Homebrew Eternum Species Details

Eternum are reanimated undead, once members of various races who fell in battle alongside their faithful animal companions. When both the warriors and their animals perished, their remains were later reanimated by a surge of powerful, arcane energy. This mystical force bound their souls to each other, creating a unique, enduring partnership between the Eternum and their companion. They are neither truly alive nor completely dead, existing in a state of haunting vitality driven by a deep sense of duty.

Culture and Society:

Eternum society is built around the concept of duty and honor. Their culture revolves around the enduring bond between them and their animal companions, which is considered sacred. They often form tight-knit communities where mutual support and protection are paramount. Their laws and traditions emphasize the importance of fulfilling their roles and responsibilities, both to their companions and to any broader missions they may undertake. Eternum view their duty as a way to atone for past transgressions or to honor their fallen comrades.

Physical Characteristics:

Eternum retain the skeletal form of their previous race, with some subtle but distinctive features marking their undead nature. Their eye sockets glow with an eerie light, and their chests house an ominous, pulsating core where their heart once was. Despite their skeletal appearance, they move with a fluid grace and carry an aura of otherworldly presence. Their animal companions also exhibit signs of their undead state, with spectral or ethereal qualities that set them apart from living creatures.

Behavior and Personality:

Eternum are generally stoic and determined, driven by a profound sense of duty and purpose. They are loyal to their companions and often exhibit a calm, disciplined demeanor. Their interactions with others can be marked by a sense of formality and adherence to their own code of conduct. Though they may seem detached or aloof due to their undead nature, they possess a deep emotional bond with their companions, which can manifest in protective and nurturing behaviors.

Interaction with Classes and Backgrounds:

Eternum’s connection to their animal companions makes them particularly synergistic with classes that benefit from a strong bond with an ally, such as Rangers and Druids. Their undead nature and sense of duty align well with classes that focus on protection and honor, such as Paladins. Backgrounds that emphasize duty, sacrifice, or a military past will also fit well with the Eternum's characteristics. They might struggle with backgrounds that emphasize living, vibrant experiences, but can still find common ground with those that emphasize resilience and determination.

Roleplaying Hooks:

• Undying Duty: Your Eternum character is driven by a sense of obligation that transcends their mortal life. Perhaps they are on a quest to fulfill a vow made in their previous life or to complete a mission that was left unfinished.
• Haunting Presence: Explore the eerie aspects of being undead. How does your character deal with their unsettling appearance and the reactions of others to it? Do they use it to their advantage or seek to hide it?
• Sacred Bond: The connection with their animal companion is central to their identity. Role-play the deep bond and mutual understanding between them, and consider how their relationship impacts their actions and decisions.
• Past Lives: The remnants of their former life can provide rich backstory material. Perhaps your character carries memories or regrets from their previous existence, influencing their current behavior and motivations.
• Cultural Code: Embrace the Eternum’s sense of duty and lawfulness in your role-playing. How does this sense of honor affect their interactions with other characters and their approach to problems?

Eternum Traits

Ability score improvement: Your wisdom score increases by 2, and your constitution, strength or dexterity score increases by 1. Age: Eternum are enchanted undead, you don't age in any way Alignment: Eternum are lawful, as they feel they have a duty to fill Appearance: Eternum look like the skeleton of their past race, but with glowing eyes and an ominous core where the heart would have been. Size: You size is the same size as your past race Speed: Same speeds as your past race +5. Languages: You can speak but not read or write, common and one other language of your choice.

Friends past the end

you have an undead animal companion, this can be a draft/riding horse, a wolf, or an eagle. They gain an ability shown below 

Shadow stead (horse): While you are mounted on your horse, your attacks gain 1d4 necrotic damage 

Haunting howl (wolf): As a reaction, you wolf can howl, all other creatures besides yourself must make a wisdom saving throw (dc 12 + your dexterity modifier) or become frightened until the end of their next turn. 

Spectral spectator (Eagle): Your eagle has advantage on Perception checks that rely on sight, and it can share its vision with you as long as it is within 120 feet, allowing you to see through its eyes as an action.

Soul bound

You and your partner can communicate telepathically when within 60 feet of each other. This ignores languages.

Not over till it's over

When you or your bonded partner is reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can use your reaction to drop to 1 hit point instead. You can use this feature once per long rest.

Dual minded

You have advantage on Wisdom saving throws against being charmed or frightened.

Inseparable

When you or your partner dies, they will reappear and resurrect within 15 feet of the other after a long rest with everything they had on them still on them. The original body turns to ash as well as everything on it.