Homebrew Anubis-Kin Species Details

Physically, the Anubis-Kin embody their divine progenitor's canine aspects, with humanoid forms that combine the strength and grace of a jackal with the sophisticated and composed nature of a mortal being. Their skin ranges from deep, matte black to a rich, dark bronze, with subtle patterns that resemble ancient hieroglyphs or the wrappings of a mummy. Their eyes glow with an eerie, amber light, their pupils elongated like those of a jackal. A long, tapered snout completes the features, with a prominent, smooth brow and an almost regal bearing. Their ears are slightly elongated, often tipped with gold or other adornments symbolic of their ancient heritage.

Their bodies are lean yet powerful, often covered in fine tattoos or intricate markings that represent rites of passage or significant events in their lives. The Anubis-Kin are frequently draped in ceremonial garb that reflects their connection to the afterlife—cloths, armlets, and jewelry made from gold and precious stones. Their hands and feet are clawed, giving them a predatory air, though they are graceful and controlled in their movements, like a hunter on the prowl. These unique features set them apart from other humanoid races, evoking both awe and fear.

Culturally, the Anubis-Kin hold death and the afterlife in the highest regard. They do not view death as an end, but as a transition to another realm, a journey to be navigated with respect, honor, and ceremony. Their society is often centered around the preservation of life through rituals and practices that prepare the soul for its eventual passage into the afterlife. These rituals are taken from their ancestral connection to Anubis, the guardian of tombs and protector of the dead. As such, Anubis-Kin often serve as caretakers of graves, guides for souls who have passed, and even powerful necromancers who call upon the spirits of the deceased. They believe in maintaining balance between life and death, ensuring that souls are properly laid to rest and that the living respect the natural cycle.

Socially, the Anubis-Kin often form tight-knit communities, living near burial grounds, tombs, or places of spiritual significance. They value wisdom, order, and duty, with their leaders often being high priests or priestesses who interpret the will of their divine ancestor, Anubis. The most respected members of Anubis-Kin society are those who have undergone the most rigorous spiritual journeys, those who have faced death in some form and returned with newfound knowledge and strength. Those who prove their worth by mastering the rites of mummification or by guiding lost souls to the afterlife are particularly revered.

Despite their deep reverence for death, the Anubis-Kin are not cold or indifferent. They possess a strong sense of justice, often using their abilities to protect the living from the horrors of the undead or to ensure that those who pass on receive their due rights. Their connection to Anubis gives them a deep understanding of both the sanctity and inevitability of death, making them skilled judges and executors of divine law

Anubis-Kin Traits

Anubis-Kin will share the following species traits.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Anubis-Kin reach maturity at around 20 years of age and live up to 150 years, though their connection to the divine grants them a long lifespan, many living well beyond that age.

Alignment

The Anubis-Kin are typically neutral, valuing balance and fairness over strict adherence to good or evil. However, their views on justice and the afterlife can shape them into those who act with honor or with a pragmatic, sometimes somber, outlook.

Size

Anubis-Kin are of medium height, ranging between 5 and 6 feet tall. They are slender but muscular, built for speed and agility.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Superior Darkvision

Thanks to your connection to the world of the dead, 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.

Ancestral Connection

You have proficiency in the Religion skill, and you can speak, read, and write in Ancient Egyptian, Commo, and one other language of your choice.

Jackal’s Grace

You gain proficiency in Acrobatics or Stealth (your choice). You are naturally agile and capable of moving with fluid grace, even in tight spaces.

Rite of Passage

Upon reaching adulthood, you undergo a spiritual journey where you must face death in a controlled environment (like a ritual or near-death experience). Afterward, you gain the ability to cast Guiding Bolt once per long rest, as your connection to Anubis grants you divine insight and strength. Wisdom is your spellcasting modifier for this spell.

Soulkeeper’s Touch

You have a unique connection to the spirits of the dead. Once per long rest, you can use an action to cast Speak with Dead without expending a spell slot. Your Wisdom modifier is your spellcasting modifier for this ability.

Death’s Resilience

You have advantage on saving throws against necrotic damage and are immune to disease. Your connection to Anubis has made you resilient to the corrupting forces of death.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Ancient Egyptian.