Homebrew Arborian Species Details

Arborians are ancient and majestic beings who serve as enduring sentinels of the natural world. Towering between 10 to 15 feet, their forms resemble mighty  trees, with bark-like skin that camouflages seamlessly with their woodland surroundings. Their limbs are sturdy and gnarled, ending in branch-like fingers capable of fine manipulation and crafting. Above their heads, a crown of lush leaves and flowering branches shifts with the seasons, reflecting their emotional state and the health of their environment. In spring, their crowns are vibrant green, while in autumn, they blaze with gold and crimson.

The Arborians emerged from the heart of ancient forests, birthed by primal magic and the will of the land itself. Legends tell of their creation by nature deities who sought to craft guardians for the world's wild places. Their origins are shrouded in mystery, but their existence is a testament to the land’s enduring power and the primordial forces that shape it. Their very presence is a living link to a time before civilization, when nature reigned supreme and the world was untouched by technology.

Arborians possess a profound disdain for technology and industrialization, viewing these elements as threats to the delicate balance of nature. They see machinery and metal as a blight upon the earth, disrupting the harmony they strive to protect. To them, the roar of engines and the clatter of metal are invasive and unnatural, a stark contrast to the peaceful rhythms of the forest. This aversion extends to all forms of technological advancement, which they believe corrupt and harm the natural world.

Despite their size and imposing presence, Arborians are fiercely independent. Each Arborian is a solitary guardian of its domain, with a deep sense of personal responsibility towards the land it protects. This independence is not a result of isolation but a deliberate choice to avoid the complexities of communal living and the potential corruption of their pure, natural purpose. They have little desire for social interaction or alliances with other races, preferring instead to live in harmony with the forest and its creatures.

Arborians’ movements are slow and deliberate, reflecting their deep connection to the earth and the wisdom of ages. With a walking speed of 15 feet per round, they navigate their environment with measured steps, each movement resonating with the pulse of the natural world. They excel in climbing, with a climbing speed of 15 feet per round, allowing them to ascend trees and rugged terrain effortlessly. However, their massive, dense forms prevent them from swimming; instead, when submerged in water, they sink to the bottom and walk along the lake or riverbed, their movement there restricted to 10 feet per round.

Arborian Traits

Arborians' Racial Traits: Embodying the ancient strength and resilience of the natural world, Arborians possess unique traits that reflect their deep-rooted connection to the earth, from their formidable physical presence to their harmonious integration with the forest's mystic energies.

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1.

Verdant Vitality

As an Arborian, your connection to nature grants you exceptional resilience and an affinity for the forest. You gain the following benefits:

• Nature’s Resilience: You  have resistance to poison damage. Your deep-rooted connection to the earth and natural world makes you highly resistant to toxins and harmful substances.

• Photosynthetic Recovery: When exposed to natural sunlight for at least 1 hour, you regain hit points equal to your proficiency bonus, up to a maximum of half your hit point maximum. This ability reflects your unique photosynthetic process, drawing strength and vitality from the sun.

• Forest’s Embrace: You can move through natural vegetation, such as undergrowth, trees, or dense forest, without being impeded. Additionally, you have advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide in natural environments.

Natural Armour

Due to your tree-like physiology, traditional armor does not fit your form, and you cannot wear any type of armor. Instead, your bark-like skin provides you with natural protection:

• Natural Defence: Your base Armour Class (AC) is 18. You do not gain any benefits from wearing armour, but you can still use a shield if you are proficient.

This trait reflects your innate connection to nature and your reliance on your own natural defences rather than artificial protection.

Branch Strike

Your connection to the natural world extends to your physical form, allowing you to use your branch-like limbs as powerful weapons. As an action, you can make a melee weapon attack with your branches. This attack has the following properties:

• Melee Weapon Attack: +[Your Proficiency Bonus] to hit, reach 10 feet, one target.
• Damage: 2d6 + Strength modifier bludgeoning damage.

Your Branch Strike attack can be used in place of a normal melee attack and represents your ability to harness the strength and flexibility of your branch-like limbs in combat. This trait reflects your deep connection to the forest and your ability to wield the natural power of your form.

Age

Arborians mature slowly, with their growth and development mirroring the natural life cycle of ancient trees. They reach full maturity around 100 years of age, and their lifespan can extend well beyond 1,000 years, reflecting their deep-rooted connection to the world and their slow passage through the ages.

Size

Arborians are colossal beings, standing between 10 to 15 feet tall. Their towering forms, reminiscent of ancient oak trees, make them imposing figures in any environment.

Speed

Your walking speed is 15 feet. Due to your massive and solid form, you have a climbing speed of 15 feet. When submerged in water, you sink to the bottom and can walk at a speed of 10 feet.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Sylvan. Your deep connection to the natural world grants you insight into the language of the forest's ancient spirits.