Aetherian (5e Race)

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Aetherian

"We are the whispers of the cosmos, the keepers of celestial wisdom—forever watching, yet forever distant."

Physical Description

Aetherians are an ethereal race of winged beings with a deep connection to the sky and stars. Their appearances are strikingly celestial—tall, slender, and graceful, with luminous eyes that shimmer like constellations. Their skin ranges from pale silver to deep sapphire, often glowing faintly under moonlight. Their hair flows like silk and comes in shades of white, gold, or deep cosmic hues. Aetherian wings are their most defining feature, resembling those of angels or birds, often iridescent and semi-transparent, shifting colors depending on the light. Aetherians exude an aura of calm and wisdom, their voices carrying a melodic resonance that soothes those who hear them. Though physically delicate compared to other races, they possess an innate ability to manipulate wind currents and access celestial energies, making them formidable in aerial combat and magic.

History

The Aetherians hail from the Shimmering Isles, a lost archipelago of floating islands hidden within the Veil of Mists. Legends claim they were once mortal beings who ascended to a higher state of existence after forging a pact with the heavens. Their civilization flourished in peace and enlightenment, studying the cosmos and mastering celestial magic. However, the Aetherians were also cursed with isolation. The Veil of Mists shrouds their homeland, preventing outsiders from reaching them while making it nearly impossible for Aetherians to leave without great cost. Some who venture beyond the Veil never return, their wings fading and their celestial essence diminishing over time.

Society

Aetherian society values knowledge, harmony, and duty to the cosmos. They live in floating cities carved from luminous crystal, governed by an ancient council of Starseers who interpret celestial omens. Scholars and mages dedicate their lives to unraveling the mysteries of the universe, while warriors known as Skyguardians protect the Isles from external threats. Though reclusive, Aetherians are not without conflict. Some, known as Fallen Stars, reject their people's isolation and abandon their celestial ties, becoming wanderers or mercenaries in the world below. Others seek to break the curse of the Veil, believing their kind should reclaim their place among the mortal realms.

Aetherian Names

Aetherian names are melodic, celestial, and often carry meanings related to the stars, sky, or wind.

Male: Caelith, Vaelis, Seraphel, Orionis, Thalorin, Noctirion

Female: Zephina, Seraphina, Celisara, Lyrielle, Astraia, Lunara

Aetherian Traits

Aetherians are celestial-winged beings from the Shimmering Isles, blessed with wisdom and cosmic magic but cursed with isolation by the Veil of Mists that separates them from the mortal world.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2 and your Wisdom score increases by 1.
Age. Aetherians mature by the age of 20 and can live up to 300 years.
Alignment. Most Aetherians lean toward lawful or neutral alignments, driven by their celestial heritage and inclination toward order or balance.
Size. Aetherians are slender and stand between 5 to 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Wings of the Skies. You have a flying speed of 30 feet. To use this speed, you can't be wearing medium or heavy armor.
Celestial Resilience. You have resistance to radiant damage.
Starborn. You can cast the guidance cantrip. Once you reach 3rd level, you can cast the faerie fire spell once per long rest. Once you reach 5th level, you can cast the daylight spell once per long rest. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for these spells.
Aetherial Vision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet as if it were bright light and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can discern color in darkness.
Languages. You can speak, read and write Common and Celestial.

Random Height and Weight

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
5′ 9''	+2d10	150 lb.	× (2d4) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

Suggested Characteristics

When creating an Aetherian character, you can use the following table of traits, ideals, bonds and flaws to help flesh out your character. Use these tables in addition to or in place of your background's characteristics.

d8	Personality Trait
1	Serene – Maintains a calm and composed demeanor, rarely showing anger or fear.
2	Observant – Notices the smallest details and reads emotions with uncanny precision.
3	Eloquent – Speaks with grace and wisdom, often using poetic or philosophical language.
4	Duty-Bound – Feels an obligation to protect the balance of the cosmos and uphold celestial law.
5	Melancholic – Carries a quiet sorrow, longing for a life beyond the Veil of Mists.
6	Visionary – Constantly seeks knowledge and insight from the stars, looking beyond the present.
7	Graceful – Moves with effortless elegance, whether in combat or daily life.
8	Altruistic – Feels a deep calling to guide and aid those in need, even at great personal cost.

d6	Ideal
1	Balance – "The heavens maintain order, and so must we."
2	Knowledge – "Through understanding the cosmos, we understand ourselves."
3	Honor – "Our actions reflect the stars—let them shine brightly."
4	Destiny – "Every soul has a path; I must follow mine to its end."
5	Freedom – "The sky is endless, yet we are bound—I seek to break these chains."
6	Sacrifice – "One must sometimes give up everything for the greater good."

d6	Bond
1	The Shimmering Isles – "No matter where I go, my homeland calls me back."
2	A Lost Star – "A dear friend vanished beyond the Veil—I will find them, no matter the cost."
3	The Skyguardians – "I swore an oath to protect my people, and I shall never break it."
4	The Celestial Prophecy – "The stars have foretold my fate, and I must see it through."
5	A Mortal Connection – "Despite my people’s isolation, I have bonded with someone of the earth below."
6	The Starforged Relic – "A lost artifact of celestial power must be found before it falls into the wrong hands."

d6	Flaw
1	Detached – Struggles to relate to the emotions and struggles of mortals.
2	Overburdened – Takes on too much responsibility, refusing to ask for help.
3	Fate-Obsessed – Believes so strongly in destiny that they dismiss free will.
4	Fear of Mortality – Dreads losing their celestial essence and becoming ordinary.
5	Hesitant – Avoids decisive action for fear of upsetting the cosmic balance.
6	Unforgiving – Holds grudges against those who betray celestial law.

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