Homebrew Apostle Species Details

"I suffer from a peculiar ailment. Shall I describe it? I bear the cruel weight of certainty. Total, absolute, relentless certainty. People rarely comprehend the luxury of doubt... the freedom that comes with indecision. I envy you."

—Seht, The Clockwork God

Apostles are traditionally devout followers of Kvasir. They are famous for replacing their limbs with “perfect” clockwork prosthetics as a show of faith to their god, a means to improve upon that which they consider to be fundamentally flawed biological anatomy. They often make profound tinkerers and are innately gifted in the magical arts.

Built of Steel and Sorcery

If it was the design of the first apostles that was meant to emulate “perfected” life, then later generations fell more in line with that of abominations. Their existence was meant to improve upon that which man could not attain naturally, not those of magical inclination, galvanizing flesh with steel to protect the mind. It is said that every apostle strives, whether consciously or otherwise, to know the greater schism of reality. To find a greater purpose…

Apostle Personality

The original apostles existed in a time where they could thrive in their design, a purpose laid out artfully by the hand of a wise god who could guide them on their paths. Such a time has long since passed, and the modern apostles struggle to maintain a shade of that glorious plan. Many are devout scholars that seclude themselves in the depths of libraries, while others seek to chase the magical arts to the furthest horizons. Though they often see themselves as above the average being, this attitude is often tempered by the understanding that they are not the center of the universe. To claim to be would run contrary to the teachings of their long-lost creator.

 

The typical apostle has replaced their limbs with functional mechanical prosthetics, though a few proudly boast clockwork replicants of internal organs. It is rather curious how some apostles enshrine their replaced limbs despite their views, though this custom is seldom observed.

Most apostles wear robes that conceal the bulk of their forms, while others have been known to possess skin-like grafts that can make them near indistinguishable from typical humans. Some choose to adorn themselves with symbolic markings.

 

Apostle Traits

Your Clockwork Apostle has the following traits.

Augmented Resilience

Some or all of your form has been augmented with clockwork parts. When you aren't wearing armor, your AC equals 13 + your Dexterity modifier.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Legacy of Brass

You know the mending cantrip. Once you reach 3rd level, you can cast the enhance ability spell once with this trait, and you regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Once you reach 5th level, you can cast the tiny hut spell once with this trait as a 3rd-level spell, and you regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Ability Score Increase

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

Darkvision

Thanks to your altered form, 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.

Age

Apostles mature far slower than their human counterparts, often living for hundreds of years.

Size

Apostles are built like well-proportioned humans. Your size is Medium.