanship: Skilled artisans, Sea Elves create intricate jewelry and tools from coral, shells, and other underwater materials.
• Trade and Alliances: While generally isolated, Sea Elves engage in trade with coastal communities and have alliances with other aquatic races like merfolk and tritons.
• Conflict with Sahuagin: Sea Elves have a longstanding war with the sahuagin, a brutal and aggressive race that frequently attacks their settlements and threatens the stability of their underwater realms.

Relations with Other Races

Sea Elves maintain a cautious but generally peaceful relationship with land-dwelling races. They are wary of humans and other races that exploit the ocean's resources but can form strong alliances with those who respect the sea. They are particularly friendly with coastal elves and have longstanding pacts with other aquatic beings. Their enmity with the sahuagin is well-known, and they often seek aid from other races to combat this common threat.

Common Traits

• Swim Speed: Superior swimming ability, with a swim speed equal to their walking speed.
• Amphibious: Ability to breathe both air and water.
• Darkvision: Superior vision in dark and dim conditions, up to 60 feet underwater.
• Fey Ancestry: Advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can't put them to sleep.
• Control Water: Innate ability to manipulate small amounts of water, useful for both combat and daily life.

Race Traits and Abilities

• Age: Mature at the same rate as humans; lifespan up to 750 years.
• Alignment: Typically Chaotic Good.
• Size: Medium (5 to 6 feet tall).
• Speed: 30 feet, with a swim speed of 30 feet.
• Darkvision: Can see in dim light up to 60 feet underwater.
• Amphibious: Can breathe both air and water.
• Fey Ancestry: Advantage on saving throws against being charmed; immune to magic-induced sleep.
• Friend of the Sea: Can communicate simple ideas with creatures that have a swim speed.
• Trance: Meditative state instead of sleep, remaining semi-conscious.
• Sea Elf Weapon Training: Proficiency with spears, tridents, light crossbows, and nets.
• Child of the Sea: Resistance to cold damage; adapted to deep underwater environments.
• Languages: Speak, read, and write Common, Elvish, and Aquan.

Encompassed species

• Elves