Dargonesti

About

Dargonesti Elves are one of the two primary types of sea elves that are also known as the deep elves. Like their cousins the Dimernesti Elves, they originally hail from the land elves, but were altered by the Graygem and leapt into the depths of the seas in the early ages of Krynn. The Dargonesti are known to be a particularly proud and haughty folk, with an attitude that is rather akin to the Silvanesti. The deep elves are led by the Speaker of the Moon, who traditionally ruled from the ancient kingdom of Watermere.

When first entering the sea, the deep elves founded the great kingdom of Watermere, and then spread outwards across the sea floor, where they established other settlements. Near the Dragon Isles are located the two mighty Dargonesti cities of Darthalla and Dargonest and southwards of Ansalon is the Dargonesti city of Urione. Following the Cataclysm and the fall of the holy city of Istar, Dargonesti elves claimed the ruins of Istar and this also became one of their chief settlements. In the years following the Cataclysm, the Dargonesti offered their aid to the Dimernesti, seeing how tidalwaves and undersea earthquakes decimated the settlements of the shoal elves. However their cousins refused the offer of assistance and the two underwater elven races grew apart.

Characteristics

The average male Dargonesti elf stands at seven feet tall, whilst females normally stand at six feet in height. Considerably taller than their elven cousins on land, they are slightly bulkier than their land cousins, however they are still more agile and slender than the typical human. The Dargonesti bear dark blue skin that is compared to the deep blue of the ocean, and have long webbed hands and feet that allow them to glide through the water. Dargonesti can breathe air easily enough, however they also possess small-feathered gill slits below each ear that allows them to breathe underwater with ease. Hair color for Dargonesti elves ranges from dark green to pale gold, and a few rare deep elves have been known to have black or silver hair. The deep elves have large eyes with small pupils that range in color from blue-green to deep indigo, and a small few sometimes have either yellow or black pupils. Dargonesti elves are considered adults when they reach 40 years of age, and the average Dargonesti can live up to 1000 years of age.

In the depths of the ocean, Dargonesti wear very little, usually only bits of seaweed or the occasional bit of clothing crafted from sea plants. Above the waves, they tend to wear cloaks or robes that hide their blue skin from the eyes of strangers. The Dargonesti are devoutly religious and worship three main gods. Most deep elves worship either Abbuku the Fisher (Habbakuk), Kisla the Mother of the Sea (Chislev) or Zura the Maelstrom (Zeboim). The worship of Zura was once considered outlawed and not acceptable, however the inhabitants of Urione openly worshipped her in the Age of Dreams and have continued to do so even beyond the War of Souls. There is some minor worship of other gods such as Estarin (Branchala), Ke-en (Mishakal). Krijol (Kiri-Jolith) and Matheri (Majere). The deep elves also revere the three gods of magic, as they recognise that the three gods even control all magic under the waves.

Dargonesti elves possess the traditional elvensight that all members of their race have, allowing them to see twice as far in the dark as humans. Sea elves also possess seasense, which allows them to sense differences in the water, alerting them to pollutants, changes in pressure or depth. The deep elves also have the gift of being able to polymorph themselves into a dolphin up to three times a day, a form that they can maintain indefinitely.

The Beekatawahb

The Beekatawahb (means "fringe elves") are a special group of Dargonesti Elves in Watermere. They believe in helping others no matter what race. Beekatawahb often helped wayward sailors. Some Dargonesti believe the Beekatawhab are crazy and call them Foobwahb (means "crazy elves"). Their philosophy is considered on the fringe of the "normal" Dargonesti's philosophy and they tend to live on the borderlands of Watermere. The Beekatawahb were last known to be led by Toouata Solacehand.

Dargonesti Elf - Player Race

As a Dargonesti elf, or “deep” elf, you hale from the deepest, darkest parts of Krynn’s oceans, and have adapted to life below the surface. You have the following racial features in addition to the elven features found on page 23 of the Player’s Handbook.

Ability Score Increase. You gain +1 to your strength score.
Aquatic. Dargonesti can breath underwater, have advantage on Strength (Athletics) checks made while swimming, and never have to make Strength (Athletic) checks to move in water.
Alternate Form. You can assume the form of a porpoise as an action a number of times per day equal to your constitution bonus. You regain all uses of this feature upon completing a long rest.
Surface Sensitivity. You have disadvantage on all attacks, saving throws and ability checks if you are out of water for more than 24 hours.
Sea Elf Weapon Training. You are proficient with spears, tridents, and nets.