Homebrew Duskborn Species Details
Duskborn
The Duskborn are a unique and enigmatic race born from the union of Dark Elves and Tieflings, blending the shadowy grace of the former with the infernal heritage of the latter. Born at the intersection of two worlds, they inherit a complex lineage that shapes their appearance, abilities, and society.
Physical Attributes: Duskborn exhibit a striking blend of features from both their Dark Elf and Tiefling ancestors. They typically possess the dusky skin tone and slender, graceful build of Dark Elves, often coupled with prominent horns, tails, and occasionally small patches of scaled or slightly infernal skin reminiscent of Tieflings. Their eyes often shimmer with an otherworldly glow, reflecting their dual heritage.
Abilities: Combining the innate magic of Dark Elves with the infernal powers of Tieflings, Duskborn are adept spellcasters, particularly in shadow magic and fiendish sorcery. They possess natural agility and dexterity, honed through centuries of navigating the shadows. Some may manifest demonic traits such as limited resistance to fire or darkness-based spells.
Society and Culture: Duskborn often find themselves on the fringes of society, mistrusted by both Dark Elves and Tieflings due to their mixed heritage. As a result, they often form tight-knit communities among themselves, embracing their shared identity and supporting one another in a world that often misunderstands or fears them.
Their societies are often found in remote or shadowy regions, away from the prying eyes of other races. They may dwell in hidden enclaves within dense forests, deep caverns, or even the shadowed corners of bustling cities, where they can practice their magic and maintain their unique culture away from outside interference.
Alignment: Duskborn individuals can vary widely in alignment, reflecting the diversity of their ancestry. While some may embrace the darkness within their bloodline and lean towards chaotic or evil tendencies, others may strive to overcome their heritage and champion causes of justice and redemption. Most, however, find themselves navigating the gray areas in between, struggling to reconcile their dual nature.
Role in the World: Duskborn often find themselves drawn to roles that allow them to utilize their unique blend of skills and magic. Many become skilled rogues, spies, or assassins, using their natural agility and affinity for shadows to excel in stealth-based professions. Others may become powerful sorcerers or warlocks, harnessing their innate magic to wield formidable arcane powers.
In the broader world, Duskborn may face prejudice and discrimination due to their mixed heritage, but their resilience and adaptability allow them to carve out their own path and prove themselves as formidable allies or adversaries.
Duskborn Traits
Your Duskborn character has some qualities in common with Tieflings and some that are unique to Drows.Ability Score Increase
One Ability score increases by 2, and one other ability score of your choice increase by 1.
Age
Half-elves mature at the same rate humans do and reach adulthood around the age of 20. They live much longer than humans, however, often exceeding 180 years.
Size
Half-elves are about the same size as humans, ranging from 5 to 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.
Speed
Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Darkvision
Thanks to your elf blood, 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.
Fey Ancestry
You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put you to sleep.
Hellish Resistance
You have resistance to fire damage.
Infernal 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. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the darkness 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, Elvish, and one extra language of your choice.