Homebrew Cactian Species Details

Origin and Creation: In the ancient times, when the world was still molding its features and life was a rare sight, the Elemental Plane of Earth intertwined with the Material Plane in a region that is now known as the Arid Expanse. This rare occurrence led to the birth of the Cacatians, a race born from the union of earth's sturdiness and life's resilience.

The creation of the Cacatians was not an accident but the work of an ancient and forgotten deity or powerful earth elemental (depending on your world's mythology). This entity sought to infuse the barren lands with life that could endure the harshness of its environment. Combining its own essence with the resilient nature of desert flora, the deity created the Cacatians, beings who embody the endurance of cacti and the adaptive spirit of life.

Relation to the Genasi: The Cacatians, like the Genasi, are a manifestation of elemental magic in a sentient form. However, while Genasi are often the direct offspring of genies or other elemental beings, Cacatians are a unique creation, brought to life by a singular magical event. They share with the Genasi the blessing of elemental endurance, but their connection is more spiritual than bloodline, symbolizing two different paths of elemental life manifesting in the physical world.

Physical and Magical Attributes:

• Sunlight and Water Sustenance: Cacatians, much like the plants they resemble, thrive on sunlight and water. They have a unique photosynthesis-like process that sustains them, reducing their need for traditional food.
• Natural Resilience: Their skin is thick and tough, offering natural protection against physical harm and extreme temperatures, a gift from their earth elemental heritage.
• Elemental Affinity: Cacatians have an innate connection to the land, especially arid and desert regions. They can often sense changes in the earth and weather patterns, and some possess the ability to manipulate sand and stone to a limited extent.
• Longevity: Cacatians live longer than humans, with lifespans that can stretch for centuries. Their aging process is slow, mirroring the gradual growth of desert cacti.

Culture and Society: Cacatian society is deeply rooted in their connection to the earth and the sun. They are known for their rigid outlook on life, valuing endurance, resilience, and stability above all else. Their communities are often found in desolate, sun-scorched lands where they live in harmony with the harsh environment. They are skilled artisans, especially in pottery and stone carving, creating beautiful works that reflect the stark beauty of their homeland.

Magical Reason Behind Creation: The magical event that led to the creation of the Cacatians was a rare alignment of elemental energies. This convergence was so powerful that it awakened a deep magic within the earth, giving birth to a new race that would become the guardians of the arid lands. The Cacatians were created with a purpose – to protect the balance between the elemental planes and the Material Plane, ensuring that the harsh beauty of the deserts and arid regions is preserved through the ages.

Cactian Traits

Your cactian character has an assortment of inborn abilities, part and parcel of cactian nature.

Ability Score Increase

Your Constitution score increases by 2.

Age

Cactians mature at a quicker rate than humans, but they’re considered young until they reach the age of 15yr. On average, they live about 275 years.

Size

Cactians  stand between 5 and 6 feet tall and average about 250 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet. 

Darkvision

Accustomed to life underground, 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 color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Tough Rind

You have advantage on saves against poison, fire, water, and bludgeon and resistance against poison, fire, water, and bludgeon damage.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Gensi, and can communicate with magical means to other beings.