Description: The Etherborne are an ethereal and enigmatic race, often characterized by their luminous, semi-translucent skin that shimmers with faint traces of arcane energy. They possess an otherworldly beauty, with delicate features and eyes that glow softly with an inner light. Etherborne individuals are typically tall and slender, exuding an aura of mystery and grace. Their hair ranges in color from silver and pale blue to iridescent hues that seem to shift and change in different lighting conditions. Some Etherborne even possess small, flickering motes of energy that dance around their bodies, adding to their enchanting presence.

Society: Etherborne society revolves around the exploration and study of the Ether, seeking to unlock its secrets and harness its power. They form small, closely-knit communities known as "Aethyria," which serve as centers of magical learning, experimentation, and communal living. Aethyria are typically situated in remote and secluded areas, such as ancient forests or high mountain peaks, where the veil between the material world and the Ether is thin. These communities foster an atmosphere of intellectual pursuit, artistic expression, and spiritual connection.

Etherborne society values knowledge, wisdom, and the pursuit of magical mastery. They have a rich oral tradition of storytelling, weaving tales of mythical beings and arcane wonders. The Aethyria are led by the most accomplished mages and scholars, who guide the community's research and safeguard their magical heritage. They are also skilled in the art of crafting magical artifacts, using their understanding of the Ether to imbue objects with arcane power.

Goals: The Etherborne seek to unravel the mysteries of the Ether and unlock its potential for the betterment of their race and the world at large. They strive to deepen their understanding of magic, expand their knowledge of the arcane arts, and uncover hidden truths about the nature of reality. Their ultimate goal is to achieve a harmonious balance between the material world and the ethereal realms, utilizing the Ether's power for the advancement of civilization and the preservation of magical equilibrium.

As adventurers, Etherborne individuals may be driven by a thirst for knowledge, a desire to protect their Aethyria from external threats, or a quest to uncover ancient artifacts and artifacts infused with Etheric energy. They might also seek to bridge the gap between the mundane world and the magical realms, acting as mediators and ambassadors between different civilizations and magical traditions.

• Ether Affinity: Etherborne have a natural affinity for the arcane energies of the Ether, a mysterious force that permeates the world. They gain a +2 racial bonus to Intelligence and a +1 racial bonus to Charisma.

• Ether Sense: Etherborne possess an innate ability to sense the presence of Etheric energies. They have advantage on Perception checks related to detecting magical or supernatural phenomena.

• Ether Manipulation: Once per day, an Etherborne can tap into their innate connection to the Ether and cast the Ethereal Sight spell. This ability allows them to see into the Ethereal Plane for a short period of time, granting them vision beyond the physical realm.

• Ethereal Step: Etherborne can momentarily phase partially into the Ethereal Plane, granting them limited ethereal movement. As a bonus action, an Etherborne can teleport up to 30 feet in any direction, passing through solid objects and creatures as they briefly phase into the Ethereal Plane. This ability can be used once per short rest.

• Arcane Resistance: Etherborne have advantage on saving throws against spells and magical effects.

• Languages: Etherborne can speak, read, and write Common and one additional language of their choice.

The Etherborne are a race uniquely attuned to the arcane forces of the Ether, granting them a heightened connection to magic and the ability to briefly step into the Ethereal Plane. They excel in perceiving magical energies and possess innate resistance to spells and magical effects. Their natural affinity for the Ether provides them with an advantage in understanding and manipulating arcane forces.

Etherborne would employ a combination of their innate arcane abilities and their deep understanding of the Ether to gain an upper hand. Their tactics would revolve around exploiting their ethereal nature and manipulating magical energies. Here are a few tactics an Etherborne might employ in a conflict:

• Ethereal Evasion: Etherborne excel at maneuvering through the ethereal realms. They can utilize their Ethereal Step ability to phase partially into the Ethereal Plane, allowing them to pass through solid objects and creatures. This grants them exceptional mobility and makes them difficult to target. They would employ hit-and-run tactics, constantly phasing in and out of the material plane to confuse and confound their adversaries.

• Arcane Assault: Etherborne possess a natural affinity for magic. They might cast powerful offensive spells, utilizing elemental forces or ethereal energies to attack their foes. Their Ether Manipulation ability could also grant them unique offensive capabilities, such as conjuring ethereal projectiles or launching bolts of arcane energy.

• Ethereal Sight: The Etherborne's ability to cast the Ethereal Sight spell allows them to see into the ethereal realms. They would use this advantage to detect hidden foes, anticipate ambushes, or uncover vulnerabilities in their adversaries' defenses. This heightened perception gives them an edge in combat situations, allowing them to strike with precision and timing.

• Arcane Shields and Protections: Drawing upon their understanding of magical forces, Etherborne might create protective barriers or shields to deflect attacks. They could erect ethereal barriers that grant them temporary immunity or resistance against specific types of damage. These shields could be woven from the raw energy of the Ether, providing them with a layer of defense.

• Etheric Manipulation: Etherborne have a deep connection to the Ether. They might employ their Ether Manipulation ability to disrupt or manipulate magical energies in the environment. This could involve dispelling or absorbing incoming spells, redirecting magical attacks, or even temporarily nullifying magical effects in their vicinity.

Etherborne

Medium-size Humanoid (Etherborne)

Hit Dice: 8d8+16 (52 hp)

Initiative: +3

Speed: 30 ft., Ethereal Step 60 ft. (can phase partially into the Ethereal Plane for a limited time)

Armor Class: 18 (+3 Dex, +5 natural)

Base Attack/Grapple: +6/+7

Attack: Melee touch +7 (1d6+1, force)

Full Attack: Melee touch +7 (1d6+1, force)

Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.

Special Attacks: Ethereal Bolt, Arcane Wave

Special Qualities: Ethereal Step, Etheric Sight, Ether Manipulation, Innate Spellcasting

Saves: Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +6

Abilities: Str 12, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 18, Wis 12, Cha 14

Skills: Concentration +10, Knowledge (Arcane) +15, Spot +8

Feats: Spell Focus (Evocation), Spell Penetration, Improved Initiative, Skill Focus (Knowledge [Arcane])

Environment: Any

Organization: Solitary, pair, or group (3-6)

Challenge Rating: 6

Treasure: Standard

Alignment: Neutral

Advancement: By character class

Level Adjustment: +3

Ethereal Step: As a move action, the Etherborne can partially phase into the Ethereal Plane until the end of its turn. While partially phased, it gains a fly speed of 60 ft. and a +2 dodge bonus to AC against attacks from corporeal creatures.

Etheric Sight: The Etherborne can see into the ethereal realms, allowing it to detect hidden and invisible creatures and objects as if under the effects of the See Invisibility spell.

Ether Manipulation: The Etherborne can manipulate the ethereal energies around it. As a standard action, it can create an ethereal barrier that grants it a +4 deflection bonus to AC until the start of its next turn. It can use this ability once per day.

Innate Spellcasting: The Etherborne can cast the following spells as innate spell-like abilities: Detect Magic (at will), Mage Armor (at will), Blur (3/day), Misty Step (3/day), Dimension Door (1/day), Greater Invisibility (1/day). The caster level is equal to the Etherborne's Hit Dice.

Ethereal Bolt: The Etherborne can unleash a bolt of pure ethereal energy as a ranged touch attack. It has a range increment of 60 ft. and deals 2d6 force damage.

Arcane Wave: Once per day, the Etherborne can release a wave of raw arcane energy in a 15-foot cone. All creatures within the cone must make a Reflex save (DC 16) or take 4d6 force damage.

Skills: Etherborne have a +4 racial bonus on Concentration and Knowledge (Arcane) checks.

Etherborne

Medium-size Humanoid (Etherborne)

Hit Dice: 8d8+16 (52 hp)

Initiative: +3

Speed: 30 ft., Ethereal Step 60 ft. (can phase partially into the Ethereal Plane for a limited time)

Armor Class: 18 (+3 Dex, +5 natural)

Base Attack/Grapple: +6/+7

Attack: Melee touch +7 (1d6+1, force)

Full Attack: Melee touch +7 (1d6+1, force)

Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.

Special Attacks: Ethereal Bolt, Arcane Wave

Special Qualities: Ethereal Step, Etheric Sight, Ether Manipulation, Psionic Powers

Saves: Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +6

Abilities: Str 12, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 18, Wis 12, Cha 14

Skills: Concentration +10, Psicraft +15, Spot +8

Feats: Psionic Focus (Telepathy), Psionic Talent, Improved Initiative, Skill Focus (Psicraft)

Environment: Any

Organization: Solitary, pair, or group (3-6)

Challenge Rating: 6

Treasure: Standard

Alignment: Neutral

Advancement: By character class

Level Adjustment: +3

Ethereal Step: As a move action, the Etherborne can partially phase into the Ethereal Plane until the end of its turn. While partially phased, it gains a fly speed of 60 ft. and a +2 dodge bonus to AC against attacks from corporeal creatures.

Etheric Sight: The Etherborne can see into the ethereal realms, allowing it to detect hidden and invisible creatures and objects as if under the effects of the Detect Psionics power.

Ether Manipulation: The Etherborne can manipulate the ethereal energies around it. As a standard action, it can create an ethereal barrier that grants it a +4 deflection bonus to AC until the start of its next turn. It can use this ability once per day.

Psionic Powers: The Etherborne can manifest the following psionic powers as spell-like abilities: Detect Psionics (at will), Vigor (at will), Psionic Shield (3/day), Ethereal Jaunt (3/day), Dimension Slide (1/day), Invisibility (1/day). The manifester level is equal to the Etherborne's Hit Dice.

Ethereal Bolt: The Etherborne can unleash a bolt of pure ethereal energy as a ranged touch attack. It has a range increment of 60 ft. and deals 2d6 force damage.

Arcane Wave: Once per day, the Etherborne can release a wave of raw arcane energy in a 15-foot cone. All creatures within the cone must make a Reflex save (DC 16) or take 4d6 force damage.

Skills: Etherborne have a +4 racial bonus on Concentration and Psicraft checks.