A character’s Lineage represents the biological and supernatural heritage they were born with. Lineages differ in more than appearance. They may possess different physical capabilities, senses, innate abilities, and relationships with the Veil.
Each Lineage defines its own natural Attribute limits and may also determine or modify Reach, Damage Modifier, Toughness, and other characteristics.
Lineage abilities are inherent to the character. They are not Traits and do not normally need to be purchased separately.
Individual variation still exists within every Lineage. Attribute ratings, Skills, Traits, augmentation, magic, and personal background determine far more about a character than Lineage alone.
Core Lineages
Static Veil includes many Lineages, but this SRD focuses on eight core Lineages that are widespread enough to serve as the default character options.
All remain part of humanity, and none represents a separate species. Lineage influences anatomy, natural limits, and inherited tendencies, but does not determine personality, profession, beliefs, or morality.
Human: The least physically altered Lineage and still the largest population group. Humans have no distinctive post-Awakening anatomy and remain the most culturally varied of the core Lineages.
Elf: Long-lived, lean, and refined in appearance, with tapered ears and expressive features. Elven cultures often place strong emphasis on aesthetics, etiquette, reputation, memory, and controlled expression.
Dwarf: Short, broad, dense, and physically solid, with heavy bones, strong builds, abundant body hair, and excellent low-light vision. Dwarven cultures commonly value competence, craftsmanship, reliability, and mastery.
Orc: Large and powerfully built, with heavy features and prominent lower tusks. Orc cultures often reward directness, loyalty, nerve, physical confidence, and open defiance.
Troll: The largest core Lineage, with massive frames, heavy features, tusks, and distinctive horns. Troll cultures tend toward patience, endurance, restraint, and deliberate commitment rather than aggression.
Goblin: Small, lean, and quick, with pointed ears, prominent noses, sharp teeth, and completely black eyes. Goblin cultures commonly favor curiosity, adaptability, experimentation, improvisation, and opportunism.
Halfling: The smallest core Lineage, with compact bodies, round features, large ears, and disproportionately large feet. Halfling cultures strongly emphasize family, hospitality, communal life, food, and dense social networks.
Satyr: Athletic, expressive, and recognizable by pointed horns, increased body hair, and tails ending in sharp arrow-shaped tips. Satyr cultures are often shaped by passion, art, nightlife, sport, changing enthusiasms, and strong emotional expression.