Homebrew Etherean Species Details

Etherean

Ethereans are humanoids who have been touched by the misty, ghostly energy of the Ethereal Plane. Oftentimes, this partial conversion of one’s material form is caused by a surge of ethereal influence in their presence—perhaps from encountering an especially powerful spirit—or after being exposed to the Border Ethereal for an inordinate amount of time, typically as a result of being trapped there. However, some ethereans are bestowed with this influence through their bloodline, such as via an etherean parent or by being born of a humanoid possessed by a ghost.

Ghostly Inheritance

Though ethereans may bear features indicative of their humanoid ancestry—and they can usually pass as a normal member of that race from a distance—closer inspection reveals their blue-tinged skin and a wispy, unearthly glow that dances around their form, shedding no actual light. Their hair and eyes range from the palest shades of white to a vivid turquoise hue, and their skin is unsettlingly cold to the touch.

Unfazed Presence

Ethereans exude an unshakably calm demeanor, disturbingly so at times. Many drift through life with no apparent outward sense of direction, though in truth, they are exceptionally driven and merely prefer holding their secrets close to their heart.

Etherean Names

Some ethereans use names that align with the norms of the culture of their ancestors or the society they’re raised in, and ethereans who experience a conversion later in life may be inclined to keep their given name. This dramatic alteration of body and spirit leads many to take a new name, often resembling or alluding to their ghostly influence, such as “Spectra” or “Fenton.”

Etherean Traits

Touched by the ghostly mists of the Ethereal Plane, Ethereans share the following traits.

Ability Score Increase

Your Charisma score increases by 2, and your Dexterity or Wisdom score increases by 1 (your choice).

Age

Ethereans age very slowly, taking about twice as long as humans to reach adulthood and typically living well over 400 years.

Alignment

Ethereans of any alignment aren’t unusual, however most tend toward neutrality.

Size

Ethereans are as diverse in body type as the ancestries they originate from, but most are comparable to humans. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

Imbued with ethereal senses, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. 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.

Ethereal Resilience

You have resistance to poison damage, and you have advantage on saving throws against being poisoned.

Ghostly Nature

You only need half as much food and drink as a typical humanoid, and you can hold your breath for up to 15 minutes at a time.

Phasing Movement

You can move through the space of any creature, regardless of its size, and another creature’s space isn’t difficult terrain for you. In addition, you have advantage on ability checks and saving throws made against being grappled or restrained.

Spectral Sight

When you reach 3rd level, you can cast see invisibility once with this trait, requiring no material components. You regain the ability to cast this spell with this trait when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for this spell.

Languages

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