Homebrew Duskborn Species Details

As the earth trembles and the sky crackles, the Duskborn come alive, moving under the cover of night. They have witnessed the shifting of the land, observed the birth of waves, and danced to the rhythm of leylines. Though they may possess a human guise, those who witness their graceful movements know their true nature—they are creatures of thunder, warriors of rhythm.

Riders of Thunder

Duskborn are solitary beings, bound to small bands. Some find companions who share their abilities, while others forge alliances with miscreants and adventurers. Regardless of their group, they consider these individuals as family and fight alongside them until the end.

The Duskborn draw power from the vibrations of the earth and find solace in instruments that resonate with their souls. Nothing fuels their determination more than the trembling ground or an erupting volcano. From birth, they are carried by their parents through the shifting tides of the vibrating earth. Wherever thunder rumbles, the Duskborn glide, becoming one with the terrain. When the time comes, they decide whether to remain with their family or join another community. Ever-moving, ever-adapting, they do not run, but live to flow and change with the earth.

Thrill of Risk

Danger beckons to the Duskborn like a flame to a moth. A tsunami promises colossal tides, an earthquake signifies shifting and sliding ground. Whenever nature calls for cataclysmic movements, the Duskborn feel drawn to experience its power. They are as much a part of the land's destructive force as a fish is to the sea.

While they do not actively seek out conflicts with formidable enemies, they appreciate the might of natural disasters. Their respect for destruction matches their desire to feel its full strength.

The Dusklands

While the Duskborn often traverse the land as nomads, their elders settle in areas with more stable foundations. Communities thrive near treacherous landscapes where weather and climate pose constant dangers. Though not perpetually perilous, the elders live in the ever-present vibrancy of nature, tantalized by the prospect of a grand demise. During their stay, they impart their greatest stories and pass down essential knowledge to the younger generations who cross their path.

Contrary to their name, the Dusklands are not always enveloped in darkness. Rather, they embody an atmosphere of ominous danger, perpetually on the brink of avalanches and collapsing shores. The Duskborn pay little mind to the hazards of precarious infrastructure, as the land always has new surprises in store to challenge them.

Duskborn Names

In their early years, Duskborn bear names shared with their parents, marking them as the offspring of earth riders. Upon reaching adulthood, their parents bestow names that reflect the hardships and dangers faced during their upbringing. These names change over time, drawing inspiration from various languages and the most severe natural disasters endured, often hinting at the locations involved.

A Duskborn may alter their name frequently, but they retain a one-syllable prefix to aid their family in identification. These prefixes consist of at least four letters and are unique to the Duskborn. In cases where two Duskborn share the same prefix, the owner is determined through a year-long competition to survive the harshest climate. Typically, only one emerges victorious, if any at all.

Name: Dell'Polarvalanche, Morssk'Templequake, Krok'Drownipital, Yoar'Tarrasque, Quat'Sinkhole, Vale'Redplague, Spud'Highmountshatter, Bant'Meteorshower, Ond'Blizzroad

Duskborn Traits

Duskborn have appearances similar to humans, but with elongated arms and legs with short torsos.

On Your Feet

You are a creature of great balance, knowing how to ride even the hardest of waves. You cannot be knocked prone while conscious. Whenever you would be knocked prone, you instead have your movement reduced to 0 until you take a bonus action or half your movement to get a grip.

Disaster Born

You are bound by nature, and its earth-shattering power. You are resistant to Thunder damage.

Sure-Footed

You have proficiency in the Acrobatics skill.

Enhanced Darkvision

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 discern colors in that darkness only as shades of gray.

Ability Score Increase

You choose to increase three ability scores by one point, or one by one and another by two.

Alignment

Followers of the shifting order of nature, most Duskborn are chaotic in some shape or form.

Size

Duskborn are akin to humans in apperance, standing anywhere from 5 feet to over 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

Age

Duskborn mature at about the same rate as humans and reach adulthood in their late teens. They live somewhat less than humans do, up to 70 years.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 35 feet.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and one extra language of your choice. Duskborn typically learn the languages associated to their preferred forms of nature, whether that be Aquan, Auran, Ignan or Terran. Other times they choose languages associated with communities they relate with, such as Draconic and Polar.