Homebrew Aesir Species Details

The Aesir are reborn worshippers of Grimnir the Gorer, warriors in a past life with a lust for battle so great, Grimnir allowed them to fight as mortals one last time. While they do not retain the memories of their past life, they learn their previous skills as if they were natural, allowing them to master their martial skill to an even greater capacity. Aesir stand from 6-9 feet tall, often with skin in shades of blue, gray, or green, but some may be white or black. Similarly, hair colors are often blue, brown, red, or any other natural hair color. On their skin, Aesir develop extremely hard, rock-like callouses on easily-compromised areas, such as the neck or joints.

Walking Another Path

Even though all Aesir were vicious warriors in their past life, not all choose to walk the beaten path. Some choose to leave the frigid wilds of Reidar to pursue a more peaceful life. Many non-tribal Aesir can be found in Caranoa, enjoying the chilly, but less cruel climate. They often choose to become forgers, tradesmen, or artisan; some excel extremely quickly, possibly choosing a pastime of their past self.

Flashes From The Past

While Aesir do not explicitly remember their previous being, their are some occasions in which one can see visions of the past. Similarly to a human's life flashing before their eyes, an Aesir may see fragmented visions of their previous life in extremely dire situations. These visions grant Aesir a piece of sealed wisdom to survive what may be their final moments. These visions are not experienced by all Aesir, but they are said to be a final gift from Grimnir.

Born in Stone

Aesir do not have blood relatives, as they are not born naturally. After communion with Grimnir, a chosen mortal's soul is implanted into the mountains of Reidar to be reformed. This process lasts 10 years, and once the newborn Aesir breaks free from the stone, they are roughly as developed as an 18-year-old human. Over the next 10 years the Aesir matures, fully developing at the age of 20, and often living until ~180 years. In the mountains of Reidar, many Aesir clans live nomadically or in a fort. Aesir take the name of the clan as a last name, and either live with the clan throughout their life, or live with the clan until maturity, keeping the name as a badge of honor and kinship.

Aesir Traits

+2 Constitution, +1 Strength, Ancestral Aptitude, Adamantine Hide, Harsh Upbringing, Darkvision

Ancestral Aptitude

You learn the skills of your past life nearly effortlessly, gain two weapon proficiencies of your choice, and proficiency in light armor.

Adamantine Hide

Beginning a new life in the bitter mountains of Reidar, you never truly part with the cold mountains in which you are reborn. Once per short rest, you may use your reaction to add your constitution modifier + your proficiency bonus to your armor class. If the next attack does not hit you, you may keep the armor bonus until the next attack misses or hits you.

Harsh Upbringing

The first few years in the frozen wasteland of Reidar may determine the fate of an Aesir. As such, Aesir are forced to learn how to survive, especially if not taught by a clan. Gain proficiency in the Athletics, Survival, and Perception skills, and resistance to cold damage.

Ability Score Increase

Your Constitution score increases by 2, and your Strength score increases by 1.

Age

After being forged in the mountainside for 10 years, an Aesir takes another 10 to develop, reaching maturity at 20. Aesir can live until 180, but often die young due to the harsh conditions of their homeland.

Size

Aesir commonly grow to 6-9 feet tall, and weigh from 200 to 300 pounds.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

Accustomed to the land that seldom sees the sun, 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 can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.