Homebrew Kryptonian Race Details

 

A dying planet circling a red sun far away sent survivors out to the stars. Some where heroes, some were monsters, but all were extraordinary, these last sons and daughters of Krypton.

Unremarkable Appearance

Kryptonians appear no different than the average human, though perhaps a little healthier, a little bigger. When not displaying the abilities of their heritage, Kryptonians are indistinguishable from humankind, and with practice can suppress most of their super-human traits in casual living. Many Kryptonians who wish to remain unnoticed will learn acting and dialect tactics to further blend in.

Look, up in the sky!

Nowhere are the Kryptonians more comfortable than in the sky. Riding electromagnetic waves, they can defy gravity and moving at incredible speeds seemingly indefinitely. With their natural hardiness, they can take the temperature changes and possible collisions with ease, and the thrill of being un-tethered is intoxicating for them. 

Kryptonians will sometimes bring their loved ones into the sky with them, natural balance and strength enabling paired flight. Those people lucky enough to have experienced this rare view of the world are truly blessed, and never forget it. 

Orphans All

Despite their attempts to blend in and build homes for themselves, all Kryptonians possess a deep, unconscious sorrow over the loss of their home, and it drives them to lives of excellence. They tend to take frequent time away from others, and will often have a place of solitude to think, brood, or otherwise contemplate what their lives are actually for. 

Kryptonians will vary on how "out" they are with their powers. Some will be shy, some will flaunt it, and others still will lead dual lives. All are united in the desire to have a home, and a place for themselves, so most Kryptonians will hold positions of importance in their community. They need to feel connected, or the loneliness will overwhelm them.

Designed Purpose

Krypton was a rigid caste based society, and most of the survivors carry millennia of selective breeding in their veins. This leads them to fall into almost simplistic archetypes, as their interests and skills tend to be single-minded. A warrior is a warrior, a healer is a healer,  a mother is a mother, and a scientist is a scientist. They have to struggle at times not to be consumed by their predetermined interests, and many simply give in.

There are moments where the breeding falls short however, when the person they truly are shine through. Kryptonians are capable of incredible empathy and terrifying destruction, and in the end it is their choice who they will be, no the choices of their ancestors. There are rumours of the freeborn Kryptonians, but even among so small a population as Krypton's survivors, these freeborn are rare. 

Kryptonian Names

Kryptonians have two, usually monosyllabic names. The given name is usually from the Kryptonian's family tree, and is used in regular conversation. This name is often adopted to a local variant, when a Kryptonian is around non-Kryptonian speakers. The family name is tied to heraldry, and has deep symbolic meaning. This House name is often treated as a suffix to the given name, and is hyphenated. Kryptonian women add their husband's housename behind their own when married. 

Names: Kal-El, Jor-El, Laura Zor-El, Dru-Zod, Faora Hu-Ui

Kryptonian BACKGROUNDS

Those who fled Krypton as adults best fit the Outlander background, those who were adopted by locals will usually fall into any number of backgrounds, but most will have notoriety. Consider Folk Hero, Knight, Sage, or Entertainer.

Kryptonian Traits

As a Kryptonian, you have powerful starting traits. Being able to fly at high speed starting at 1st level in particular is very powerful. As a result, playing a Kryptonian requires special consideration by your DM.

Solar Powered

Due to your alien metabolism, you have access to certain cantrips. These cantrips are cast with Constitution, and do not count as magical. You lose access to these abilities if you have not been in direct sunlight in 24 hours, or within 60 ft or Kryptonite. They are restored when you spend an hour in direct sunlight.

Firebolt: Cast through your eyes

Ray of Frost: Cast through your breath

Thunderclap: Cast by slamming your hands together

As a reaction once per rest, you can absorb radiant damage equal to 1d10 + Con, and convert it into HP.

Foreign Body

You have disadvantage on saving throws vs magical effects, Krypton having been a place with no magic leaves your body unprepared for its effects.

You are immune to non-magical diseases, and so long as your body is intact, resurrection spells cost no material components. 

You have proficiency in Perception and Investigation due to your super senses. 

Green Kryptonite is poisonous to you. If you are within 60 ft of Green Kryptonite, you lose access to your cantrips, proficiencies, and flight ability. Green Kryptonite does (your level)d6 necrotic damage per turn while within 5 feet. You will auto-fail 1 death save per turn unconscious within 5 ft of the Kryptonite.

Ability Score Increase

Your Constitution score increases by 2, another stat of your choice also increases by 2 (based upon the caste you are from)

Age

Kryptonians mature equivalent to humans, but do not die of old age. 

Alignment

Kryptonians tend to extremes and are rarely neutral

Size

Kryptonians range between 5 and 7 feet tall. They have unnaturally fit bodies that range between 100 and 300 pounds. Your size is Medium.

You count as a size larger when carrying, pushing, or lifting.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 40 ft

Flight

You have a flying speed of 60 feet

Fists of Steel

You are proficient with your unarmed strikes, which deal 1d6 bludgeoning damage on a hit.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Kryptonian