Parasitic

Many of the relics and artifacts of the Southern Reaches have a strange property not found in most of the world. Some objects hailing from the region are parasitic in nature, forming some level of symbiosis in the host before unleashing their full abilities. The origin of these rarities is unknown, and such kinds of fleshcrafting go beyond the capabilities of all living practitioners.

Objects with the parasitic property behave similarly to cursed objects. Once attuned, they cannot be disconnected from the host without making a Constitution saving throw with disadvantage. On a failed save, a character rolls a number of die equal to the size and number of their class' hit die in damage. On a success, this damage is halved. Another player can make a Medicine skill check to remove to grant a +3 bonus to the saving throw. For each additional month of symbiosis, an additional success is required to successfully remove the parasite.

Archers Jawed Vambrace

Weapon, parasitic, rare (requires attunement)

This item appears, at a glance, to be an ornate and strange vambrace typical of an archer, with attached finger tabs and armguard. Affixed around the palm is a loop of bone attached to the back of the hand, and a length of bone running from that point, along the forearm, reaching 18". The unusual nature of the vambrace is activated by the bearer's fight-or-flight response or, after attunement, at will. When in the state, the length of bone splits lengthwise into 2, pivoting on the boneloop over the palm and forming a longbow of bone with tendon for the string. The transformation is quite quick, and usually accompanied by the jaw salivating as it separates. Sharp teeth line the inside of the bow and it can be used as a shortsword in melee. Functions as a standard longbow. When the bearer is feeling somewhat at ease they can mentally command the jaw to snap shut.

Longstriders

Wondrous item, rare

A leather harness, with buckles to adjust size to fit most medium humanoids comfortably. The unusual element to this item is that as a movement action the player may extend a set of spider-like legs from the back of the harness, granting an additional 20ft of movement this turn, and ignoring difficult terrain penalties. Recharges after a short rest.

Twilight Cloak

Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement)

This cloak, hailing from a distant realm rarely visited by planeswalkers or spelljammers, belongs to a secretive order

of Knights. Charged with recording the knowledge of those that live there, the Knights operate in pairs, one half wearing the cloak, and wielding a sentient greatsword. Made from a soft, blue material, the cloak seems to swirl protectively around the user. Once per long rest, the cloak can be activated to grant resistance against psychic damage for 1 minute, or advantage against spells that charm or frighten you.

Bladedriver

Wondrous item, weapon, very rare

At first glance, this appears to be a surprisingly bulky punchdagger or katar. Ambidextrous and strapped to the forearm this weapon requires little finesse to use, at least in a basic fashion, dealing 1d8+Str mod. What sets this apart is the large, visible spring and mechanism attached to the rear of the blade. As a bonus action you may prime the spring on the Bladedriver. After priming, on a hit, the user can activate the switch in the grip, causing the blade to spring forward, dealing an additional 1d6 of damage. The forces exerted take a toll, allowing only a single attack to be enhanced in such a way per turn.

Whipgauntlet

Weapon, parasitic, rare (requires attunement)

First impressions of this rare relative to the cloaker look to be a simple leather and metal gauntlet. A closer inspection of the gauntlet opening, however, reveals a set of barbs intended to trap the users hand once put on. If donned, the barbed teeth engage, digging into the skin and releasing a venom with slight numbing effect that some users remain unaware of the now firmly attached gauntlet. The parasite feeds on lifeforce and blood of the user, and once sated, the plate on the back of the hand will lift, revealing its namesake. Prolonged usage will, over time, give a stronger command of the fleshy tendril inside until eventually being approximately analagous to whip weapon proficiency. The whip itself is formed of a length of stretchy muscle tissue, reaching up to 5 feet in length, and tipped with an unnaturally sharp bone barb, capable of cutting through even leather armour with enough force and precision. The muscular nature of the whipgauntlet allows the user to have their weapon readied, and even have increased range, without visibly alerting an enemy unaware of the item's nature, as long as you remain attuned to the whipgauntlet you have whip proficiency for the purpose of attacks with it.

Stinger Sickness

The stingers aren't what they seem. When a player first uses a stinger, the DM rolls 1d4-1, this number is how many uses a character has before they become vulnerable to Stinger Sickness. When players hit 0 remaining uses, they must make a Con saving throw, DC 8. Every additional use increases the DC by 2. On a failed save, the character is secretly infected with a strain of the Old Blood. Further information is provided later in this document.

Mortarian Bolt-Action

Weapon, very rare

Imported from a distant trade partner in small numbers, the engineers responsible would have you believe these unsuspecting weapons are the future of combat. With a length of 48" these finely crafted mechanisms of iron and wood are cumbersome but devastatingly powerful when used on living targets. Similar in shape to a slim, long crossbow but lacking the signature limbs, instead a long iron barrel runs much of the weapon's length. Specially crafted ammunition is loaded via an opening at the back of the tube while loading and ejection of spent ammunition is handled by a handle on the right of the barrel.

Wing-edge

Wing-edge act as a catch-all term for a selection of magical items, often divided into two classifications based on their method of operation. A biomechanical variant that has the parasitic trait and is classed as rare. While inert this type resembles a leathery pack with curled pseudopods. When placed on a humanoid's bare skin the pseudopods spring to life, rapidly gripping the flesh and maneuvering into the correct position before hijacking the user's vascular and nervous systems to integrate as a pair of leathery wings unfurl. The arcano-mechanical version is classed as very rare. This system of complex mechanisms is built of a abdomen hugging harness. When properly strapped in place the device activates and rapidly adjusts for the required fit. A skeletal set of metallic wings spring from your back on command with a translucent web of energy between softly hissing with energy. Wing-edges provide a flight speed of 20 ft. and the ability to glide silently 5 ft. horizontally for every 1 ft. of vertical movement while unfurled. You can furl or unfurl the wings as a bonus action. Additionally, the wings can be used as a natural weapon, dealing 1d6 bludgeoning on a hit.

Exotic Biology

Stonesingers have an aggressively non-humanoid form, consisting of a central "column" and 5 limbs. The front two legs arch higher than the single rear leg, though each consist of 3 segments adorned with the shifting chitin plates terminating in a 3 part foot/ankle forming a squared-off hook shape and 2 articulated toes. A common idle behaviour of Stonesingers has them tap these appendages against the ground. Between the front and back legs are 2 eerily humanoid arms made of a noticably different style of chitin with a greater focus on flexible membranes and a pair 3-fingered hands.

The central column is host to the sensory organs, including an extremely developed set of auditory organs and what seem to be vibrational sensors. Unlike most sapient species however, stonesingers have an extremely crude sense of vision most likely due to their primarily underground origins.

The natural chitin of stonesingers is extremely hardy, on par with some forms of basic armour, and their legs are quite powerful, with some stonesingers telling of using their limbs to suspend themselves in narrow underground tunnels whilst working for extended periods of time.

Breaking Expectations

Early experiences with stonesingers had expedition forces consider them an entirely hostile force, showing none of the expected physical or cosmetic characteristics of the races of the north. The first stonesinger to make contact with armed forces was treated with great trepidation. For creatures from underground have positive histories with humanoids, even less ones with insect-like or arachnid-like features.

Many civilised people are extremely hesitant to interact with stonesingers longterm, fearing them or otherwise showing hostility though the few stonesingers willing to mix with humanoid groups seem unfazed by this.

Unknown Histories

Most stonesingers are unwilling to discuss much of their culture or history, most snippets known are pieces told to people in casual communication, it seems they respond poorly to being directly asked certain lines of questions but have little issue discussing these same points when they feel comfortable doing so.

Whilst typically living in underground caves or hives, some of the oldest colonies are centered on long-buried metallic structures, though the inhabitants have a strong tradition for preserving and not interfering with much of these structures. They have a limited spirituality seeming to venerate constellations of their own with no real connection to those of other cultures barring accidental overlap. Rare individuals can take interest in the religions and spirituality of other cultures, though they often find ways to reconcile it with their own previous beliefs.

Stonesinger traits

Your stonesinger character has the following traits, fairly standard across the species.

Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 2.

Age. Stonesinger society puts little emphasis on age, and outsiders haven't been aware of the species long enough to get a gauge on their lifespan. Stonesingers do seem to reach physical maturity around 10 years of age.

Alignment. Stonesingers typically find themselves with a Lawful to Neutral alignment, very rarely leaning Chaotic or Evil without outside influence.

Size. Stonesingers vary from 4 to 5 feet at the shoulder, though standing fully upright they can reach 6 and a half feet to 7 feet. Your size is medium.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 35 feet. You have a climbing speed equal to your movement speed.

Shifting Chitin. When you aren’t wearing armor, your AC is 13 + your Constitution modifier. A shield’s benefits apply as normal.

Tripedal stance. You have advantage on saves against forced movement and being knocked prone due to your enhanced stability.

Vestigial eyesight. You have disadvantage on any Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on eyesight.

Lurker. You have tremorsense for a range of 20ft.

Feat. You gain one feat of your choice.

Unconventional bodies. Due to your drastically different bodyshape, you are precluded from using many types of equipment unless heavily modified, including but not limited to the following: helmets/masks, chest/torso armour or garments, leggings/pants or boots. Other items can be used or not used at the DM's discretion.

Lone Wolves

Southern Gnolls have a curious quirk when separated from a pack, either by chance or choice, wherein Yeenoghu's grip upon them seems to fade. Gnolls that live this way can often be found incorporating themselves into warbands of goblins, sating their need for comradery, and frequently rising to leadership positions similar to hobgoblins and bugbears.

Individual gnolls can be reasoned with and even partake in trade with outsiders, however they typically shun civilization, staying on the move to avoid any roaming packs lest they succumb to their demonic influence.

Brutal By Blood

Gnolls, influenced or not, tend towards vocations and fighting styles that put them in the thick of battle. They feel most at home on the hunt and in the heat of combat. Gnolls tend towards being barbarians, fighters and rangers, with the occasional hexblade warlock thrown in.

Individual gnolls typically take on a "rules of nature" mentality, thinking of most power dynamics as predator vs. prey and often maintaining a "might makes right" outlook when it comes to dealing with others. This can lead to some behaviours other races may find abhorrent, such as being more than willing to consume the dead.

Gnoll Names

Gnoll names tend towards the more guttural, hard syllables for first names, and more descriptive last names, often tied to appearance or impressive deeds or hunts they were part of. Younger gnolls sometimes take a clan name until they can forge a name for themselves

Male names: Dek, Thrix, Ozzat, Derkoz, Brer, Denir, Thyrg

Female names: Ohn, Rhir, Dhegu, Sadish, Kni, Ath, Mhu

Family names: Soilsnout, Horsebiter, Fastfoot, Blacktooth, Stonefist, Shieldshatter, Blackblood

Clan names: Yellowfangs, Greatspear, Corpsecutters

Gnoll traits

Your gnoll character has the following traits, common amongst the species.

Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 2.

Age. Southern Gnolls, due to their method of creation, are "born" fully formed, having all the traits of an adult gnoll by the time the transformation is completed. Few gnolls live long lives, though those that do become different than their compatriots, with changes starting around age 20.

Alignment. Most gnolls tend toward chaotic, as part of the demonic influence Yeenoghu has over them.

Size. Gnolls are typically 7 to 8 feet, but typically have a slightly hunched posture. Your size is medium.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Bite. Your powerful jaw is a natural weapon, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with it, you deal piercing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Hyaenid. Due to your heritage you can safely consume raw and rotting food, and you have advantage on saving throws against poison and disease.

Thrill of the Hunt. When the gnoll reduces a creature to 0 hit points with a melee attack on its turn, the gnoll can take a bonus action to move up to half its speed and make a bite attack.

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Gnoll. Gnolls are typically resistant to teaching their language to others, as they can struggle with the pronunciation and consider it a waste of time.

Alien Bodies

Thri-kreen have some distinct differences in bodyplan from that of most humanoids. Most notably, they have a secondary set of arms by their waists, smaller but more capable of fine movement than their primary pair. These arms are typically used to work tools or anything requiring finer motor control. Watching these four limbs work on the same task at hand can be somewhat mesmerising. Additionally, their more insectoid mouthparts and very rudimentary vocal cords make them incapable of most kinds of speech, instead communicating via a short-range telepathy.

Exotic Craftsmen

Thri-kreen use a resin-like substance they can expel from their mouths for a myriad of tasks, ranging from creating weapons and tools all the way to building their homes. In it's uncured state is acts as a powerful bonding agent, making it easy for thri-kreen to work it and other components into whatever shape and function they desire.

Once cured, it because hard, but not brittle, able to serve well due to it's impressive durability. Most thri-kreen weapons utilize this method of construction, as the species shows little interest in metalworking.

Thri-kreen Names

Thri-kreen names are ungendered, typically relying on hard syllables and breaks. These names are one of the few things they use their mouths to say to outsiders.

Thri-kreen names: Pak'cha, Tik-Tik, Pok, Chit'al, Bok'tuk, Kech

Thri-kreen traits

Your thri-kreen character has the following traits, common amongst the species.

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 2.

Age. Badlands Thri-kreen reach maturity quickly, considered fully grown around age 6. Typically thri-kreen can live to around age 40.

Alignment. Most thri-kreen tend toward neutral, finding a balance with nature and the people around it.

Size. Thri-kreen are typically 5 to 6 feet. Your size is medium.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Alien Physiology. Thri-kreen's unusual body structure makes them particularly adept at two weapon fighting. You may ignore the light weapon requirement of one weapon when using two-weapon fighting. Additionally, when making a grapple check you have advantage.

Standing Leap. The thri-kreen's long jump is up to 30 feet and its high jump is up to 15 feet, with or without a running start.

Languages. You can speak thri-kreen. Thri-kreen lack typical mouthparts and vocal cords, using short-range telepathy to communicate with other species instead.

Starborn

The Forgotten claim to come from the stars, having travelled here in groups of unfamiliar spelljammers before being stranded here by some cataclysm since gone from their collective memory. The land of the Southern Reaches is inherently hostile to the Forgotten people and they require crude partially sealed suits to move about.

Crudely constructed from salvaged materials, their suits often appear completely ramshackle, but the skilled hands of the Forgotten make surprisingly effective gear.

Forgotten clans make their homes in the extremely rundown remnants of their spelljammers, however little remains bar dilapidated husks riddled with rust and missing panels, canvas tarps drawn haphazardly to patch holes or make small annexes.

Castes Laid Low

The clans or "Houses" of the Forgotten suffered catastrophic damage some time after they first arrived, with much of the higher castes of the leaders and priesthood killed. No members of the priesthood have been seen alive in many, many years, while many of the Houses lack a true leader instead having a revolving door of aspiring warlords.

This lack of direction has resulted in the Forgotten tending to instead raid surrounding areas and quarreling with any nearby Houses rather than make any great strides towards conquering their rivals or uniting.

Surviving on Salvage

Wounding Forgotten reveals a peculiar aspect of their makeshift suits. Piercing them often releases a cloud of white gas which quickly dissipates, though contact has been limited, it seems the Forgotten need this gas in order to breathe. Speaking with them they tell of their stardwelling past needing a mysterious ether provided by the priesthood to survive. With many of the Houses sitting atop convergences of leylines it seems they have successfully replaced this ether with local arcane magic, though the method of this transformation remains unknown.

Forgotten names

The Forgotten tend towards names with hard consonants and extended vowels, often utilizing clicks and hisses that many races find difficult to replicate. The mandible mouthparts are capable of certain sounds that are difficult to transcribe.

Forgotten names: Praksis, Rahn, Retiks, Araskes, Piirha

Forgotten traits

Your Forgotten character has the following traits, common amongst your people.

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and increase Constitution or Wisdom score by 1.

Age. Forgotten often lead short and brutal lives, but those that survive often live a long time.

Alignment. Most Forgotten tend toward chaotic, though a sufficiently strong leader can keep them in check.

Size. Forgotten sizes vary with age and experience. Your size starts as small.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Wreckdweller. Forgotten live much of their lives scavenging and stealing, choose an additional tool proficiency at character creation.

Merited Form. At 5th level your docked lower arms can either be regrown or replaced by prosthetics, the method of restoration is up to the player and DM. These secondary arms can be used to stow or draw an additional item on your turn when in combat. Additionally, at 5th level you gain proficiency in longswords, scimitars and firearms, if available.

Your size increase to Medium at 7th level and to Large at 14th level, reflecting your growth.

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Lowspeech, the language of the Forgotten.

Peoples Adrift

The Balinds sudden appearance across the continent means locks them into the role of an outsider. They are a people without a homeland, with no major historical events or heroes and as such they lack much of a sense of community, preferring to travel alone, or with a close-knit group.

The existing inhabitants at first were fearful of this sudden appearance of an entirely new race, but the rarity of them and their non-confrontational nature put many of these fears at ease.

Deceptive Appearance

With a heavy coat of thick scales, much like their original forms, along with powerful, retractable claws, the heritage of the Balinds is obvious. This appearance can lead those unfamiliar to believe they are predilected for war and violence, however those who know the Balind can speak volumes of their desire for tasty food and drink, often finding great personal joy in cooking or brewing.

Unusual Tastes

Balind tastes run the gamut, finding common ground with almost any other race. From fine cuts of meat to the gooey remains of giant insects, honeyed meads to fermented alcohols brewed from ants and roots in their own stomachs, the closest thing to a universal culture the Balinds have lies in their passion for eating.

Travelling far and wide, many of the species find temporary employment using these skills or their channeling their wanderlust into scouting or escorting travellers.

Evolved Existence

With the deification of Cassiq, the Thorn Queen, came the creation of the Balind. Most Balind are first or second generation, with some first generation being permanently transformed dire pangolins, while others were spontaneously created whole-cloth seemingly from nowhere. What this means for the race long-term is unknown.

Unsurprisingly, many Balind pay tribute to Cassiq in thanks for her gift of sentience, however that lack of community mean there's no great organisation to their religion, nor any specific set of rituals they adhere to.

Balind names

Balind names are typically nouns for existing things, often based on elements of nature.

Balind names: River, Oak, Bluejay, Mountain

Balind traits

All Balinds have the following traits:

Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 2

Age. Balind lifetimes are currently unknown.

Size. Balind tend to hunch over slightly, but when standing fully upright they can easily reach 7-8 feet tall. Your size is medium.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet. You have a burrow speed of 10 feet.

Darkvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Beast Physiology. Your race's recent connection to their animal ancestor's has resulted in natural armour and weapons. While you aren’t wearing armour, your scales gives you a base Armor Class of 13 + your Dexterity modifier. Additionally, you can extend your digging claws to use as weapons. If you hit with it, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Connoisseur. The Balinds' love of tasty treats grants you proficiency with one of the following: alchemist's supplies, brewer's supplies or cook's utensils.

Emissaries

Most thinking beings have an immediate gut reaction upon discovering one of the Children stands before them, suspicious of their motives and expecting the worst. Those with a proclivity for worshipping death gods or the afterlife sometimes develop something of an obsession with finding omens in the actions of a Child.

Few of the Children put earnest effort into suppressing the rumours that follow them, instead often finding ways to bend their reputation to their advantage, whether that be taking audience with a sickly noble, a clergyman or a superstitious sage. By and large they have the same goals as other mortals, though their long lives tend to give them similar perspectives as elves, dwarves or other long-lived species.

Elevated Not Detached

Unlike many of their contemporaries, the Children as a whole do not have a sense of unwarranted self-importance. Their connection to the afterlife grants many the innate sense of balance and cyclical nature of reality. As such they often can seem disconnected from suffering or the pains of the world around them, however the Children know to accept these things as a phase of life that will be passed through.

Legends say that the Children of Anubis are granted sight beyond life, that they have an uncanny understanding of the nature of death, however modern Children have no such abilities other mortals possess. Their deep understanding of emotional turmoil makes them natural confidantes, therapists and caregivers to those in danger of being consumed by grief and loss.

Formed Duality

In their humanoid form Children are easily mistaken for a variety of elf, with an unearthly grace and pointed almost delicate features they use this mistaken identity much to their advantage when dealing with strangers. Particularly old and experienced Children can sometimes develop odd, exaggerated features as their bestial form's changed shape bleeds through.

The main way outsiders can know for sure someone is a Child is by witnessing their transformation. Considered by some as the "true" form of the Children, they can freely move between their humanoid form and that of an Anubian Jackal.

The jackal form can initially be somewhat confused with another species with it's black fur and sleek bodyshape, but as the Children age and gain more experience in the world, they begin to change. The Messenger Children develop additional pairs of yellow, piercing eyes, whilst the Herald Children grow additional pairs of legs and a longer body.

Children names

Children names are those commonly used in the Empires of Sand.

Children names: Osaze, Ta-bat, Heti, Amenophis

Children traits

All Children of Anubis have the following traits:

Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 2

Age. The Children can live for many centuries, 500-700 are typical.

Size. In humanoid form you are size Medium, Anubian Jackal form is size Small

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Languages. You speak Common, and one additional language from Abyssal, Celestial or Infernal.

Familiar With Death. You may add your proficiency bonus when rolling death saving throws.

Twin Forms. As an action you can shift between your humanoid and jackal form. Whilst in jackal form your statistics remain the same, any equipment you are wearing is merged into your new form. You can speak any languages you know despite your altered form.

Subraces. The Children tend toward one of two forms. Choose either Messenger or Herald as your subrace.

Mystic Adept

You have unlocked an innate gift that allows you to perform special psionic abilities. You gain the following benefits:

• You learn two abilities of your choice from the Psionic Power features available to the Soulknife and Psi Warrior archetypes. If a power you use requires your target to make a saving throw to resist it's effects, the saving throw DC equals 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Intelligence modifier.
• You gain one psionic energy die, which is a d6 (this die is added to any psionic energy dice you have from another source). This die is used to fuel your powers. A psionic energy die is expended when you use it. You regain your expended psionic energy dice when you finish a short or long rest.

Magebreaker

Your skill with martial weapons is honed so sharp that even magic falls prey to your strikes. When a creature casts a spell that targets you, you may attempt to dispel it. Make an ability check using Strength or Dexterity, the DC equals 10 + the spell's level. You can do this a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, resetting on a long rest.

Embraced Heritage

Prerequisite: Tiefling or Aasimar, 5th level or higher

Your infernal, celestial or divine heritage has given you many gifts, with this, you reclaim another. You sprout a set of incorporeal wings, the appearance of which is decided between you and the DM. These wings can be dismissed or summoned with a bonus action and provide a 20ft flight speed when active.

Spread Pattern

Prerequisite: at least 1 psionic die

You manifest a protective barrier of shimmering energy. You can expend a psionic die and create a 10ft line within 30ft that provides the benefits of half-cover to any creatures you choose. Maintaing the barrier requires concentration and lasts up to 1 minute. You can use this ability a number of times equal to your proficiency, uses recharge on a long rest.

Fairweather's Respite

3rd-level conjuration (ritual)

• Casting Time: 30 minutes
• Range: 60 ft.
• Components: V, S, M (a plain silver key)
• Duration: 12 hours

As the ritual concludes a shimmering arch of frost rises from the ground before crystallising into a solid arch of dark metal. Beyond the arch is an extradimensional space consisting of a circular room 25ft wide with a domed roof 20ft high in the centre. Supporting arches circle the roof and a single circular window sits at the apex, with dim blue light filtering through. Despite the archways not having a door, the interior is warm and dry and creatures can freely exit and enter. At the end of the spells duration, any creatures inside are forced through the archway which then dissolves into mist.