Homebrew Demonic Lineage Species Details

Abyssal Bloodline

Demons are derived from the bloodlines of the abyss, and their appearance can vary greatly. Regardless of these variations, their Abyssal heritage has left a clear imprint on their appearance. Demonic entities may have large horns that take any of a variety of shapes: some have curling horns like a ram, others have straight and tall horns like a gazelle’s. They might have thick tails, four to five feet long, which lash or coil around their legs when they get upset. Their canine teeth could be sharply pointed, and their eyes solid colors—black, red, white, silver, or gold—with no visible sclera or pupil. Their skin tones cover the full range of the color spectrum, from black, white, red, magenta, green, etc. Their hair, usually cascading down from behind their horns, is typically dark or stark white.

Self-Reliant and Secretive 

Demons and demonic entities typically subsist in small minorities found mostly in human cities or towns, often in the least populated quarters of those places, where they grow up to be swindlers, thieves, or crime lords. Sometimes they live among other minority populations in enclaves where they are treated with more respect.

Lacking a homeland, demonic entities know that they have to make their own way in the world and that they have to be strong to survive. They are not quick to trust anyone who claims to be a friend, but when a demonic creature's companions demonstrate that they trust him or her, they may learn to extend the same trust to them. The revelation of their true name is a rarity, and the ultimate sign of trust.

 

Abyssal Names

The true names of demons hold immense power, and are protected as an important secret by most. These names are typically only uttered in the Abyssal language, and due to their powerful nature are rarely spoke, even by the demonic entity themselves. Discovering the true name of a creature of demonic descent causes them to automatically fail any saving throws from spells that target fiends specifically, so long as the creature has uttered the name in the last 24 hours. 

 

MET WITH MISTRUST

Ignorant people tend to be suspicious of Demons and their spawn, assuming that their Abyssal heritage has left its mark on their personality and morality, not just their appearance. The reality is that while demons are typically evil, an origin stemming from a demonic bloodline doesn’t necessarily affect their personality. They are gifted with magic from the Abyssal realms but chart their own course in life.

Demonic Lineage Traits

Demons and creatures of demonic lineage share certain racial traits as a result of their Abyssal descent.

Creature Type

You are a fiend.

Ability Score Increase

When determining your character’s ability scores, increase one of those scores by 2 and a different score by 1. These bonuses can not be applied to the same ability score.

Age

True demons do not age, and entities of demonic lineage mature at the same rate as their typical counterparts, but live roughly twice as long.

Size

Your size is Medium or Small (Your choice).

Speed

Your base walking speed is 35 feet.

Devil's Sight

Thanks to your Abyssal heritage, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see normally in dim light and darkness, both magical and nonmagical, to a distance of 120 feet.

Demonic Resistance

You have resistance to fire and poison damage.

Abyssal Legacy

You know the thaumaturgy cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the hellish rebuke spell as a 2nd-level spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Abyssal.