Homebrew Abysmum Species Details

Become the Void

Some believe that the Abysmum are created through exposure to eldritch energy, typically through exposure to a powerful artifact, a ritual gone wrong, or some other direct encounter with the void beyond. Others believe that the Abysmum are chosen by powerful eldritch beings, who imbue them with the power and knowledge of the void in exchange for their servitude. Regardless of the specifics, it is generally understood that the transformation into an Abysmum is not a pleasant experience. Mortal minds and bodies are not equipped to handle the raw power and energy of the void beyond, and exposure to such forces can be both physically and mentally devastating. Some who undergo the transformation don't survive, while others are forever changed by the experience. As for the specific eldritch beings or knowledge that may be involved in the transformation, that is difficult to say. The nature of the void beyond is shrouded in mystery, and even those who have glimpsed its dark corners can only impart bits and pieces of what they have seen. It is possible that there are many eldritch entities that have a hand in the creation of the Abysmum, each with its own motivations and methods. Overall, the transformation into an Abysmum is a dangerous and mysterious process that remains largely unknown to mortal beings. Those who undergo the transformation are forever marked by their exposure to the void beyond, and must navigate a world that is both hostile to their presence and filled with unimaginable power and knowledge. However, what is known is that these creatures were once humanoid beings from the material planes, the Abysmum were exposed to eldritch knowledge beyond comprehension. In a single moment, they experienced eternity, their minds and bodies warped and twisted by otherworldly energies. Tainted by the essence of the Void Beyond, they became trapped between two worlds, forever changed yet unable to fully integrate into the realm of the void. Some say that the Abysmum were once members of an ancient civilization, far ahead of their time in terms of technology and magical knowledge. Others claim that they were merely innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire of an otherworldly conflict. Regardless of their origins, the Abysmum are now cursed to wander the earth, their senses forever altered by their exposure to eldritch energy.

Otherworldly Appearance

Some Abysmum retain physical traits and characteristics of their original mortal form, a reflection of the transformation that they underwent when exposed to eldritch energy. These traits can range from subtle to extreme, with some Abysmum sporting horns, tails, and wings that are mere shadows of their former glory, or other features that mark them as something other than what they used to be. These physical traits are often a source of pride or shame for the Abysmum, a reminder of their past lives and of the eldritch energy that has consumed them. Some choose to embrace their new forms and the powers that come with them, while others seek to hide or suppress their differences in order to better blend in with the mortal world. Regardless of their appearance, however, all Abysmum possess an otherworldly aura that sets them apart from other creatures. Their very presence is unsettling, a reminder of the dark forces that lurk beyond the veil of reality. They are outcasts, forever marked by the taint of the Void Beyond, but also possessed of knowledge and power that mortals can only dream of. Their bodies are twisted and malformed, their eyes and mouths replaced by strange eldritch senses that allow them to see and speak in ways that mortals cannot. Their presence is unsettling to those around them, causing a sense of unease and discomfort. They are outcasts, forever marked by the taint of the Void Beyond, unable to fully return to their original reality but unable to fully embrace the void.

Outcasts from the Mortal World

As outcasts, the Abysmum are often shunned by society, and seen as monsters or abominations that exist outside of the normal order of things. They are feared and reviled, their unsettling presence and alien demeanor often causing unease or discomfort to those around them. Despite this, the Abysmum have developed their own unique cultures and societies. Some have embraced their new forms and the powers that come with them, forming enclaves of eldritch knowledge and power that are hidden from mortal view. These Abysmum often see themselves as superior to the weak and transient mortals and may engage in activities that are seen as taboo or immoral in the mortal world. Others, however, long to return to their original forms and to the mortal world. These Abysmum often struggle with the taint of the void and the sense of dislocation that comes with being caught between two worlds. They may seek out powerful magic or the aid of other eldritch beings in order to return to their original forms or may engage in rituals or practices that seek to purify them of the void's influence. Overall, the Abysmum are a race of beings caught in a perpetual state of conflict and struggle. They are outcasts, forever marked by their exposure to eldritch energy, but they are also possessed of knowledge and power that mortals can only dream of. Some embrace their new forms and the darkness that comes with them, while others seek to cast off the void's taint and return to the world of mortals. And yet, despite this, the Abysmum possess a deep understanding of the eldritch realms, able to commune with the dark forces that lurk beyond the veil of reality. They are both feared and revered for their knowledge and power, often seen as prophets of doom or harbingers of destruction. Some seek out the Voidmancers for their eldritch power, while others avoid them at all costs, fearful of the dark forces that have consumed them.

Abysmum and Names

Some Abysmum choose to retain the names they had in their mortal forms, seeing them as a link to their past lives and a way of honoring their memories. These names can range from the mundane to the fantastic, and may bear little resemblance to the eldritch beings that the Abysmum have become.
Others choose to embrace their new forms and the powers that come with them, adopting names that reflect their status as beings of the void beyond. Often referred to as "New Names" or "Eldritch Names", these names may be unpronounceable to mortal tongues or may be filled with dark and arcane power that sets them apart from the names of mortals.

Example names include: X'zarth, Tenebross, Voidweaver, Aethris, Xal'ithar, Erebos, Voidmancer

Abysmum Traits

Your Abysmum character has abilities refined by the forced exposure of the Void.

Ability Score Increase

Your Intelligence score increases by 2  and Wisdom score increases by 1.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Deep Speech.

Age

Due to the nature of Abysmum being created, they have no known lifespan.

Size

Your race is based off a precursor to whatever race you were before you became an Abysmum. Your size is small or medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Eldritch Sight

The Abysmum's lack of physical eyes is made up for by their ability to see in a different way altogether. They are able to perceive the world through the lens of eldritch energy, allowing them to detect magic and hidden objects. Additionally, because they do not see with light, they can see in complete darkness and is immune to being blinded. However, spells like darkness still work on them.

Void Speech

The Abysmum's lack of a physical mouth is compensated by their ability to speak with their mind, projecting their thoughts into the minds of others so long as they can see their target. Additionally, they can cast the spell detect thoughts once per long rest.