"Fangorn's Song

Learn now the lore of Living Creatures!
First name the four, the free peoples:
Eldest of all, the elf-children;
Dwarf the delver, dark are his houses;
Ent the earthborn, old as mountains;
Man the mortal, master of horses:

J.R.R Tolkien The Two Towers"

Endor is a land of uncountable cultures and peoples, but those who are considered playable races for this campaign are the following:

ELVES: The first to awaken and venture onto Middle earth.  A graceful and noble race of immortal beings who mostly resemble Men, but shine with an inner light that betrays their unique creation and gifts.  No other race in Endor has been so blessed with more, or cursed so much by the hand of Fate.

Elves are, on average, taller than most Men, but are uniformly slender and have less body hair.  Elven men have no beards or other facial hair (with a single known exception.  Cirdan the Shipwright).  Fair, almost unearthly features and sparkling eyes combine to give elves an enchanted aura.  They are naturally deft, and exceedingly graceful, agile and light of foot, it is not surprising to find that they leave little trace of of their passing, and can walk on the surface of freshly fallen snow.  Their gentle appearance belies great strength, however.  Elves are naturally resistant to the effects of extreme temperatures and are practically immune to disease or sickness from any natural source.

Of all the peoples of Middle earth, the Elves best understand and love nature and the creations of Eru.  They were the first people to use language and their desire to understand all living things has made them natural linguists.  They often call themselves, the Quendi, which means the "speakers."  All elves add plus two to the number of languages their Intelligence normally allows (these extra slots may not be spent on other non weapon profs, they MUST spent on languages).

Elves do not sleep, but instead they rest by meditating for three to four hours a day.  These precious hours of reverie allow them to relive past memories, and to recall events with remarkable clarity.  While in this trance like state they are difficult to awaken, returning to consciousness at a predetermined time.  Violence and danger will arouse them early, however.  Three to four hours of meditation is equivalent to eight hours of rest for an elf and thus they may regain all lost spells and heal normally.  This manner of rest is in keeping with the Elves love of the night.  Their own name for themselves is "the people of the stars" and indeed, no other people may see so well at night; elves may see on a starlit evening as well as a man at the height of day.  Elven sight is ideal for dark shadowed forests, or dim cloudy skies and allows them a mobility unlike any other race.  In absolute darkness, however, they fare no better than any other people.

Elves are immortal, and typically die from only two causes: violence or world weariness.  Elves are the only race who may choose to sail to the Undying Lands, and by the Fourth Age almost all have left Middle earth, save most of the Silvan Elves and a small number of the Sindar.  Rare indeed is the Noldo who has chosen to stay in Endor, if indeed any remain on the shores of Middle earth by the Fourth Age.

The three distinct ELF races are listed below.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:28, Sun 12 Feb 2017.

NOLDOR:(sing Noldo)  Often called the High Elves or Deep Elves ostensibly because they are the most noble of the Quendi.  In fact it is because only they (of the elves of Endor) have been blessed to live in the Undying Realm of Aman.  Their thirst for knowledge was an almost overwhelming passion, though their deep knowledge did not always confer wisdom.  Of all the Elves, they were the most devoted to crafts, and it was the Noldor who fashioned the fabled Silmarils, as well as the Three Elven Rings. At their best, the Noldor can be intense, passionate, and inspiring leaders.  They are the rarest of the Elven races in Middle earth.

Physical Character

Build: Of all Elves, they are the strongest and sturdiest of build, though they are still uniformly slimmer than most Men.

Colouring: Most are dark haired, and have grey or hazel eyes betraying a proud demeanor.  Those from the House of Finarfin are fair haired and blue eyed, due to the Vanyar influences.

Endurance:  While their capacity to carry heavy burdens is typically no greater than most physically fit Men, they may travel sixteen to twenty hours a day without the need for rest.  They do not sleep, but meditate for three to four hours each day.  This restores any spell casting abilities, as well as healing them as normal for a full night's sleep.

Height: Males average six foot seven" in height; females about six three".

Lifespan: They are immortal, and may only die due to violence or becoming weary of the world.

Resistance: They virtually never scar and are almost completely immune to any natural disease being 95% resistant.
Like all elves they are 90% resistant to sleep and charm.
Noldor like all Elves, are resistant to extremes of temperature.  +2 to save verses cold attacks.

Special Abilities:  Under Moonlight or Starlight, Elves see as well as a man at the height of day.  In other dim light circumstances, an Elf may see at least fifty feet very well, and one hundred feet fairly well.  In complete darkness however, magical or otherwise, they cannot see at all.

Their hearing is three times that of the average Man.

When employing a bow of any sort other than a crossbow, or when using a short or long sword, elves gain a bonus of +1 to their attack rolls.

Noldorin characters start with one free non weapon proficiency in a craft or art of their choice.

Noldor, alone of all the elven peoples, may use "mindspeak" to communicate to one another silently.  They must be able to see the elf to whom they wish to speak.  They seldom speak to any other but their fellow Noldor in this fashion, but can speak to almost any intelligent being using mindspeak, even if that being cannot use mindspeak themselves.

Culture

Clothing and Decoration: They favour rich clothing, and items of fine craftsmanship, and often have the appearance of great wealth.

Fears/Inabilities: None

Lifestyle: Among the Elves of Middle-earth, the Noldor are the most ordered.  While their brethren are content to wander or mark time in quiet diffusion, the Noldor seek to build communities and states in beautiful guarded places.

Marriage Pattern: Monogamous and for life.  They sometimes marry Men.  Such unions produce Half-elves.

Religion: Informal and centered around communal celebration and personal meditation.  Like the Dwarves, the Noldor are fiery craftsmen who are fast friends of Aulë, and it was the Smith who imbued them with a heightened respect for that which is fashioned by skill.  It is not surprising, then, to find the Noldor revere Aulë above all other Valar, save Varda herself.  Like all the elves, they worship Varda as the giver of light and maker of the stars.

Other Factors

Demeanor: Regardless of their line, all Noldor are noble of bearing and carry themselves with assurance. They are haughty, and often appear arrogant.  They are the most passionate and inquisitive of the three kindreds, being filled with an overwhelming desire for experience, and mastery in the arts and the ways of the world.  Because of their thirst for knowledge, the Noldor often fall prey to lust, corruption and hubris.

Language:  The Noldorin tongue is called Quenya (the speech.  Pronounced KWEN yah).  They embrace it as their true tongue, but largely confine its use to their own environs.  It is still the exclusive language for ceremonies, writings, and oral traditions, regardless of circumstance.  For other uses, outside of their own quiet territory, they employ the language of their more numerous Sindar cousins, Sindarin.  When dealing with Men or others unacquainted with Sindarin, they rely on Common, or Westron.  They are natural linguists, however, and can learn almost any language spoken, if it interests them to do so.

Prejudices: The Noldor hate Orcs, Trolls, and servants of the Enemy more than any other creatures.  Do to their pride, they look down upon non Dunedain Men.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:03, Mon 22 Apr 2019.

SINDAR (sing Sinda) The Sindar, or Grey elves, are Eldar, and were originally part of the great kindred called, the Teleri.  Unlike the Noldor, Vanyar, and the bulk of the Teleri, the Sindar chose not to cross over the sea to Aman; instead, they stayed in Middle earth.  They, like the Silvan elves, are part of the Moriquendi, the elves who never saw the holy Light of Valinor.


Physical Character

Build: Thin, when compared to Men.  The Sindar are nearly as tall as the Noldor, but slighter of build.  They are more muscular than the Silvan folk, however.  Males average 190lbs; females 155lbs.

Colouring: Most have fair hair, and pale blue or grey eyes. Like the Noldor, most are light skinned.

Endurance:  While their capacity to carry heavy burdens is typically no greater than most physically fit Men, they may travel sixteen to twenty hours a day without the need for rest.  They do not sleep, but meditate for three to four hours each day.  This restores any spell casting abilities, as well as healing them as normal for a full night's sleep.

Height: Males average between six foot five" ; females about six one.

Lifespan: They are immortal, and may only die due to violence or becoming weary of the world.

Resistance: They virtually never scar and are almost completely immune to any natural disease being 95% resistant.
Like all elves they are 90% resistant to sleep and charm.
Sindar, like all Elves, are resistant to extremes of temperature.  +1 to save verses cold attacks.

Special Abilities:  Under Moonlight or Starlight, Elves see as well as a man at the height of day.  In other dim light circumstances, an Elf may see at least fifty feet very well, and one hundred feet fairly well.  In complete darkness however, magical or otherwise, they cannot see at all.

Their hearing is three times that of the average Man.

When employing a bow of any sort other than a crossbow, or when using a short or long sword, elves gain a bonus of +1 to their attack rolls.

Sindar are naturally sensitive to their surroundings.  They can detect harmony (balance) within a 200 foot radius 33% of the time.  This makes them essentially empathic, able to detect strong emotions in other living beings.  (This can detect the presence of evil and/or invisible beings).

Culture

Clothing and Decoration: Sinda clothing is extremely well made, yet subtle and utilitarian.  They do not favour the rich garb of the Noldor. Silver, grey, and white, are their most oft chosen colours.

Fears/Inabilities: None

Lifestyle: The Sindar are the most open and cooperative of Endor's elvenfolk.  They are great teachers and borrowers, and have an interest in the works of all races.  This is in contrast to the more inquisitive Noldor, who are quick to scoff at things that are subtle, or modest of appearance or utility.  Grey elves are a settled people and generally enjoy the company of others.  Unlike the Silvan elves, they build towns and havens and gather in close knit communities.  Many of the Sindar feel the ancient kinship to the sea and are renowned ship builders and sailors.

Marriage Pattern: Monogamous and for life.  They sometimes marry Men.  Such unions produce Half-elves.

Religion: Informal and centered around communal celebration and personal meditation.  Like the Noldor they revere Eru and see Varda as their patron Vala.  Given their love of sailing, and the sea, they have a special respect for Ulmo the "Lord of Waters."

Other Factors

Demeanor: Of the three Elven races of Middle earth, the Sindar are the quietest and calmest, and appear to be the most content.  They are less frivolous and playful than the Silvan elves, and less fiery and passionate than the Noldor.  Sindar feelings are deep, and are not easily roused, but when they are they cannot be stayed.  This is the root of their sea longing.

Language:  Their own language, Sindarin, has become the principle speech of all Elves of northwestern Endor, and has heavily influenced the mannish tongues.  Nonetheless all know Westron and learn Bethteur and at least a little Quenya.  They are natural linguists, however, and can learn almost any language spoken, if it interests them to do so.

Prejudices: The Sindar are friends with most other races, though they have historically had reason to distrust the Dwarves.  Their greatest enemies, like all Elves, are the servants of the Enemy, especially Orcs, Wargs, Trolls and Dragons.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:18, Sun 12 Feb 2017.

SILVAN ELVES (Avari sing Avar)

When the Elves departed from the original Elven homeland, during the Elder days, a number of their brethren remained behind.  They decided not to seek the light of the Undying Lands and so were labeled as the Avari (Qu Refusers, Unwilling).  These kindreds were left to fend for themselves during the days when Morgoth's shadow swept over the east.  In those dark times they were forced into the secluded safety of the forests of eastern Middle-earth, where they hid from the Wild Men who dominated most of the lands.  They became known as the Silvan or Wood-elves.

Although initially willing to go into the West, some of the Teleri stopped short of their goal and never reached Aman.  Their communities came to include Avar elves and some confusion arose as to the identity of the Silvan kindreds.  Many of the Teleri have been called Wood-elves, but here the term is only applicable to the Avari.

Physical Character

Build: Most are slight of build, and all are slender by Mannish standards.  Males average 150lbs, females 125lbs.

Colouring: Ruddy of complexion, with sandy hair, and blue or green eyes typically.  Generalizations are difficult however, since there are many kindreds, and a wide variation among them.

Endurance:  While their capacity to carry heavy burdens is typically no greater than most Men, they may travel sixteen to twenty hours a day without the need for rest.  They do not sleep, but meditate for three to four hours each day.  This restores any spell casting abilities, as well as healing them as normal for a full night's sleep.

Height: Males average six foot" in height; females about five foot nine".

Lifespan: They are immortal, and may only die due to violence or becoming weary of the world.

Resistance: They virtually never scar and are almost completely immune to any natural disease being 90% resistant.
Like all elves they are 90% resistant to sleep and charm.
Avari, like all Elves, are resistant to extremes of temperature.  +1 to save verses cold attacks.

Special Abilities:  Under Moonlight or Starlight, Elves see as well as a man at the height of day.  In other dim light circumstances, an Elf may see at least fifty feet very well, and one hundred feet fairly well.  In complete darkness however, magical or otherwise, they cannot see at all.

When employing a bow of any sort other than a crossbow, or when using a short or long sword, elves gain a bonus of +1 to their attack rolls.

Silvan Elves are superb musicians, and have tremendous hearing, even for Elves.  Any bardic spells employed by a Silvan elf are far more difficult to resist, giving a penalty of -2 to the intended target(s).

Silvan Elves are also very elusive, and tricky, when they wish to be.  Any rolls made to move silently are at bonus of +5.

Living in harmony with nature, all Silvan elves may use Animal Friendship as the spell once per day.

In addition they also have the racial abilities granted to all of the Firstborn.

Culture

Clothing and Decoration: Their prefered clothing is usually green, brown, or grey although other earth tones are liked.  Their garments range from functional designs to fanciful expressions of their creativity.  Of all the Elves, their choices tend to be the most merry and informal.

Fears/Inabilities: None

Lifestyle: The culture of the Silvan elves is best characterized as unstructured and rustic by Elven standards, but rich and relatively advanced compared to the ways of Men.  They have always been independent, but in the later ages they tend to settle into kingdoms ruled by Sindar or Noldor.  Still, all Silvan folk enjoy a good journey or adventure and most look at life much as a game to be played.  Music and merriment are their favourite pastimes and they are extremely fond of wine.  They are also masters of the wood, and know more of wood craft and wood lore than almost any other race in Middle-earth.  Indeed only the Ents are wiser in the ways of the forest.

Marriage Pattern: Monogamous and for life.  They sometimes marry Men.  Such unions produce Half-elves.

Religion: Informal and centered around communal celebration and personal meditation.  Like all the elves, they worship Varda as the giver of light and maker of the stars.  The principle difference is their strong attachment to the Vala Oromë the Huntsman and Tamer of Beasts, and Yavanna the Queen of Trees.

Other Factors

Demeanor: They are fun loving, but guarded folk.  Outward mirth may often hide grim intentions.  While they are cautious about trusting others, they are very loyal to their friends.

Language: The Silvan tongues, which are called Wood speech or Bethteur, are their preferred languages.  The Silvan elves of Mirkwood, and places further west, tend to use Sindarin as their native tongue.  Because all Elvish has a song like quality, however, the slightly unique Silvan vocal pattern betrays their racial origin, even when they employ the tongues of the Eldar.  Most know some Westron and at least a little Quenya.  Like all Elves, they learn the languages of others easily, and it is not at all uncommon for them to learn such Mannish tongues as Adunaic, Atliduk, Logathig, and Nahaiduk.

Prejudices: Silvan Elves seclude themselves more readily than the Eldar, for they have a least friendly history of relations with Men.  They especially despise Orcs, Wood trolls, and Wargs, though none have love for any of the servants of the enemy.  They dislike Dwarves who cut down their beloved forests and are suspicious of Men.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:06, Mon 22 Apr 2019.

HALF ELVES (PEREDHIL sing PEREDHEL)

Half-elves are a rare breed, the offspring of Men and Elves.  While the Dunedain, Corsairs, and Black Numenoreans have Elvish (and even Maia)blood, their connection to the Elves lies in the remote past, and they are not considered Peredhil.  True Half-elves have one Elvish parent and one Mannish parent.

Upon reaching adulthood, a Peredhel must decide whether to live as an immortal Elf or a mortal Man.  Those who choose to be mortal receive the Gift of Death, though they do tend to live long lives, and are not bound to Fate as their Elven kin.

Physical Character

Build: Slender and strong, thinner than most Men, but stouter than Elves.  They tend to have thin, angular features and Men tend to not grow facial hair.  Males average about 190lbs and females average 135lbs.

Colouring: Fair generally, with brown or black hair and grey eyes, although they may be as varied as most other Men.

Endurance:  Considerable.  Half-elves need but 4 hours of rest each day: sleep for mortals, meditation for immortals.

Height: Males average six foot three" in height; females about five foot eleven".

Lifespan: Mortal Half-elves live between 250-500 years.

Resistance: They are nearly immune to any natural disease, and are resistant to extremes of temperature, +1 to save verses cold attacks.

Special Abilities: Half-elves, even mortal ones, see better than Men in the dark.  Under Moonlight or Starlight, they can see 250 feet perfectly.  In other dark conditions, so long as their is a light source, they can see 50 clearly and 100 feet fairly well.

Culture

Clothing and Decoration: Varies, although it is usually well made and beautifully and subtly adorned.  Favoured colours are deep blues and greens, greys and grey-greens, silver and white.

Fears/Inabilities: None

Lifestyle: Varies, although they often live in secluded retreats or havens, often among the Elvenkind.  Their culture tends to be similar to the Sindar, though most continue to be concerned with the affairs of Men.

Marriage Pattern: Monogamous.  They sometimes marry Men.  The line may be traced through the male or female.

Religion: Quiet, personal and involving meditation.  They respect the Valar and revere Eru.  Many hold Varda and Orome in greater esteem.  Those who live near the sea may hold Ulmo dear.  Their beliefs however, can be as varied as any among the Edain.

Other Factors

Demeanor: Patient, reserved, considerate, balanced, mellow and thoughtful.

Language: Westron, as well as the common tongue of their Mannish culture.  They will also speak the Elvish language of their parent as well.  They tend to be gifted with languages, much like their Elven kin.

Prejudices: Orcs are their sworn enemies.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:42, Mon 06 Mar 2017.

ELVES: All the Firstborn have the following abilities
*Dex +1, Int +1, Chr +2
*Immortality
*Resistant to Sleep and Charm 90%
*Resistant to Natural Disease- Noldor 95%, Sindar 90%, Silvan 90%
*Detect Secret and Concealed doors (as PHB)
*Surprise opponents (when alone/with elves, no metal armour as PHB)
*Need for sleep only 3-4 hrs per day.  Sleep by Meditation
*Resistant to Temperature extremes- Noldor +2 vrs Cold attacks, Sindar and Silvan +1
*Elven Sight, Moonlit night- As well as a Man in bright daylight.  Dim light- 50 feet perfectly and 100 feet fairly well.
*Bonus +1 to attack using of any sort of bow other than a crossbow, or when using a short or long sword
*Special Ability: Noldor, MINDSPEAK; Sindar, DETECT HARMONY; Silvan, ANIMAL FRIENDSHIP
*DOOM of the Firstborn: ALL ELVES are uniquely blessed/cursed by fate.  However it affects each Elf slightly differently.  All elven characters must roll 1d4 and accept their fate below:

 1.Notoriety is the bane of this character.  This character is well known especially to the servants of darkness.  This character is ACTIVELY HUNTED by the forces of evil to destroy them...or to sway them to the side of darkness!  Others tend to become entangled in this elf's doom.

 2.Sea longing runs deep in the character.  There is 10% chance/level (cumulative) once they come 'within hearing distance of the ocean' they will become melancholy and restless with the knowledge that their true home is "beyond the circles of the world." A -2 to any wisdom related checks is applied whenever the elf is close to the sea. (DM determines). Once they reach 100% they must resist the urge to leave Endor forever each level (Successful Charisma check required).

 3. Foresight curses this character.  The elf is doomed to see dreams of the Fate of Middle earth and it disturbs their inner peace.  Even waking, visions come to him at strange times, and nightmares steal his rest.  A -3 reaction penalty constantly applies, as others tend to perceive the elf's disharmony.

 4. Ancient History plagues this character.  Because of this elf's lineage, or perhaps simply because of an ill encounter in their immortal life, some personal tragedy/grievance/feud or other event continues to make the elf's life miserable. There is a 10% per level cumulative chance of an encounter involving the event in question.

HALF-ELVES: All Half-elves have the following abilities

INT+1, CHR +1

*Choose Elf or Mannish fate
*Resistant to Sleep and Charm 30%
*Resistant to Natural Disease- 50%
*Detect Secret and Concealed doors (as PHB)
*Need for sleep only 4 hrs per day.  Sleep or Meditation
*Resistant to Temperature extremes-  +1 verses cold attacks
*Elven Sight, Moonlit night- 250 Perfectly.  Dim light- 50 feet perfectly and 100 feet fairly well.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:08, Mon 22 Apr 2019.