Imperial Elves (Homebrew subrace)

[Ralcos]

I'm building a setting and planning a campaign, and I wanted some input on a subrace.


Imperial Elf
After a few generations of selective breeding and deductive manipulations, these elves are the upper class of Elvhencran

Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 1.
Militaristic. You are proficient in the Warstaff, as well as Light and Medium Armor.
Imperial Reputation. You gain proficiency in either Intimidate or History. In addition, you can add your Intelligence modifier to any Persuasion or Intimidation check you make, instead of adding Charisma.


Warstaff
"Specialist" Martial Weapon
This weapon is similar to a quarterstaff, but has short blades protruding from both sides, creating a utility weapon of sorts.

Cost: 5 gp (50 gp outside of the empire)
Damage: 1d8 Bludgeoning or Slashing
Weight: 6 lbs.
Properties: Versatile (1d10 Bludgeoning or Slashing)



Hopefully, you guys like these ideas!

[RedSand]

I think giving an elven subrace a free floating skill proficiency(when they already have free Perception) and free armor proficiency, plus a 1d10 weapon, is just kind of imbalancing. You basically gave them the best traits of the Half-Elf and Mountain Dwarf races, which are some of the strongest races in the book.

[Ralcos]

I think giving an elven subrace a free floating skill proficiency(when they already have free Perception) and free armor proficiency, plus a 1d10 weapon, is just kind of imbalancing. You basically gave them the best traits of the Half-Elf and Mountain Dwarf races, which are some of the strongest races in the book.

Changed, based on suggestions.

[zeek0]

I like a little flavor with my homebrew. What does this culture imprint on these elves other than mandatory warstaff training?

[Ralcos]

I like a little flavor with my homebrew. What does this culture imprint on these elves other than mandatory warstaff training?

Edited once more, to add flavor.

[zeek0]

Imperial Reputation. You gain proficiency in either Intimidate or History. In addition, you gain Disadvantage when using Charisma-based checks outside of the Imperial borders.

Cool!
By tradition, race features don't have downsides. (Also, what if you are disguised outside the borders? Or do a juggling show?)
I would either grant advantage within the border, or allow you to add intelligence to a persuasion/intimidate check (to simulate leverage of historical and cultural knowledge).

[ravencroft0]

Is it correct to say that your warstaff is essentially a double-edged/bladed spear?

[Ralcos]

Cool!
By tradition, race features don't have downsides. (Also, what if you are disguised outside the borders? Or do a juggling show?)
I would either grant advantage within the border, or allow you to add intelligence to a persuasion/intimidate check (to simulate leverage of historical and cultural knowledge).

Added the ability to add your Intelligence modifier to any Persuasion or Intimidation check. :D

[lunaticfringe]

Militaristic feels clunky to me. I would just make the Warstaff 1d8/1d10 for everyone because it's a Martial & not simple. The Special feature is that you can use it to deal Slashing or Bludgeoning (which honestly is less of a thing in 5e because 9.9/10 if a thing resist 1 it resists the other). Give them Proficiency in something else probably too so the feature doesn't feel watered down.

[Ralcos]

Militaristic feels clunky to me. I would just make the Warstaff 1d8/1d10 for everyone because it's a Martial & not simple. The Special feature is that you can use it to deal Slashing or Bludgeoning (which honestly is less of a thing in 5e because 9.9/10 if a thing resist 1 it resists the other). Give them Proficiency in something else probably too so the feature doesn't feel watered down.

Edited based on suggestions.