Homebrew Demidritch Species Details

Easily distinguished by their eyes—brightly coloured irises that swirl like galaxies in a jet-black sclera— demidritch occupy a precarious precipice in the minds of Luyarnhians, equal parts revered and abhorred. Born of a union between humanoids and eldritch beings, demidritch are often referred to as ‘half-angels’, a misnomer arising from Luyarnhians’ mistaken belief that these creatures are descended from celestials. Stories abound of radiant silhouettes—eldritch creatures wreathed in powerful illusions—appearing unto pregnant Luyarnhians and blessing their progeny with otherworldly powers.

While the Radiant Church espouses no stance on the morality of such beings, elements amongst their ranks, most notably the bookish Obitus Scholare, prize the demidritch as precious specimens that may provide the key to humanity's survival. The deeds of the righteous demidritch Aitzaz, a first hunter and close friend of Steinhardt, are widely recounted by bards and minstrels across the city. His death at the hands of the ravenous scourge while evacuating schoolchildren precipitated a shift in the treatment of demidritch by Luyarnhians. Though they may have otherworldly origins, the alignment of demidritch, like most humanoids, is a product of their environment and upbringing.

Origin

The act of childbearing is, in itself, a heroic endeavor that women courageously undertake, placing their bodies at risk to ensure the perpetuation of their lineage into the distant future. In most societies, this sacred act has been revered; yet, within the confines of Luyarnha, it can assume an unsettling guise. In this city, certain women find themselves beset by nightmares, only to awaken and, within mere days, experience the telltale nausea of pregnancy, despite their unblemished chastity: blessed by the offspring of a Higher Power— or so it is believed.

While some regard this union as a divine blessing, it cruelly prevents the expecting mother from ever establishing a family, for the demidritch offspring rends the womb asunder with their foreign constitution during birth. Should the trauma not be swiftly attended to, the mother's life can meet an abrupt end. In response, the church has taken to gathering those who exhibit this miraculous conception to ensure their safety during labor and to exert a modicum of control over the potent half-divine progeny.

For some women, particularly those of faith or those deemed unworthy of love, the prospect of receiving this so-called blessing is welcomed. Such a union would grant them sanctuary within the church's protective walls for the remainder of their lives, offering them the semblance of a family they might not have otherwise known, however fractured it may be. Yet, others are repulsed by this fate and seek to defy it, often with tragic results. Those who reject the church's embrace might give birth in forsaken alleyways, casting their children away or consigning them to orphanages. A fortunate few, perhaps bolstered by exceptional financial fortitude or familial support, succeed in bearing their offspring and providing them with as normal a childhood as Luyarnha's grim circumstances allow.

Demidritch Traits

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Ability Score Increase

Your Charisma score increases by 2.

Age

Demidritchs mature faster than humans, reaching adulthood after 10 years. Their eldritch powers cause their body to decay much faster, they can live up to 60 years old.

Size

Demidritchs have the same range of height and weight as humans. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

Your many eyes were made to see through the darkness of space. You can see in dim light within 120 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.

Shard Of Infinity

You are born of the galaxies and their endless void. You have resistance to cold damage.

Astral Being

Your many eyes grant you sight. You have advantage on saving throws against being blinded

Languages

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

Subraces

Depending on their lineage, demidritchs have different subraces, which represent their variation. The DC for abilities given by the subraces is equal to 8 + twice your proficiency bonus.