Human, Atlantean

Atlanteans are human, but possess a unique cultural heritage and new racial traits and powers. Atlanteans were once the most advanced and powerful people. The empire of Atlantis was fabulously rich, and Atlantean magic and technology made the island empire a realm of marvels in an otherwise brutal and primitive age. But a little more than three hundred years ago, Atlantis was destroyed in a terrible cataclysm. Nine out of ten Atlanteans were erased from existence in a single day, breaking the worldwide dominance of the Atlantean race.

Atlanteans have lost much of their vast lore and advanced technology, but they are still a powerful force for good or evil in the world. Proud, audacious, self-reliant, and industrious, they work to preserve the fading glory of Atlantis and recover what they can of its lost sciences and arts. Some Atlanteans use this lore to guide (or dominate) the less-advanced peoples around them, hoping to rebuild Atlantis in a new home. Others recognize that the time of Atlantis has passed, and work to pass its knowledge to younger civilizations where it may do great good.

Appearance

Atlanteans are fully human, and possess a human range of builds, body types, and features. They form a distinct ethnicity, and can be identified as Atlantean at a glance. They are a tall and handsome people in general, and many Atlanteans are natural athletes.

Their skin color ranges from a light copper hue to a deep bronze, their hair is usually dark brown or raven-black, and their features tend to be fine. Their most notable features are light-colored eyes in hues that are rare among other humans: gray, green, an icy pale blue, or even a bright gold. The contrast between the light-colored eyes and the copper or bronze complexion is often quite striking.

Because Atlanteans are declining in numbers, more and more have married into the general population. Classic Atlantean features are becoming hard to find, although the wealthiest and most powerful families are more likely to preserve the old bloodlines.

Roleplaying

When you play an Atlantean character, you are playing someone who is richer, more influential, and better-educated than most of the people he or she meets. Whether you regard these advantages as your birthright or as privileges you must earn through your own deeds is up to you.

Seek knowledge for its own sake. Your people are the living examples of the maxim that knowledge is power. Most Atlanteans cultivate a keen interest in many different things—ancient history, the natural sciences, war and strategy, commerce, philosophy, the arts, almost any field of study imaginable. Be intensely curious about the world around you, and seek out opportunities to explore ancient mysteries or discover new things.

Lead by example. Atlanteans are supremely self-confident. While you are certainly capable of reasoning with people to get them to see why your ideas are best, it has long been a cornerstone of the Atlantean makeup to demonstrate the merit of an argument by living it. When you know you’re right, it’s time to act, and trust that the success of your actions will argue your point for you. Others will follow when they see you succeed.

There is always a better way. Your people’s dedication to study and progress has demonstrated time and time again that there is always room for improvement.

When faced with an unappetizing choice, you are convinced that a better choice can be found if only you are perceptive enough to find it (or decisive enough to seize it). Question why something is done the way it is done, and look for a better way to do it.

Standard Racial Traits

While Atlanteans are fully human, they possess a distinct cultural heritage that offers them unique opportunities compared to most other humans in the world.

This means that Atlanteans have different ability score adjustments and racial traits than other human characters do.

• Ability Scores: +1 Strength, +2 Intelligence. Atlanteans are naturally inclined toward an unusual combination of athleticism and scholarship.
• Age: Atlanteans are somewhat long-lived compared to most other humans. They reach adulthood by 20, and often live to an age of 120 or so.
• Alignment: Atlanteans tend to be lawful, believing that societies can be engineered with strong laws and good planning. Whether those laws bring good to all or help the evil to oppress the weak depends on the individual; Atlanteans have been both protectors and conquerors in the past.
• Size: Atlanteans are Medium creatures.
• Speed: Atlanteans have a base speed of 30 feet.
• Broad Education: Atlantean characters begin play with training in any two Intelligence-based skills. Atlanteans are raised with a love of learning and are encouraged to study any subject that catches their interest.
• Headstrong: Atlanteans gain tactical advantage on saving throws against command, dominate, geas, and hold spells. Atlanteans are willful and are used to having their way; when confronted with spells or effects that threaten to master the will with a direct attack, they are difficult to break.
• Wealthy: Atlantean characters begin play with five times the normal starting wealth for their class, and can purchase common magic items with their starting wealth for 100 gp each. Atlanteans come from wealthy families with a number of heirlooms.
• Languages: Atlantean characters speak Low Atlantean (the common tongue), High Atlantean, and one bonus language. Atlanteans can choose any common or uncommon language they want, but not rare or secret languages (see Languages in Chapter 1). They can read and write in any language they know.