Homebrew Wendigo Species Details

"And they were ever hungry. They craved the flesh of humanoids, which was the only substance that could effectively sustain them. The irony lies in that, having eaten human flesh, the wendigo would grow in size, so their hunger and craving remained in proportion to their size and as such, they were eternally starving.” -- Unknown

A deep silence fell over the camp. It was as though everyone knew what was to come, yet no one dared to express it any spoken language. They had planted their encampment deep in the jaws of the wilderness. The lake in front of them gleamed like black glass below the starry sky. The cold air stung in their eyes and they had long since lost the feeling in their ears. The wind brought forth messages of trees without leaves and forever frozen lakes. The bleak odors of coming winter lay before them - they were in the lands of the wendigo.

 

Physical Description

Said to be originally human, their physical appearance and demeanor have long since become unrecognizable. A wendigo's appearance reflects the bitter winters of the remote north and its presence is often signaled by sudden cold and wind. Described only through whispers and legends from the various tribesmen and people of the forest. Standing between 7 and 9 feet tall they easily tower over all creatures they encounter. They are worn to the point of emaciation, with desiccated skin pulled tightly over protruding bones. Long limbs end in sharp, crooked claws. Yellow eyes are pushed back deep into their sockets and what lips they once had are tattered and bloody. Wendigo possess facial features that no longer resemble those of a humanoid, but instead of a creature of the forest; with heads like deer - their massive horns giving them an impressive silhouette. 

Cursed Born

Wendigo are supernatural beings born of a curse deep in the Feywild. The curse derives from an act of extreme selfishness or greed typically ending the death of someone undeserving.

 

Solitary and Self-Loathing

Wendigo typically live extremely solitary lifestyles except within their own tribes, which they consider their only family. Wendigo's are prone to extreme self-loathing because of the acts of greed and selfishness which lead to the death of an innocent. 

Patron Goddess

 The Wendigo seek the approval of the goddess Ithaqua, the goddess of penance and regret. The goddess is described as a Wendigo herself who was able to change back to human form permanently by atonement for her sins. They follow her in hopes that they will be able to do the same. She is also known as the goddess of the cold, white, silence, and is associated with freezing winds and the dead of winter to reflect her mournful spirit.

Wendigo Names

Wendigo names are not often spoken outside of their communities given the difficulty outsiders have in pronouncing and/or understanding their names. They often have a guttural aspect to them. Those that venture outside their tribe will take on a name that corresponds to the meaning of their own name (ie. "Walks with Wind", "Frozen Maw").

Wendigo 'Given' Names:  Achachak, Abeytu, Bidzil, Chesmu, Dichali, Ellesu, Gawonei, Mpatuu.

MET WITH HORROR

Ignorant people tend to be afraid or suspicious of Wendigo, assuming that their cursed origin has left its mark on their personality and morality, not just their appearance. Wendigo can often be true to their seemingly demonic nature, but many seek to grow beyond these assumptions and seek a better existence. They are gifted with magic from the Feywilds but many seek their own course in life.

 

Wendigo Traits

Wendigo gain certain racial traits as a result of their cursed origins.

Bloodmasking

Given the Wendigo's vampiric nature, they are able to assume up to five of the forms of creatures from which they have consumed blood. If an additional source is consumed past their limit, the oldest form is replaced. In order to assume an animal's form, the creature must have been killed within the past hour. Animals that have died from disease or poison that you yourself did not deal has a chance to transfer the disease to you when the blood is consumed. (roll d10; 1-6 the disease is transferred. 7-10 it is ignored) When changing form, the change lasts until the rise of the next moon, unless they choose to change back prematurely or drop to zero HP. When in animal form, they can still speak the languages they already speak. Flying creatures cannot be assimilated until level 7. Creatures can only be up to size large to be eligible for form changing. 

Nature's Mockery

The Wendigo is able to mimic any sound it hears and can then use that sound to trick prey or enemies. Those more skilled in this art are able to loosely communicate with the forms they assume via bloodmasking.

Lower-level Wendigo can only mimic what they have heard directly, however, more experienced mockers can fully impersonate the sounds of creatures or beings they hear. This ability fully unlocks at 3rd level.

At 6th level, You are now able to 'throw' your voice and make it seem as if it is coming from a point you can see within 30ft of you. At 12th level, this range extends to 60ft, and you can produce to voices in two different positions.

Ability Score Increase

The Wendigo's dexterity comes from its need to ambush quick prey in its forest home, giving it an increase in Dexterity modifier.

Their years of studying the most ancient of arcane arts has led them to be able to alter their appearance to enhance their already terrifying nature, or take on a more human form to ease allies or potential threats. Giving a substantial increase in the Charisma modifier.

Age

Wendigo are ageless, living until a force greater than it strikes it down. 

Size

Wendigo stand between 7 and 9 feet tall. Despite this size, they weigh a bit more than the average human at 200 to 210 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 40 feet and your climbing speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

Thanks to your cursed origins, 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 separate colors in darkness, only muted shades of red.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Abyssal.