Homebrew Wendigo Species Details

In the ancient times, the ancient land of Isgardar was inhabited by a fearsome and predatory race known as the Wendigos. These monstrous creatures resembled large, savage deer, with deadly ice magic, sharp fangs, claws, and insatiable appetites. They roamed the dense snowy forests, preying upon unsuspecting travelers, and creatures, devouring their flesh. The terror caused by the Wendigos was so great that the land was completely inhabitable by races of any kind, for if they were to live within the mountains, their survival depends on keeping the creatures at bay.

However, as time passed and the world changed, a remarkable evolution began to take place among the Wendigos. Their insatiable hunger drove them to seek new sources of sustenance, and they gradually developed the ability to adapt to their surroundings. Through an intricate process of natural selection, some Wendigos began to take on more human-like features, blending their fearsome deer forms with the physical attributes of humans.

Over generations, these evolved Wendigos grew shorter and more humanoid, adopting a straighter stance and developing a greater capacity for reason and intelligence. Their bodies became lean and muscular, and their once-savage fangs receded, replaced by a more human-like set of teeth. Yet, the most prominent feature of their transformation was the growth of magnificent antlers atop their heads, a testament to their lineage and connection to the deer that once dominated their existence.

The evolved Wendigos retained some of their original instincts and attributes. They possessed exceptional agility, allowing them to navigate the dense forests with ease, and their heightened senses of smell and hearing helped them locate prey from a considerable distance. Their antlers became not only a distinctive symbol of their race but also formidable weapons, capable of goring their enemies and protecting their own. They also kept their mastery over Ice Manipulation and creation, freezing and bending hydraulic air modules by will.

As the evolved Wendigos integrated themselves into human society, they faced suspicion and fear from those who remembered their ancestors' brutal nature. However, these new beings sought to distance themselves from their past, striving to prove that they were capable of coexisting with other races peacefully. They adopted names and cultural practices, embracing their newfound humanity while still maintaining a connection to the natural world they hailed from.

Over time, the evolved Wendigos became skilled hunters and trackers, using their unique blend of deer-like abilities and human intellect to excel in these pursuits. They formed close-knit communities, residing in secluded mountainous regions where they could live harmoniously with nature. The antlers on their heads became symbolic of their collective identity, a reminder of their transformation from fearsome predators to beings capable of compassion and understanding.

Today, the evolved Wendigos continues to walk the world, bridging the gap between humans and the natural world. They have become adept at balancing their primal instincts with their newfound humanity, utilizing their unique attributes to protect their communities and champion the preservation of the forests they call home. However, due to the fact that normal humans still found them to be vile pests, the Wendigos stayed within the Mountains of Isgardar, closing themselves off from the rest of the world for anything. The only exceptions were diplomacy.

The story of the Wendigos serves as a reminder that even the most fearsome and monstrous beings have the capacity for redemption and transformation, becoming something greater than the sum of their parts.

Wendigo Traits

Monstrous beasts hidden in the form of a human. The only representation of their difference is the antlers upon their heads.

Antlered Might

Wendigos possess formidable antlers atop their heads, granting them a natural weapon. They gain a bonus to their unarmed attacks or have the ability to make a special charge attack with their antlers, dealing additional damage.

Keen Senses

Wendigos retain their heightened senses inherited from their deer ancestors. They have superior night vision, allowing them to see in dim light as if it were bright, and advantage on perception checks related to smell and hearing.

Frostbloom Affinity

Wendigos possess a natural affinity for manipulating and creating ice and snow. They have mastery over frost magic and are also immune to the cold.

Frostborn Resistance

Wendigos are naturally resistant to cold damage. They have advantage on saving throws against cold-based spells, abilities, or environmental effects. This resistance also extends to endure extreme cold temperatures without suffering any ill effects.

Arctic Insight

Wendigos have an inherent understanding of the frigid climates and the creatures that dwell within them. They have proficiency in Nature checks related to arctic environments, survival checks to find food and shelter in icy regions, and advantage on checks to identify creatures or plants native to cold climates