Homebrew Ghialian Species Details

Unfathomably ancient humanoid creatures that once ruled over all of Etriarch in a planet spanning unified empire. Disappeared under unknown circumstances.

While mostly human looking, the Ghialians bear several features that distinguish themselves from that of the common human. For instance, they have no hair of any kind on their body. Where hair would normally be on the head of a human, they instead have tendrils that can stretch up to 75% of their height or be as short as 6 inches. The length can be changed at will. The tendrils feel like skin, but are normally colored black or deep shades of brown. In highly rare instances the tendrils may have red or yellow tones to them, these still are dark shades though. Facially, Ghialians have no noses, instead having a pair of nostril slits where a nose would traditionally be. The nostrils are larger in the center but taper off usually around a 3rd of an inch towards the sides of their heads. They also have no pinky fingers, instead having a second thumb where their pinky would be. Ghialians also have digitigrade legs, their toes follow the same pattern as their hands, no pinky toes, instead having a second big toe at the other side of their foot.

Ghialian tendrils serve as extensions of their nervous systems. They allow the creatures limited ranges of telepathy, being able to communicate simple messages and ideas to any creature they wish within 60 ft, the creature can understand regardless of its ability to speak. By making direct contact with the head of a non-Ghialian, they are able to transmit or receive any amount of information near-instantly. A creature can resist this effect if they wish though.

Socially, Ghialians are not meant to exist alone. Solitary Ghialians traditionally feel extreme symptoms of isolation and loneliness, usually described as having a hole in their hearts in the shape of something they can't describe. This condition persists for as long as they are away from others of their species. Normal contact and interaction with non-Ghialians does nothing to alleviate this. However, by making direct, mind to mind tendril contact with another creature that doesn't resist the effect has been known to temporarily reduce the feeling of isolation for a couple of days in most cases.

Ghialian Traits

Ghialian traits revolve around their limited psychic abilities granted by their head tendrils.

Heightened Wisdom

Ghialians passively pick up on bits of worldly experience from those around them, though they are consciously unaware of it. Their max possible Wisdom score increases to 22, and they gain a passive +2 Wisdom.

Telepathy

A Ghialian can communicate simple ideas or messages to any creature within 60 ft that has an INT score of at least 5.

Language

Ghialians understand common, Ghialian, and one other language of their choice.

Mindbridge

Using their tendrils, the Ghialian may touch the head of another creature and transmit or receive any amount of knowledge or information known by the sender. They may also use this technique to attempt to steal one piece of information known by a creature. If doing so, the Ghialian must have a DEX contest with their target. If they win and make contact, they must then have a WIS contest, where the Ghialian gets to add their proficiency modifier. If both contests are won by the Ghialian, they may learn one piece of information known by the target.

Height/Weight

Ghialians stand at a base height of 5'2" inches. Add 2D10 inches. Their base weight is 115 lbs, adding extra weight equal to the height modifier x 2D4.