Homebrew Arcanaloth Species Details

The arcanaloths, once formidable fiendish mercenaries, were known for their sharp intellect, mastery of arcane secrets, and a penchant for manipulation. These jackal-headed fiends brokered contracts and wielded dark magic in the service of the highest bidder, caring little for the moral implications of their deeds.

However, a cataclysmic event—whether a curse, a divine punishment, or the result of their own arcane experiments—stripped a group of arcanaloths of their immortality, binding them and their descendants to the mortal plane. These former fiends, now bound by the limitations of flesh, found themselves walking among mortals, grappling with the reality of finite lifespans and the unfamiliar pangs of mortal emotion.

Over generations, these mortal arcanaloths have carved out a niche for themselves in the world. They retain the cunning, magical prowess, and fiendish resilience of their ancestors but are no longer driven by the same cold, mercenary logic. While many still bear the calculating nature of their forebears, others have embraced the complexities of mortal life, experiencing love, loyalty, and even the desire for redemption.

These arcanaloth descendants are often seen as enigmatic figures, blending into societies where their knowledge of ancient arcane lore and their natural aptitude for trickery make them valuable allies—or dangerous enemies. Though they are no longer bound to the Lower Planes, their fiendish heritage remains a potent force, guiding their actions and shaping their destinies in the world of mortals.

Arcanaloth Traits

As a descendant of once-fiendish arcanaloths, you inherit both their arcane cunning and the resilience of your mortal form

Creature Type

You are a Humanoid.

Size

You are Medium

Speed

Your walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

You have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 120 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.

Fiendish Resistance

You have resistance to fire damage.

Innate Spellcasting

You know the Minor Illusion cantrip. Starting at 3rd level, you can cast the Disguise Self spell with this trait. Starting at 5th level, you can also cast the Invisibility spell with this trait, without requiring a material component. Once you cast Disguise Self or Invisibility with this trait, you can’t cast that spell with it again until you finish a long rest. You can also cast either of those spells using any spell slots you have of the appropriate level.

Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells when you cast them with this trait (choose when you select this race).

Cunning Negotiator

You have proficiency in the Persuasion and Deception skills.

Languages

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