Homebrew Deenichtige Species Details

Shadowkinder

In the dark of Bramblewood Forest, under the shadow of Gatshadow Mountain, there lies a hidden grove.

Any traveller brave enough to pass through this place of ancient evil, the site of Acek Orattim’s folly and all that followed from that, would like as not try to keep their eyes fixed on what paths remain and not stray. But even the most curious and foolhardy, if they were to look deep into the forest trees, would have trouble seeing the ink black trees that mark the territory of the deenichtige.

For Ey are the shadow, of the shadow, and Tharizdun has claimed them as aberrations of his making. This is warning enough for most. But some of the wise, secretive druids and arcane scholars, believed the deenichtige predated this world, and sought these inchoate creatures out.

After long negotiations and carefully worked wards while staying a respectful distance from the borders of the grove, they even traded with the deenichtige and gave news of the lands beyond the forest and looming Gatshadow. So, after long aeons, some deenichtige left the grove, and explored the world, resembling small, almost childlike figures, borrowing shape and stature from the clothing Ey wear. Still, these are beings without substance. Adventurers can identify one of Eir tribe by the carved ink-black wooden mask, with indecipherable markings. Those masks are Eir tie and anchor to the material world, without it Ey are yanked back to Eir home of black trees and shadows. Art by Laura Renfrew - lafrew.carbonmade DOT com

“O that as man is cald a little world/
The world might shrink into a little man,”
— George Chapman

Forest commerce

Deenichtige are rare abroad, and difficult to seek out. However, a trade of sorts has begun, with those who would study these creatures travelling into Bramblewood with items such as carving tools, clothing – but never implements of fire. Anyone who strays into their territory carrying flint, coal or logs of wood is likely to vanish.

For those that hold to the obscure pact of the Deenichtige, one of Eir kind will depart with them. In appearance a deenichtige is typically 3 feet tall, wearing the tell-tale carved mask and always dressed in thick clothing.

Out Of Alignment

It is difficult to determine what motivates any deenichtige. Scholars are warned that even if they should succeed in coaxing one to leave the forest, they will likely be abandoned once their charge finds their company boring.

It is assumed that adventure is principally of interest to Em. Deenichtige are not mortal in the usual sense, but Eir (in)corporeal self will dissipate if Eir mask is destroyed, or Ey suffer prolonged direct exposure to fire, be it ordinary or magical. It has still not been determined if the experiences and memories of a ‘deceased’ deenichtige are retained by the tribe.

As a result, morality is not a concern of the race – for Em any behaviour is simply a pretence, a play at being good, or evil. Eir chief motivation is curiosity.

Masters Of Eir Domain

While Tharizdun is known to have claimed the deenichtige, Ey are thought to honour the dark god with shows of fealty more to avoid any confrontation. Some speculate Ey know Tharizdun from before, and are wary of causing offence. By the same token, a mischievous deenichtige is just as likely to be a more than willing follower of their ‘Master’.

What's In A Name

Those who trade with the tribe know to use E or Em pronouns, not he/she or They/Them.

As for names, deenichtige adopt selfhood almost as a lark, so there is a tendency for Em to adopt the titles of ordinary objects as names – such as Cup, Candle, or Bucket. Again, this is theorised to be a joke within a joke – the deenichtige mode of speech is noted for being quite quick.

Eir name is in fact a trace of a longer series of words, most likely a poem describing what Ey are interested in seeing after Eir departure.

 

Deenichtige Traits

Your nichtige character has certain characteristics in common with all other of Eir kind.

Deenichtige Mischief

You have advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic.

Mimicry

You can mimic sounds you have heard, including voices. A creature that hears the sounds you make can tell they are imitations with a successful Wisdom (Insight) check opposed by your Charisma (Deception) check.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.

Age

Deenichtige are in effect ageless. But Ey live short lives outside the forest, as any damaged to Eir clothing, armour, and most especially mask, is potentially fatal.

Size

Deenichtige are approximately 3 feet tall and average about 20 pounds. Your size is Small.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 25 feet.

Darkvision

You as a deenichtige can see in total darkness. Only distance and blocked line of sight limit Eir vision.

Languages

You cannot read, or write without direct instruction. However, deenichtige are rapid learners and linguistically adept. You can speak Common, Elvish, and Giant, plus Speech of Beast and Leaf.