The Skorenoi are fey and monstrous humanoids altered by chaos, twisted into beings that combine unnatural physical traits and magical abilities. Once, you were one of them—either altered directly or the descendant of someone who bore this taint. You carry a mysterious and unsettling legacy from the influence of a fiendish treant named Grimbough and the corrupted centaur chieftain, Chrethon. Though the magical taint is now mostly gone, remnants linger in your appearance, instincts, or abilities.
Now, you wander, often shunned by others who sense the darkness in your past. Yet this dark legacy has granted you unique skills and traits.
- Skill Proficiencies: Choose two from Deception, Survival, and Intimidation
- Tool Proficiencies: One musical instrument of your choice (often pipes, drums, or another primal instrument associated with fey or woodland creatures).
- Languages: Sylvan and one additional language of your choice.
- Equipment: A set of traveler’s clothes, a small token from your past life (such as a twisted branch or a fang from a former ally), an instrument or keepsake associated with the Skorenoi (such as a set of old, cracked pipes), and a pouch containing 10 gp.
Your past as a Skorenoi or Skorenoi descendant has left you with a disturbing allure that others find difficult to ignore, even if they can’t always trust you. You have a dark charm that allows you to earn the attention or even brief loyalty of those aligned with chaos or darkness.
You gain the following benefits:
- Tainted Whispers: Once per long rest, you may use a bonus action to subtly influence a creature within 30 feet who can hear you, drawing on the lingering taint of your Skorenoi lineage. The creature must make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier) or be charmed by you for one minute. This effect ends early if you or your allies attack the creature.
- Hidden Resistance: Due to the chaotic magic that once coursed through you, you have advantage on saving throws against effects that would attempt to detect your true intentions or influence your thoughts.
Suggested Characteristics
Skorenoi Survivors tend to carry remnants of their dark past both in physical and psychological traits. Though many have attempted to embrace a new life, they often remain haunted by their past and misunderstood by others. Some try to find redemption, while others embrace the chaotic forces that shaped them.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I have an unsettling presence that I try to keep hidden; people often feel uneasy around me. |
| 2 | Despite my past, I yearn for acceptance and strive to help those who mistrust me. |
| 3 | I enjoy instilling fear in others—it reminds me that I still hold some power over my fate. |
| 4 | I prefer solitude, as it lessens the chance of rejection or judgment. |
| 5 | I am intensely curious about all magical and mystical phenomena. |
| 6 | I am deeply loyal to those who accept me, perhaps to a fault. |
| 7 | I speak little of my past, fearing others will misunderstand my former life. |
| 8 | I act unpredictably to keep people guessing about my true nature. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Freedom. No one should be enslaved by their past. I seek to redefine who I am. (Chaotic) |
| 2 | Redemption. I will prove I am more than my dark origins. (Good) |
| 3 | Self-Reliance. The only one I can truly trust is myself. (Neutral) |
| 4 | Power. Those who do not fear or respect me are blind. (Evil) |
| 5 | Unity. Outcasts like me should stand together; there is strength in kinship. (Any) |
| 6 | Survival. Nothing is more important than making it through the day. (Neutral) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | A cherished friend or mentor accepted me despite my origins, and I would do anything to protect them. |
| 2 | I am searching for others like me, hoping to find a family who understands my struggle. |
| 3 | I am haunted by those I harmed in the past, and I seek their forgiveness. |
| 4 | A powerful entity destroyed my former life, and I seek vengeance against it. |
| 5 | I am drawn to ancient places of power, feeling they hold keys to my transformation. |
| 6 | My former allies turned against me when I tried to change; I bear scars from their betrayal. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | My violent past sometimes resurfaces, and I struggle to control my anger. |
| 2 | I am quick to distrust others, believing betrayal is inevitable. |
| 3 | My chaotic essence makes me unpredictable and prone to mood swings. |
| 4 | I feel a dark, lingering urge to return to my old ways and must constantly resist it. |
| 5 | I feel compelled to hide my true self, believing no one will accept me. |
| 6 | I sometimes embrace my terrifying nature, enjoying the fear I can inspire. |
Comments