Homebrew Alternate Species Details

Alternates roam in many societies undetected. Each one can supernaturally adopt any face they like. For almost all Alternates, a new face is only a disguise.

The first Alternate in the multiverse appeared in The Nine Hells. Made by the lord of hell himself. Alternates lack sympathy, empathy, and emotions. This is due to how they are created. They were created to also serve him, with unwavering loyalty. Due to this they tend to be evil aligned. Very few alternates have managed to gain independence and free will, those how have tend to be non evil aligned.

In their true form. Alternates have pitch black skin with little to none facial features. It is rare to see an Alternate in that form, those who do tend to not live to tell the tale. Alternates change their shape within the span of a few seconds.

Creating Your Character

At 1st level, you choose what type of alternate your character is. Roll a d4. With a one, you have no flaws when you shape shift. With a two, you have minor flaws when you shape shift. Like one of your eyes moving astray, and so on. With a three, you have moderate flaws when you shape shift. Like teeth bending outwards or inwards, one eye being placed higher on your face then the other, and so on. On a four, you have major flaws when shape shifting. Like your mouth stretches to an unnatural degree, your faces is stretched out to an unnatural extent, and so on.

Ability Score Increases

When determining your character’s ability scores, increase you charisma score by 2 and increase your intelligence score by 1. Follow this rule regardless of the method you use to determine the scores, such as rolling or point buy. The “Quick Build” section for your character’s class offers suggestions on which scores to increase.

Languages

Your character can speak, read, and write Common and one other language that you and your DM agree is appropriate for the character. The player’s handbook offers a list of languages to choose from. The DM is free to modify that list for a campaign.

Creature Type

Your creature type is Fiend. Some rules in the game affect creatures of certain types in different ways. For example, the cure wounds spell doesn’t work on a Construct or an Undead.

Life Span

The typical life span of an Alternate is unknown, but by the way you were made you can’t die of old age.

Height and Weight

Alternates height and weight vary on who they shape shifted into. In their original form they are around 6 to 7 feet tall and around 130 pounds in weight.

Alternate Traits

As an Alternate, you have the following racial traits.

Creature Type

Your creature type is fiend

Size

You are Medium or Small. You choose the size when you select this race.

Speed

Your walking speed is 30 feet.

Alternate Instincts

Thanks to your connection to your creator, you gain proficiency with two of the following skills of your choice: Deception, Insight, Intimidation, Performance, or Persuasion.

Shapechanger

As an action, you can change your appearance and your voice. You determine the specifics of the changes, including your coloration, hair length, and sex. You can also adjust your height and weight and can change your size between Medium and Small. You can make yourself appear as a member of another race, though none of your game statistics change. You can’t duplicate the appearance of an individual you’ve never seen, and you must adopt a form that has the same basic arrangement of limbs that you have. Your clothing and equipment aren’t changed by this trait. Remember your Alternate type also affects this trait. You stay in the new form until you use an action to revert to your true form or until you die.