Homebrew Faceless Species Details

"I have watched people lie, cheat and trick others for their own gain. I have watched how humanity turns against each other at the merest hint of provocation. I had lived most of my life more honest than humans and other races have been in a week. Yet I am the one ridiculed and hated for what I am. I have not deserved this hatred, but mark my words... I will ensure that I have earned it."

— Chryss, the Queen of Misery

Most people don't even think about the presence of the faceless due to their alien nature. That's because their ties to the Far Realms gave them the ability to take on appearances of others. This is why they are generally greeted with suspicions and distrust. Well, that is, if they turn up in their true form...

Hundreds of Faces

Faceless true forms share several physical characteristics regardless of their bloodline. Usually, faceless tend to have a slender build with height a little shorter than that of an average human. Their eyes are colorless, and their pale smooth skin is usually colored in some shade of gray, rarely showing a hint of blue, red, or another color. Their hair tends to be white or silver, often with a hue of another color like pink or gold. It's common for the faceless to also keep some characteristics of their ancestors from Material Plane, such as pointed ears of elven parents, stout figure of a dwarf, or tusks of an orc. Of course, none of this applies once the faceless turn into someone else. With their uncanny talent, they can take the form of anyone they have seen or anyone they could imagine.

Quick to Change, Slow to Decide

Many would consider an ability to change their looks at any time a gift, but to the faceless it can seem at times like a curse. Due to fears of prejudice, many faceless spend little to no time in their true form. Some try to have an ordinary life, changing their form rarely. Others take full advantage of their powers, becoming infiltrators, thieves, blackmailers and spies. Yet, some faceless live in their true form, to show others that their kind could be trusted.

Due to their chaotic nature, they change their moods as often as they change their appearance. It's not unusual for a faceless to be indecisive and work on more than one task at a time. Their innate ability of changing gives them an uncanny ability to deceive others. Befriending a faceless could either be a blessing, or a disaster.

Constant Search

Touched by Far Realms, faceless feel a need to search for something their whole life. This longing drives them, whether they seek their true self, forbidden knowledge, or their ancestor. When a faceless takes up adventuring, it might be to fulfill its need. Some get distracted on the way by fame and fortune, but sooner or later their desire will resurface.

Faceless Names

There are two kinds of faceless names, depending on the culture they're born into. Those born to non-faceless parents tend to have a name for a fitting culture. But within the faceless culture, it is a tradition to give short unisex names.

Unisex Names: Alex, Ash, Bryn, Carol, Charlie, Chris, Dee, Fran, Gray, Haven, Jackie, Jess, Jo, Kit, Lee, Mel, Nat, Pat, Quinn, Sam, Steph, Val, Will

Faceless Quirks

Faceless Traits

Due to their aberrant origin, faceless share certain racial traits.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

 Faceless mature at the same rate as humans and live up to 120 years.

Size

 Faceless are built much like their ancestors, but tend to be a little leaner and shorter than average in their true form. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Shapechanger

As an action, you can assume a different form of a humanoid creature or change back into your true form, transforming your appearance. You revert to your natural form if you die. You decide what you look like, including your height, weight, facial features, sound of your voice, hair length, coloration, and distinguishing characteristics, if any. You can make yourself appear as a member of another race, though none of your statistics change. You also can't appear as a creature of a different size than you, and your basic shape stays the same. However, your equipment does not change with you. Additionally, you have advantage on saving throws against any spell or effect that would alter your form.

Duplicity

You gain proficiency in the Deception skill.

Darkvision

You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light and in darkness as if it were dim light. You discern colors in that darkness as shades of gray.

Touch the Mind

You know the message cantrip. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for it. You can cast it without requiring verbal or material components.

Languages

You can speak, read and write Common, Deep Speech and one other language of your choice.