Mul'niessa
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When the sildanyari fell from the realm of the fae, they fell to politicking among themselves, and began to split. The mul'niessa elders tell a lie: that the goddess Taara saw their plight and sent to the noble lines of the silvanori a blooded prince to serve as a uniter of their people. However, the other sildanyari did not recognize Her gift, and split in two. The gods of Light and their followers, jealous of the mul'niessa, sent the Sun to burn them.
Retreating to their underground caverns, Taara's most fervent followers live in darkness beneath the Shadow Council. They alone among the elven clans claim divine rulership--that even so distantly, Taara's own blood runs in their nobles' veins. Though truth to this claim is dubious at best, the Shadow Council hold an unprecedented amount of control over mul'niessan life, and the mul'niessa have diverged sufficiently from the main sildanyari stock that some do not consider them sildanyari at all. Shorter, with smaller lifespans with a hint of stockiness, they possess mortal trappings that their otherwise long-lived cousins lack.
Today, the mul'niessa remains the Light's staunchest enemies, and work against various nations and faith. However, a trickle of the mul'niessa attempt to exist independently of the actions and deeds of the greater portion of their race. Time will tell if such individuals are successful in their efforts. Though, this may be a symptom of the Shadow Council's weakening hold in areas, if nothing else--which also in areas, has inspired it to act with greater fervor against its own people.
Physical Description
Through Taaran influence or just their lifestyle, mul'niessa have diverged from the fae realms far more than other sildanyari. Shorter, hairier, with shorter lifespans, mul'niessa come across as "sildanyari, but not." Their skintones vary from deep brown to shades of gray, and other colors and otherwise they resemble the diversity of their surface cousins. Likewise, they possess a charismatic aura, though within them it is "off" in some way. However, it is this very aura that allows them to survive in a difficult world.
Their willing bind has over time, rendered them closer to the mortal world. For this reason, mul'niessa are slightly shorter than others of their kind, their lifespans less. Some of them have been known to sport traces of body hair--the underarm, a hint of a mustache. Other sildanyari view these as marks of shame. To the mul'niessa, the greater bind to mortality is part of the price they pay.
The important thing to remember though, is that as a race, muls are not victims, nor wilting flowers. By and large, their heads are high as they are Taara's chosen upon Ea.
Society and Lands
Mul'niessa society is dominated by an elite bloodline and its offshoots that it is taught are descended from Taara's line. The myth exists that mul'niessa of sufficient talent and blessing may advance, though this is largely fiction kept as a means to placate the greater population. Within their caverns, life is striated and controlled to an almost obscene degree by the fiction the Shadow Council has placed upon them.
Likewise, resources, education, and access to knowledge are tightly controlled. The lowest mul'niessa may subsist on almost nothing, as the nobles lie in languid opulence. Yet, the myth of advancement and Taara's grace holds most complacent, as well as limited access to education. Education among the mul is striated and controlled--with greater and greater knowledge locked away by power and bloodline. To the common mul, Taara is a savor and protector, whom other races fail to appreciate, and the nobles are Her faithful servants, protectors of the mul race.
Socially, the muls behave in an almost Victorian manner, with lower muls looking to imitate the nobles in manner and dress. Despite the atrocities committed beneath their noses, they hold their noses to perfumed kerchief. To a degree, this surpasses even the most enthused Rosalian.
Yet the population of the mul'niessa underground cities number only in the thousands. For all their hubris, the mul'niessa are the least numerous of all the sildanyari. Instead, their cities and lands are populated by thousands more slaves of various races. Even the lowest mul'niessa would see him or herself above them, or can say at least, "though my lot is low, I am at least not a slave."
Lacking the resources and ingenuity of the khazad, their landscapes are often short on food and supplies. The nobles have enough, and see no reason to improve their methods to better the greater population. And so the common mul'niessa suffers. Most of them rely on foods such as mushrooms, lichen, and insects for sustenance. The lowborn aspire to tables and mannerisms greater than they are, and so this too, is a form of control. At the height of power, and expression of extravagance and control, is a unique form of meat called rothe.
This meat is available only to the nobility, and outside of insects is one of the few types of protein available. True to form however, general, social referrals to the source of the meat is considered quite gauche. It is sources from the numerous slave populations, and in rare cases, the flesh of a noble rival as a means to "preserve Taara's blood."
The Growth of Resistance
Given the depth of the Shadow Council's deception, it quickly falls apart outside its enclaves. Mul'niessa who leave the confines of their controlled world often find themselves confused and return because the world makes little sense to them. Theirs is a fervent world controlled by the Council, and many of them are not prepared for life outside its confines. Those who realize the depth of the Shadow Council's deception however, are filled with rage and prone to joining some of the rebellion groups, below. Adventurers come from this stock.
- The Liberators: Proponents of freedom in all forms, the Liberators are a natural fit for many disenfranchised mul'niessa.
- The Shadow Crown: These mul'niessa seek to maintain their race's distance from the world, but to elect new leaders and traditions. Though realize the Council's lies for what they are, they nonetheless seek to salvage what they can--and improve it.
- The Undertakers: The name is dark humor, referring to their underground caverns as well as the fate that awaits them if caught. The Undertakers hold that mul society is not sustainable as it is, and seek to smuggle their brothers and sisters out of the enclaves. Much of what they do is re-education, which can take years if not decades.
- Seekers of the Tree: These rare few mul'niessa have uncovered the truth of the attack on the World Tree. Whatever they have learned, it has turned them against Taara and all her agents with a fervor unmatched across the world. Some seek recompense with their brothers and sisters, though others consider this as past its time, and that the parts of their race have since moved on. Today, they say, the llyranesi watch the flow of mana, and the sylvanori the wild. Theirs is to right an old wrong.
- More? Many more groups exist, boiling under the oppression of the Shadow Council.
Alternate Histories
An alternative version of the mul origin story touches upon heresies not admitted by the Council, but which may be hinted at or suggested in hushed whispers and ancient pages. Within this telling, the muls were originally a faction of sildanyari who followed Navos in his ancient guise. They were the few who remembered the way back to the fae lands, such whispers suggest, and to their race's ancient power. Knowing this, Taara struck, desiring such knowledge as Her own, or barring that: that it belong to no one, if She could not possess it. There may be some truth to this: not only is the path lost to all sildanyari, but the mul society seems oddly fixated upon rewriting history--a trait that would have been anathema to Navos, not unlike a final, and petty jab.
Other Races
The rivalry between the mul'niessa and other sildanyari is perhaps the greatest. The other sildanyari see their kin as a society of betrayers, while the mul view them as weak pawns of lesser gods who lack Taara's generous mandate.
Their second greatest rivals are the khazadi. They compete with the khazad for resources and control of the underground spaces. They were quick with allegiance with the Ur to fell the khazads' mountain kingdom, yet the debate is open as to whether this old alliance stands. Even without it, raids on khazadi strongholds are too good of a means of securing food, however, and potentially new areas to end anytime soon.
The mul'niessa in general are not ones known for allies, outside of areas similar to Charn or Bludgun. They are ambitious, and it is generally said that agreements are only as good so long as the ink on the contract lasts. In part, to the mul this is justified by other races' lack of Taara's divine mandate--they see them as lesser beings. In truth, it is because other races just do not care very much for them. In recent years, emboldened by Taara's acts of terror upon the world, the mul'niessa have become more bold, and have claimed a part of Charn's forests and vaulted halls for their own use.
Most races regard them with suspicion, and they find their dealings difficult outside of certain nations. Prejudice against mul'niessa is seen as common reason, even by the well-educated, and the mul'niessa would see it no other way. After all, an enemy is more engaging when forewarned, and victory all the sweeter.
Now and then, a group of mul may break beyond the fiction enforced by the Shadow Council, and make their way to the world--but these heroes are rare. Perhaps it makes them shine all the more brightly.
Alignment and Religion
The mul'niessan hold a view of Taara that few do. They see Her as both unitor and creator--that the jealous Sun and Earth would lay claim to Taara's right is hubris of both these gods and all other races. This of course, is false--views that do not stand once beyond the Shadow Council. However, within their reach this fiction rings true and is supported fervently by its worshipers. The original tale of the World Tree is only whispered fiction among the highest ranks, or if it is told at all--it is said that the gods of Light attempted to slay the Tree from jealousy. Those who encounter the World Tree however, feel a deep sense of connection, just as other sildanyari.
Aside from Taara, traditional members of the pantheon of darkness are also venerated, though are presented in terms of her servants. While it can seem simple to say they are a heavily religious society, in truth it is the acts of blooded nobles--with power and personal wealth invested in the system--that hold great sway, and are largely responsible for perpetuating the mythologies of mul'niessan life.
Within this society, the acquisition of power matters, as well as appearances. The consumption of slave meat by the nobility for example, is as much a gesture of control as it is a social expectation and reverence to Taara's faithful servant, Thul. The mul do not make excuses for its consumption, or claim "out of necessity." Such claims would seem to undervalue what they have come to view as their natural superiority.
As a race, mul'niessa tend towards the evil alignments but neutral mul'niessa, particularly among exiles or those striking out away from their traditional mindsets, are not unknown. Good mul'niessa are very rare but not impossible and indeed have even formed factions. See The Growth of Resistance, above.
Adventurers
Outside rebellious factions, above, few mul'niessa have reason to leave the Council's fictitious world.
The strength of the Council's deception is enough that mul'niessa who leave its confines often find themselves confused and returning. Theirs is a fervent world controlled by the Council, and many of them are not prepared for life outside its confines, or the truth that invariably awaits them. Those who realize the depth of the Shadow Council's deception however, are filled with rage. Many adventurers come from this stock, and heroes. Even those who do not join these groups are prone to seeking others as a means of belonging or identity--their life an education leaves them both open to indoctrination, as well as fervor.
While it is said that exiles may live in danger of being drawn in or captured by the Shadow Council's agents, given the laziness of the nobility, this is more imagined than real. Unless a mul'niessa speaks out too loudly against the Council, nothing is likely to happen at all; the elite muls are largely contemptuous of the races of the outside world.
Mul'niessa Racial Traits
Mul'niessa normally stand around 4 and a half feet to 5 and a half feet tall, and tend towards uncomfortably thin or slender when compared to other races. They mature at roughly the same rate as humans and half-elves, and are fully grown and developed in the same range of ages as those species. However, due to the depth of elven society, particularly Llyranessi society, elves undergo a rite of adulthood at a symbolic 100 years of age where they are accepted into greater society and take on those additional responsibilities. Elves younger than this are not considered childlike or adolescent but are not considered ready to partake in the complexity of elven society at large.
Mul'niessa are somewhat shorter than their other kin, though not overly so, and lives not quite as long, though this isn't a big difference. They also possess more mortal traits, such as the suggestion of body hair.
The below numbers below assume an "average" person. That is, they probably have a strength and constitution within the 9-11 range. Higher physical stats will make these numbers go up. In other words, a character with 18 strength will weigh much more than one with 9. This site can be used to gauge weight though remember some races possess unique composition, bone structures, or even additional appendages and so on that may influence.
Finally, please remember that Mul are not drow. There are some similarities, but we've had way too many people craft thinly concealed would-be drow characters, ranging from uncomfortably over-sexualized characters to creepy whip-wielding men. In short: Do not be the creepy guy at the gaming table.
| Mul'niessa Average Height and Weight | ||||
| Name | Base Height | Base Weight | Modifier | Weight Multiplier |
| Mul'niessa, male | 4ft 0in | 100 lbs | +2d8 | x3 lbs |
| Mul'niessa, female | 4ft 0in | 90 lbs | +2d6 | x3 lbs |
| Mul'niessa Starting Age | |||
| Adulthood | Barbarian, Rogue, Sorcerer | Bard, Fighter, Paladin, Ranger | Cleric, Druid, Monk, Wizard |
| 110 years | +4d6 | +6d6 | +10d6 |
- Classification: humanoid (elf)
- +2 Dexterity, +2 Charisma, -2 Constitution: Mul'niessa are nimble and darkly manipulative.
- Medium: Mul'niessa are Medium creatures, and have no bonuses or penalties due to their size.
- Normal Speed: Mul'niessa have a base speed of 30 feet.
- Darkvision: A Mul'niessa can see in the dark up to 120 feet.
- Ageless: Elves do not suffer the ravages of age upon reaching adult hood and cannot be magically aged. However they still die when their time is up.
- Shadow Elf Immunities: Shadow Elves are immune to magic sleep effects and get a +2 racial bonus to saves against enchantment spells.
- Keen Senses: Mul'niessa receive a +2 racial bonus on Perception checks.
- Mistrusted: Because of who they are, mul'niessa tend to be mistrusted by other races. They receive a -2 profane penalty to Diplomacy checks, even when disguised. There's always something 'off' about the mul.
- Spell-Like Abilities: A Mul'niessa can cast dancing lights, darkness, and faerie fire each once per day, using his total character level as his caster level.
- Weapon Familiarity: Shadow Elves are proficient with the hand crossbow, rapier, and short sword.
- Languages: Mul'niessa begin play speaking Sildanyari and Common. Mul'niessa with high Intelligence can choose bonus languages from the following: Low Common, Khazdul, Undercommon, Yrch-Speak.
Character Options
Mul'niessa Racial Feats
The below are racial feats for this race. All races receive a bonus racial feat at 6th level (when you level, send in a +request to staff). House feats and feat summaries may be found on the Feats page. Items with a * have had their pre-reqs altered to fit the setting (see Feats page). You must meet the pre-reqs for any racial feat you select.
- Elven Accuracy, Leaf Singer, Shadowy Dash*, Dark Sight*, Taara's Own (house), Fiendish Darkness (house), Abyssal Mask (house)
Optional DM Rules
Ea's magic responds to its people. Wizards, sorcerers, the uncovering of Aspects are not the only ways in which magic manifests.
The following are options for any storyteller, for use in PrPs, scenes, backgrounds, and small stories. If some of these rituals come across as "didn't we always have--!??" that is part of why these are being offered: to illustrate just how active magic is in Ea. Also, just because there are no given mechanics for them does not mean they shouldn't exist.
These rituals and options are beyond the scope of any one PC working on their own.
They are meant to be used as story devices, and tend to require a story element, such as a visit to the sylvanori elders. In addition, they require the presence of more than one person from that community--they are NOT means to add to individual PCs' power levels. Finally, all rituals work according to story. Sometimes rituals sometimes work perfectly, and other times do so to varying degrees (that's just saying they are story-dependent, and not a means of power).
You are welcome to build on these ideas, or expand on them.
Ritual Magic
Unbinding: The name of this ritual is a misnomer. Since a mul's soul is bound to Taara, they are able to use that force to break the enchantments or bindings of others. However, this requires a sacrifice to the dark goddess in turn. For example, a group of mul might form a blood circle, and transfer the curse of a werewolf to their own spirits, where the binding of Taara snaps it in two. The werewolf is now free, but Taara will demand Her price.
In this way, the mul may break enchantments both lesser and powerful, but it always requires a group of them to do so, and a sacrifice.
Faroth-fea: As sildanyari live a long time, so do their magics. The sildanyari developed this ritual to trace a magic's owner or identify its source. The result is not always precise of even conclusive, but rituals such as this enable them to survive in a world ridden with magic.
Gwedhgalad: Mul children are born bound to Taara, who is given ownership of part of them, in exchange for Her blessings to the race as a whole. This occurs due to ancient oaths sworn by their members, and a building-up of the practice of Gwedhgalad over time. That is, Ea's magic has responded, creating at birth an already-existing bond.
However, by undergoing the actual, formal rite of Gwedhgalad, the child is further bound. He or she is taken among the priests and local elders, on a day blessed by the Council. At this time, they undergo a ritual baptism, where a portion of the child's soul is rent away and given to Taara. The act also cements the Council's control over its populace, as a child who has not undergone the rite is considered of the lowest social position. It can also be a means to punish parents and family lines.
Sacred Objects: It's suggested that blood from one of the ancient muls who had first signed the Pact may have power of some kind. The blood probably is long since dust, however.
Character Page Badges
Want to show off your Mul'niessa pride on your Character Page? Use the following wikicode! (More badges here!)
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{{Badge}}
{{Badge-Icon|Darkelf02.jpg}}
{{Badge-Content}}
{{Badge-Title|Mul'niessa PC Badge}}
{{Badge-Entry|Family Name}}''All'' of the letters!
{{Badge-Entry|Role}}Your role, if any
{{Badge-Entry|Faith}}Your current faith. By default, it is Taara.
{{Badge-Entry|The Bargain}}Your take on the Bargain with Taara, and how it's affected your choices. Remember, Mul'niessa are not victims.
{{Badge-End}}