Alternate Subraces: An Introduction

In Theril their are a number subraces that can be taken instead of the subraces specific to each race. These reflect conditions or differences which effect all races equal, unlike the malign which warps races differently.

Attuned. Some feel the pull of the distant elemental planes, these are the attuned. They carry within themselves a small elemental essence which allows them to manifest minor powers. Those attuned with the plane of elemental fire are called Jinn, those attuned with the plane of elemental water are called Undine, those attuned with the plane of elemental earth are called Oread, those attuned with the plane of elemental air are called Sylph, those attuned with the plane of elemental life are called Saryph, and those attuned with the plane of elemental death are called Grymm.

Enduring. Those who have been afflicted with undeath, but have yet to become mindless are called the Enduring. They are known as this as maintaining sentience as an undead is a feat of endurance. Those who loose their purpose, or those who experience too much pain or lose inevitable give up there faculties, becoming harrowed shells of their former selves. The enduring are describe by two types; the Fetch, incorporeal spirits who have not been consumed by the plane of death but maintain their personalities, and the Draug who retain their corpse forms, often appearing almost as they did in life.

Diseased. There are many diseases in Theril, many mundane but some supernatural. Some diseases allow their victims to leave for extended periods of time without crippling them; though their effects are still pronounced. Most common is the Soulflame plague that struck down spellcasters (both divine and arcane) during the breaking of the world. The plague continues in those without power in their soul who was exposed to the tangle flames that were extruded by casters, The infect react poorly to the presence of arcane magic, releasing bursts of multi hued fire when struck struck by magic. Much more sinister is the appearance of the Faceless after the breaking, their lower faces being reformed as tentacles and a lamprey-like mouth. Those infected do develop the ability to communicate via telepathy as well as an ability to unleash a damaging scream

Merges. A range of, often useful, parasites exist in Theril. In some cases people seek out the parasites to improve themselves, other times it is an accident when they get exposed. It is often unclear whether it is the host or the parasite that is actual the seat of sentience in the creature. An Elan is someone who has accepted the Elan into their very soul. The Elan is a strange and massive being which is neither corporeal or ethereal, it simply exists, some scholars suggesting it exists outside of the cosmos as known. Those who have merged with the Elan no longer need to sleep, and can often heal themselves by force of will by siphoning energy from their soul. They are constantly followed by a strange music, a calling from the Elan through them into the world. Those who allow crystalline memory into there bodies become Shardminds. Even a small sliver will find it's way into the brain, where it consumes the memories of the host. In exchange the host gains access to the memories locked within the crystal, learning ancient mysteries. Finally there is a strange stain of worms which have the incredible ability to reknit the flesh of any organism it abides within. The Wyrmfleshed as they are known are incredibly endurable and often impossible to kill, though it is also associated with a love of spoiled food and carrion.



With the introduction of the alternate subraces we have completed the description of the different race options in Theril. Obviously when creating the races I had to keep in mind that each race could take any of these subraces, thus having to ensure they were balance with that in mind.

I like some of the stranger themes that arise with these subraces, and they have proven quite popular among my play test players. I'll be interested to hear as to whether you all think the mechanic is balanced when I release all of them.

With this post, the majority of the 'more or less' complete content is done. I will begin to release the races statistics and descriptions tomorrow, and will be moving to a biweekly release schedule.