Alani

Descendants of the Astral Crystals

The Alani are one of the prominent peoples of Gailardia.
At the center of the Prime Material Plane resides the illustrious Alani. Widely known for their kinship and mastery of the magical arts, their kind have long stood tall as one of the most powerful people among Mortalkind. Said to have descended directly from the ancient crystalline prececessors of Mortalkind, they hold themselves in high esteem and wield ambition to strive for the top of the world. With crystalline soul shard in hand, their vision is a world enriched by the light of Astral wonders through diligence, knowledge, and respect.

Personality

Many among the Alani carry themselves with a certain degree of grace and dignity, traits which others are known to associate with paragons of nobility. However, their noble presentation is widely known to go one of two ways; Those who wield their grace with a kind heart in service to others, and those who allow arrogance to take hold in service of themselves. This grants their kind a level of distrust from those around them, at least until they prove themselves worthy of mutual kindness.
Much like the nobility found in other parts of the world, such worries apply more commonly to those who live within their cities. Venture beyond the shimmering walls and you will find the more humble of their kind. Even so, no matter their origins, Alani are often very ambitious and commonly strive towards greater heights, regardless of how lofty they may be. They often dream big and have the mindset to achieve their goals by almost any means necessary.
The disparity between commoners and the higher echolons is often quite clear. Reaching the top can be a long and difficult road, one paved with years, if not decades of hard work and true diligence. Despite the arrogance sometimes held by those more privileged than most, Alani are very respectful of those who have overcome the obstacles in their path. Should a common peasant reach the pinnacle of Alani society, they shall know the true respect of their fellow peers.

Physical Description

Alani stand at an average height of 150-180 cm, or 5-6 feet. Their skin is often light and fair, with some holding a tan or darker complexions from their frequent time beyond the shade of civilization. While many bear hair colors ranging from the usual blonds and blacks, it is common for some to have more unusual colors such as deep red or dark blue. It is common for Alani to have long and elegant hair, male facial hair also a common sight but often kept short and refined outside of the eldest.
Along with a faint glow of their eyes, shimmering with crystalline colors, their most unique trait is their crystal. Sharing in the color of their eyes, this small fragment is one they are born with and often fashion into a piece of jewelry as it commonly releases itself from their bodies. Often believed to hold a piece of their soul, many feeling incomplete without it, it is common practice to enchant these to make theft almost impossible, and even touching the crystal of an Alani without permission is considered a crime.
Alani attire is almost always quite colorful and elegant, even amongst commoners wishing to remain fashionable during the most mundane of chores. Due to their society's focus on magic, many also possess a robe from their days in the academy where they learn to understand the basics of magic. Jewelry and other accessories are quite common, and some may bear magical sigils and runic tattoos on their bodies. Alani reach maturity around the age of 25, are considered adults by 100, and live for several centuries, few reaching their full lifespan of about 520 years.

Relations

The following is a general guideline to how the Alani perceive others of Mortalkind:

• Allies - Tao
• Esteemed - Vanu
• Respected - Draconian
• Friendly - Ethirian, Gnome, Runai
• Neutral - Dwarf, Goliath, Kobold, Dhakari
• Unfriendly - Human, Gaian
• Despised - Goblin, Orc
• Hated - None
• Enemies - None

Moral Compass

Alani are very Goal-driven and when pushed to the edge will often choose to further their ambitions before anything else. This often creates a delicate balance of Temptation, as some Goals may be easier to reach when you choose not to limit yourself. However, there are those who choose Conscience over their Goal, or forge a strong personal Oath to never cross certain lines, even in pursuit of their own ambition. Some Alani are known to allow their Whims to take over, mostly when a time comes where they can flaunt their power or prove themselves superior.

Alani Lands

Alani are known to make effective and efficient use of magic to enhance their livelihoods, having been responsible for a variety of Arcane advancements to improve civilization across Gailardia. Ever rich in mana and forged through Astral knowledge, even in times of hardship has Alani society known prosperity due to their Arcane ways to provide for their people. However, some have often sought to keep such pleasures to the nobility, leaving smaller settlements to suffer.
Since ancient times have Alani been lead by nobility, the most influential and successful standing tall above others. At their side stands one chosen by their people, a representative of the common man to provide counsel and allow those yet to rise to the top to let their voices be heard. Due to the differing ideologies of their noble houses, Alani society has known leaders seeking vastly different goals throughout the ages, but rarely striving from a path of knowledge and enlightenment.
No matter the settlement, all but the poorest Alani receive extensive education and basic knowledge of magic. This leaves very few without the opportunity to seek new heights but some still choose the simple life, without neglecting on doing their utmost to sustain their nation. Alani who rise through the ranks and prove their merit have been known to be sought out by other nations, their diligence and skill invaluable to further advance the livelihoods in most corners of the world.
Alani are most commonly found in the following lands:

Rei'Crest

The ancestral homeland of the Alani, nestled in the heart of Gailardia amidst the northern plains of Orenia. Lead by the High Elder and each Elder of the eight noble houses of old, the heart of Alani civilization is a land rich in study and ambitious pursuits, most commonly towards Arcane progress. The vast majority of Alani dwell within the borders of their homeland, enjoying the safety of its great cities whether they live inside their walls or amidst the vast farmlands beyond.

Rai'Zanna

The floating island of Rai'Zanna soars across the skies of Gailardia, annually returning to its former home in Abynnia. Governed by the Lord-Grand Admiral, this extraordinary city state houses souls driven by a desire for peace and unity. Among them stand a vast number of Alani, some still loyal to their homeland while others have chosen a new purpose. Due to its ever-shifting location, its denizens are known for their sense of adventure and desire to visit new lands.

Cordallia

Across the lands of Abynnia lie the numerous states united under the Concord Alliance, commonly referred to simply as Cordallia. Primarily governed by the native peoples of its lands through the Cordalli Council, Alani count among denizens of these enchanting shores. Although some chose this life in favor of their ancestral home, others instead remain loyal to their roots and continue their ambitious ways by exploring their home in search of its secrets, for themselves and their people.

Religion

Alani have commonly sought to look towards the highest power of purity when it comes to their religious faith. This has lead them to devote themselves to the prophetic visions of the Divine Matron and the Celestine Pantheon. Their belief is that while the Draconic masters of the Drakanii Pantheon are powerful shapers of the world, they are but mere servants, while the Celestine deities more directly speak for the Divine Matron herself. The few who do have faith in the Drakanii are those who look to Garon for his supreme rule over magic itself.
It is common practice to offer prayer to the gods on the day of Ceya, blessing the coming week with light and good fortune. While the Divine Matron stands as their prime deity, only few offer her direct worship, instead giving praise to her servants for their respective domains of power. Despite how the remaining deities are thought to also serve the will of the land, most Alani would rather avoid delving into worship of the Therion Pantheon as the realms of the Nether remain a place of darkness commonly unfit for the radiance of the Alani.
Common deities include:

• Rhea - Prime deity, and common with the leaders of the clergy
• Varin - Leaders, champions of light, and lawbringers
• Alarriel - Knights, soldiers, and students of martial skill
• Lyriah - Mages, scholars, and students of spellcraft
• Taralon - Rangers, scouts, hunters, and assassins

Language

Alani commonly speak the Crestir Language of their home nation, and may choose to speak Gaia, the common tongue of Gailardia.
Additional Languages often include:

• Runic - The language of magic, often taught at some point during their education.
• Landir - The language of Cor Landis, as to communicate with their most common ally.
• Celari - The language of the Celestial races, in hopes to commune with the Divine.

Names

Alani commonly carry a family name, passed down for generations, or bestowed upon them. Those who prove themselves exceptionally capable are often presented with a new family name to allow for their bloodline to stand tall amongst others. This is often at the behest of great artisans, under which they have served as an apprentice, a superior officer in the military, or any noble lord who deems them worthy for their service.
Male
Talariel, Aerani, Elonmora, Neleress, Falarin
Female
Phyra, Jylliah, Selina, Kyllarin, Ellyrica
Family
Frostbane, Nightblade, Riftwalker, Westwind, Firegale

Adventurers

Alani who venture into new lands often seek the means to achieve their goals, or do research outside their libraries. They will often push their own agenda above others, even if their intentions seek to benefit others with their success. Others merely travel to demonstrate the greatness of the Alani, using their might in arms or sorcery to make a name for themselves wherever they go.

Heritage

Alani are commonly distinguished by their ancient heritage to the elven kingdoms of old, or those whose crystalline light has shown signs of fading.

Blood

Descendants of the mighty warriors of the north, the Blood Elves are known for their fierce ambition and devotion to martial prowess. Through mastery of the Arcane and Divine they enhance their prowess in battle, ever loyal to their cause. Just as their loyalty and diligence burns brightly, so too may their temper spark in the face of cowardice and those who would oppose their will. Much like the blood rubies of the northern depths, they often bear crimson reds to honor their lineage and add to an already intimidating aesthetic.

Iron

Not all find themselves with the same crystalline glow as their brethren, the Iron Elves said to have fallen from grace in ages past. Some say they failed to respect the wonders of magic, others that they abandoned their dreams, but regardless of circumstance their innate splendor has faded, if only faintly. While some strive for greatness to redeem themselves, others embrace their fate and turn to humble and quiet lives. Their kind holds no distinguishing colors and embrace humble hues or the crystals' myriad of shades.

Moon

The Moon Elves lay claim to the first discoveries of Arcane magic as they turned to the glistening heavens of the night. Devoted to tradition and diligent practice of magic they often lose themselves to time under the silvery hue of their namesake. Few other students of the Arcane and all magical arts can compare to their tenacity and fervor, often leading to absentminded souls with their nose in a tome. Their garments and colors are those of the Astral light, primarily in the form of shimmering and radiant blues.

Sun

While the rest of their kin sought to claim land in ages past, the Sun Elves chose a more peaceful existence across the rolling hills and plains. They sought to bask in the radiance of the land itself and explore its wonders underneath the warm glow of the sun. To this day, they continue to serve as guardians of the simpler joys in life and house those with closer ties to the Primal ways of magic, blessed with kind hearts and bright spirits. Their radiance often emerges in the yellow grace of daylight which is woven into their garments.

Moon Heritage

Personality

Ambitious
Dignified
Noble

Height

150-180 cm
5-6 feet

Skin Color

Light to tanned

Hair Color

Often uncommon colors

Hair Style

Often long and elegant

Facial Hair

Often short and refined

Unique Traits

Alani Crystal
Faint Eye Glow
Pointed Ears

Eye Color

Various, but same as Alani Crystal

Age

Maturity: 25
Adulthood: 100
Lifespan: 520

Moral Compass

Frequent:
Goal
Common:
Oath, Conscience, or Temptation
Uncommon:
Whim

Homeland

Rei'Crest

Heritage

Blood
Iron
Moon
Sun

Blood Heritage

Sun Heritage

Iron Heritage

Traits

Hit Points

Your base HP is 8.

Languages

You gain Crestir, Gaia, and one additional Language of your choice from the following:
The Languages of Gailardia

Size

You are a Medium Creature.

Skill Points

Your choice of Heritage grants 1 Bonus SP in the following Skill Categories:

• Blood - Influence
• Iron - Trade
• Moon - Knowledge
• Sun - Athletics

Speed

Your base Speed is 4, and your maximum Speed is 12.

Type

You are considered a Humanoid Creature.

Unique

You were born with an Alani Crystal embedded in your body, later turned into an accessory of your choice.
This is a shard of crystallized mana, said to hold a fragment of your soul and enchanted to be immensely difficult to steal.
Your Alani Crystal can store a single Spell of a Rank equal to your Combat Proficiency.
This lasts indefinitely, until you die, or until expended by using 2 AP during your Turn.
The Spell must adhere to the following:

• Must be able to only affect you.
• Must have a Casting Time of 2 AP or less.
• Must have a Range of Personal or Touch.
• Cannot require Concentration.

Talents

1st-Level

Arcane Flow

Requirements: Moon Heritage
You gain a single Arcane Rank 1 Spell of your choice as a Magical Ability once per Rest.
Your Proficiency with this Ability is simply your Combat Proficiency.
Additionally, you gain the Prestidigitation Cantrip.
If you already have access to Prestidigitation, you instead gain a Cantrip of your choice.

Basic Spellcraft

Requirements: Alani Ancestry
You gain a single Cantrip of your choice, along with the Prestidigitation Cantrip.
Your Proficiency with this Ability is simply your Combat Proficiency.
If you already have access to Prestidigitation, you instead gain a second Cantrip of your choice.

Mana Shimmer

Requirements: Alani Ancestry
You gain Darkvision (6).

Defensive Training

Requirements: Blood Heritage
You may add your Combat Proficiency to Light Armor and Shields.

Free Spirit

Requirements: Sun Heritage
Your Speed improves by +1.

Hard at Work

Requirements: Iron Heritage
Choose a single Trade Skill you are proficient with.
Once per Rest, you may choose to gain Advantage on a single Skill Check of that type.

Knowledge is Power

Requirements: Moon Heritage
Choose a single Knowledge Skill you are proficient with.
Once per Rest, you may choose to gain Advantage on a single Skill Check of that type.

Martial Training

Requirements: Blood Heritage
You may add your Combat Proficiency to Martial Weapons.

Toil Away

Requirements: Iron Heritage
You gain 1 Bonus HP per Level.

Well Traveled

Requirements: Sun Heritage
You may ignore Natural Difficult Terrain.

5th-Level

Arcane Armaments

Requirements: Blood Heritage
You gain Magic Weapon(Improved) as a Magical Ability once per Rest.
The Circumstance bonus is instead equal to half your Combat Proficiency.

Elves' Best Friend

Requirements: Sun Heritage
You gain Speak with Animals (1 Hour) as a Magical Ability once per Rest.

Melody of Light

Requirements: Moon Heritage
You gain Detect Magic(Focus) as a Magical Ability once per Rest.

Word of the Wise

Requirements: Iron Heritage
You gain Translate(Range) as a Magical Ability once per Rest.

9th-Level

Crystalline Heart

Requirements: Alani Ancestry
When your HP falls to 0 or less, you recover a number of HP equal to your Level.
If this effect bring you to 1 HP or more, you are not Beaten and Dying.
If not, you are still Beaten, but not Dying.
This Ability may be used once per Rest, and you must have your Alani Crystal in your possession to use this Ability.

Mana Sight

Requirements: Alani Ancestry, Darkvision
Your Darkvision improves to Darkvision (Superior).