Homebrew Runescale Species Details

History

The Runescales are a people whose heritage is derived from both giants and dragons. It is believed that the first of these humanoids were spawned from a secret affair between a stone giantess and a silver dragon, both of whom were exiled and hunted by their respective couple when their coupling was discovered. The Runescales similarly receive such hatred from both giants and dragons alike: Their existence is the antithesis of their ancient rivalry, and a cruel jape against all those who were lost. 

Meanwhile, most Runescales are forced into this conflict and more often than not try to pursue their own ambitions and relations. While some may find their presence intimidating, the Runescales generally receive a similar treatment as to Goliaths and Dragonborn. Their innate strength and magic act as useful tools for physical labor and risky work, and thus many Runescales have pursued an adventurer's life.

Appearance

The appearance of Runescales differ depending on the type of dragon and giant in their lineage as well as how far back the coupling took place. In any case, their melded power gives the Runescales a tall and strong physique, dappled here and there by patches of scales. Additional signs of their draconic nature lie with their tinted eyes, pointed ears, sharp fingers, and clawed feet; meanwhile, their hair and complexion oftentimes follow the giant's, varying between shades of coal black, slate-grey, and dirt brown. Over the course of a Runescales' life, symbols will appear across their body looking like tattoos. Beyond the wards set against elemental powers, their nature is unknown: It is believed they correlate with the esoteric ancient giants and signify events in the Runescale's life. Despite being born from creatures which are both huge in size, Runescales are small compared to their parents, as well as weaker then them. This is due to the nature of their forbidden union, between giants and dragons.

Runescale Traits

Your Runescale character has the following racial traits.

Creature Type. You are a Humanoid.

Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma Score increases by 2 and your Constitution Score increases by 1.

Size. On average, Runescales are 7 to 8 feet tall and weigh between 300 to 360 pounds. Your size is medium.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet. 

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common as well as Draconic or Giant.

Age. Runescales live between 300 and 600 years depending on the type of giant they are descended from. With hill giants being the shortest lived, and stone giants being the longest lived. 

Mighty Prescence. You have proficiency in one of the following skills of your choice: Intimidation or Persuasion.

Powerful Build. You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.

Elemental Runes. The endurance of the giants have fused with the elemental power of the dragons, producing protective symbols of magic that interweave with the rest of your runes. Acid, cold, fire, lightning and poison damage you suffer is reduced by your proficiency bonus + 1.

At 3rd level, for a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus per long rest, you can spend a bonus action to touch a creature and inscribe the same runes onto them. For 1 minute, they as well reduce the listed damage types listed by your proficiency bonus + 1.

Innate Magic. You know one cantrip of your choice from the sorcerer spell list. Charisma, Intelligence, and Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for that cantrip (choose when you select this race). 

Runescale Traits

Your runescale character has the following traits.

Ability Score Increase

Your Charisma Score increases by 2 and your Constitution Score increases by 1.

Age

Runescales live between 300 and 600 years depending on the type of giant they are descended from. With hill giants being the shortest lived, and stone giants being the longest lived

Size

On average, Runescales are 7 to 8 feet tall and weigh between 300 to 360 pounds. Your size is medium

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common as well as Draconic or Giant

Mighty Prescence

You have proficiency in one of the following skills of your choice: Intimidation or Persuasion.

Powerful Build

You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.

 

Elemental Runes

The endurance of the giants have fused with the elemental power of the dragons, producing protective symbols of magic that interweave with the rest of your runes. Acid, cold, fire, lightning and poison damage you suffer is reduced by your proficiency bonus + 1.

At 3rd level, for a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus per long rest, you can spend a bonus action to touch a creature and inscribe the same runes onto them. For 1 minute, they as well reduce the listed damage types listed by your proficiency bonus + 1.

Innate Magic

You know one cantrip of your choice from the sorcerer spell list. Charisma, Intelligence, and Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for that cantrip (choose when you select this race).