Homebrew Archtroll Species Details

"I once ventured deep into the northern woods, chasing rumors of a creature half-man, half-troll. What I found was no mere legend. I came upon a figure tall as a tree, skin like the bark of ancient oaks, and eyes that glowed with a faint, unnatural light. It spoke to me in a voice that echoed both the growl of a beast and the wisdom of ages, warning me to leave these woods and never speak of what I had seen. I’d heard tales of the Archtrolls before—half-breeds of old, born from unions between trolls and humans—but nothing could have prepared me for the eerie grace they possess, walking that fine line between man and monster."

Archtrolls are a unique and ancient species born from the union of trolls and humans, blending the raw strength and resilience of their troll ancestors with the adaptability and cunning of their human forebears. Trolls have been known to aid humans in childbirth and even intermarry, and Archtrolls are the living legacy of these alliances. With their towering statures, glowing eyes, and tough, rugged skin, they often walk between the worlds of the wild and civilization, regarded with both reverence and fear. Though powerful and capable, they are often seen as outcasts, caught between the distrust of their monstrous heritage and the acceptance of their human ties.

Nature's Children

Archtrolls don't differ too significantly from humans. They often have shaggy dark hair, greyish, yellowish skin, bulbous noses, and underbites that reveal small tusks.

Archtrolls sometimes have bits of shrubbery and moss growing out of them. Some have stones sticking out of their bodies. They often carve runes into themselves, hoping that it will help them channel the magic of their ancestors.

Fear of Thunder

Archtrolls cannot stand loud noises. Some say it's because the more malevolent of their ancestors would be smited by a god of thunder. Others say that it's because of the bells of the temples built by the people of the new faiths. Many experts believe it's because of how their brains are wired to focus on the natural world, making certain sensations like sound or touch extremely disruptive.

Archtrolls are incredibly in tune with their emotions, but it almost never looks that way. Some may come across as detached when feeling immense empathy. Others may simply struggle to understand the feelings of other people. Many will even feel intense emotions for brief moments in regard to situations that non-archtrolls might find rather simple. Archtrolls can seem unpredictable in how they express and manage their emotions, but their feelings are just as powerful as anyone else's.

Archtroll Names

Archtrolls often name themselves after parts of nature, often for the mini-ecosystems that sprout from their bodies.

 

Archtroll Names: Ash, Birch, Clover, Fern, Granite, Ivy, Lark, Moss, Mudcap, Oak, Reed, Stone, Thistle, Thorn

Archtroll Traits

You have a connection to the chaotic and magical forces of the natural world.

Haunting

You exude an unsettling presence that can cause discomfort or fear in others, often without intending to. You gain proficiency in the Intimidation skill. Additionally, your deep connection to the emotions of others gives you proficiency in Insight. This ability reflects your heightened awareness of emotional subtext and your ability to influence or unsettle others with your mere presence.

Pathless

Once per long rest, you may cast Dissonant Whispers on a creature in melee range as a reaction.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Archtrolls mature by age 40 and can live for up to 250 years. However, unconfirmed tales have stated that some have lived for almost 700 years. These have barely any proof to speak of.

Size

Archtrolls are quite tall and slender, yet still very strong and robust at around 6-8 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

Due to your ancestry being bound to dark forests and underground homes, your eyes are built for the dark. Archtrolls can discern shades of grey.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Goblin. The Archtrolls have even tried creating their own language built around runes.