CHAPTER 3 | DWARVES 73
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The Valenar and Aereni are physically similar
but culturally distinct. Aereni are typically
high elves, while Valenar are usually wood
elves; but both of these subraces are options
in these cultures. The Aereni place greater
importance on perfecting a single skill than
on training with weaponry, while the Valenar
take pride in their skill with scimitars. These
elves have a racial trait in place of the Elf
Weapon Training trait. If your DM allows
it, your elf character can forgo Elf Weapon
Training and instead take the elf trait based
on their culture:
- An Aereni elf can choose one skill or
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is doubled for any ability check you
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scimitar, double scimitar, longbow, and
shortbow.
ELVES OF VALENAR
Your people are dedicated to the arts of war.
Millenia ago, your ancestors fought an epic
war against mighty giants. When they came to
Khorvaire, they battled the champions of the
goblin empire. The greatest heroes of those
struggles live on after death, known as the patron
ancestors. When you became an adult, one of the
patron ancestors formed a bond with you. Now
it is your duty to follow in the footsteps of your
patron, living your life as they lived theirs, allowing
this champion to live on through you. This is why
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In creating a Valenar, think about your patron
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if you’re a wizard, your ancestor was likely a
legendary archmage. If you’re a ranger, was
your ancestor a famous blademaster, or a
stealthy hunter? Was your ancestor chivalrous
or merciless? Bold or clever? Whatever their
nature, it’s your duty to follow their example.
Is this something you proudly embrace, or do
you resist it? Each patron ancestor is tied to
many Valenar: do you have a particular rival
who channels the same ancestor, or one who
channels a rival of your ancestor?
It’s also important to think about why you
are traveling with a group of player characters
instead of serving in a Valenar warband. Are
you driven by visions from your patron ancestor?
Are you pursuing an epic quest that mirrors their
legendary deeds? Do you seek vengeance for the
death of a friend or ally? Or have you turned
away from your people, either by choice or
because of the actions of a rival?
VALENAR DOUBLE SCIMITAR
The double scimitar is the signature weapon of
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long blade on either end. Forged with techniques
honed over tens of thousands of years, these
blades are strong, sharp, and remarkably light.
Each scimitar is a masterpiece, and as a result
the double scimitar is an expensive weapon, but
few people ever have an opportunity to purchase
one. If you’re an elf, your blade could have a
long and storied history. If you’re not an elf, you
might have stolen the weapon from a fallen foe
or received it from a dying Valenar ally. If you
work with your DM to create the story behind