Welcome to the world of Eventyr, a land teeming with a rich tapestry of diverse species, each with its own unique culture, history, and lifespan. This blog post aims to provide an in-depth look into the various D&D species that inhabit this fascinating world. (Note: I typically use the word "species" instead of "race" when referring to what type of creature your character is, e.g. Elf, Dwarf, etc.)
What is Eventyr? Learn more on the webpage dedicated to my sandbox homebrew Dungeons and Dragons world!
1. Humans: The Ubiquitous
Humans, the most common species in Eventyr, hail from a variety of bloodlines. With an average lifespan of 75-90 years, humans are known for their adaptability and resilience. While variant humans are not typically allowed, exceptions can be made with a compelling backstory.
2. Dwarves: The Insular Community
Dwarves, another common species, have a complex and fractious history with Elves, leading them to become an insular community. They often tend to their own affairs and keep to themselves. However, some have branched out over the years, establishing connections with other communities. Dwarves live significantly longer than humans, with an average lifespan of 150-200 years.
3. Elves (High, Eladrin): The Exclusive
High Elves and Eladrin Elves are common in Eventyr, but Drow or other variants are rare. Elves are known for their exclusivity, which sometimes translates into outright prejudice towards other species, preferring to keep to themselves. They are highly religious, worshipping the god Rillifane Rallathil, and have an impressive lifespan of 550-800 years.
A note on Drow (aka Dark Elves): Drow do exist in Eventyr, but they live exclusively in underground societies housed in ancient relics from another extinct species who lived underground. Similar to core D&D Drow engage in a matriarchal society with females seen as more powerful and better, more balanced, leaders. Dissimilar to core D&D the Drow are, on the whole, not evil and do not exclusively worship evil gods or goddesses. They are a chain of neutral societies, each with their own culture and norms. They almost never interact with the surface-dwellers, preferring the company of other underground species.
4. Gnomes: The Artisans
Gnomes are common in Eventyr and are known for their excellent craftsmanship. They are friendly with other species and live harmoniously in villages, towns, and cities across Eventyr. Gnomes have a lifespan of 90-120 years.
5. Halflings: The Harmonious Race
Halflings, like Gnomes, live in harmony with other species and can be found throughout Eventyr pursuing all manner of different careers. They are widely considered kind and friendly and have been neutral in most global conflicts. They have a lifespan of 80-100 years.
6. Half-Elves: The Shunned
Half-Elves are uncommon and often shunned by High Elf communities. Many lead challenging lives, especially those born as a shameful secret to the devout Elven bloodline purists. Half-Elves live for 80-120 years.
7. Dragonborn: The Misunderstood
Dragonborn are fairly uncommon and generally misunderstood. Despite their ancient draconic lineage, they face prejudice regularly, especially the black Dragonborn. They have a lifespan of 50-70 years.
8. Tabaxi: The Novelty
Tabaxi are a rare sight in Eventyr. They are generally welcomed wherever they roam and, while not well understood, are seen as novelties rather than threats. Tabaxi live for 45-60 years.
9. Tieflings: The Oppressed
Tieflings are rare and face a great deal of prejudice due to the belief that they are descended from demons (in Eventyr, they are not). Despite the challenges, some communities have made space for Tieflings. They live for 70-90 years.
10. Wood Elves: The Easy-going
Wood Elves are rare and considerably different from High or Eladrin Elves. They are easy-going and cooperative with others, with a deep spiritual connection with nature. They live for 450-600 years.
11. Orcs: The Diverse
Orcs are rare in Eventyr and incredibly diverse in terms of their backgrounds and upbringing. They have fought hard to earn their place in society and live for 80-100 years.
12. Half-Orcs: The Unique
Half-Orcs, like Orcs, are rare but have carved out a place for themselves in the world. They are often found in blue-collar jobs due to their unique strength and charisma. Half-Orcs have a lifespan of 75-90 years.
13. Harengon: The Mistrustful
Harengon are very rarely seen in Eventyr. They are mistrustful of outsiders and tend to live in their own picturesque communities. Harengon have a lifespan of 90-120 years.
14. Kenku: The Mimics
Kenku are considered a sub-species of the Aarakocra that evolved over time. They are supreme mimics and communicate using noises and words they have heard others make. Kenku have a lifespan of 45-60 years.
15. Aarakocra: The Insular
Aarakocra are the most insular species of Eventyr. They have a single fortress in the Impassable North where they only confer with their own kind. Aarakocra live for 50-70 years.
16. Changeling: The Misunderstood
Changelings are very rare and can typically trace their lineage down to a single bloodline, the Starweaver family from Shade Island. They are often looked down upon because they are seen as being untruthful with their very identity. Changelings have a lifespan of 75-90 years.
17. Warforged: The Noble
Warforged were once a more common sight, but due to prejudice against their kind, they were hunted into near extinction a hundred years ago. They are strong, noble, proud figures who can and do lead full lives, but they find themselves in a world unprepared to accept their uniqueness. With the right parts, Warforged can live pretty much forever.
Eventyr is a world filled with a variety of species, each with its own unique characteristics, cultures, and histories. Understanding these species and their interactions with each other is crucial to understanding the world of Eventyr itself. Whether you're a human, dwarf, elf, or a rare Warforged, there's a place for you in this diverse and fascinating world.
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