Homebrew Aethereal Species Details

The Aethereals are a humanoid species from the Deep Ethereal Plane. They are slim and gangly in appearance with long limbs, oversized hands and, perhaps most strikingly, a single cyclopean eye in the centre of their forehead. Aethereals are entirely hairless with skin tones ranging in colour from vibrant pinks to purples, with blues and reds possible but much rarer.

Denizens of the Ethereal Plane

The Aethereals hail from the Deep Ethereal Plane, a dynamic environment characterised by swirling masses of protomatter. Isolated Aethereal city-states, known as “Emirates,” drift through this chaotic realm. These Emirates are built upon large, magically charged crystals, which serve as both spiritual conduits to their gods and an arcane power source.

The Aethereals have a deep spiritual connection to the Ethereal Plane. Their culture is polytheistic, centred around a pantheon of gods, each responsible for a different aspect of Aethereal life. Each Emirate has its own patron deity to whom the central crystal serves as a monolithic altar, where prayers, rituals, and tithes are offered.

Society and Culture

Aethereals are a magically advanced species, and their Emirates are marvels of arcane engineering, built on a deep understanding of alchemy, mathematics, and magic. Each Emirate is governed by its own Emir, forming independent monarchies. Despite their arcane prowess, Aethereals are a primarily peaceful and diplomatic people, believing in negotiation and diplomacy over war.

Aethereals value tradition, community, and loyalty. They have a rich oral tradition, passing down history and wisdom through storytelling. Their connection to the gods is central to their identity, shaping their customs and daily lives. Though they are not naturally warlike, Aethereal cities usually maintain a standing militia for defence.

Physiology

Aethereals have a lifespan similar to that of humans, living an average of 80-100 years. They do not experience the physical changes associated with puberty in the same way as humans. Instead, they experience a gradual maturation process throughout adolescence and early adulthood, reaching physical maturity at around 25. Elderly Aethereals often develop a curvature of the spine, giving them a hunched appearance, which is widely regarded as a sign of wisdom.

Aethereals are a single-gender, hermaphroditic species, meaning each individual possesses both male and female reproductive organs. As such, they have no distinct gender roles though they still experience attraction, romantic relationships and form emotional bonds with others.

Personal Identity and Flair

Aethereals use jewelry to decorate their bodies and make themselves more visually striking. They favour large, bold pieces such as chunky necklaces, bracelets, and rings that are made from brightly coloured stones or metals. Some free-spirited Aethereals also incorporate other materials into their jewelry, such as shells, bone, or feathers.

The Aethereals lack of hair also leads them to use body paint to decorate their heads and express their individuality. They use a wide range of colours to paint elaborate patterns onto their scalps. High ranking Aethereals also use this paint to create optical illusions that enhance their single cyclopean eye.

Cuisine

Food is an important part of Aethereal culture, with communal meals serving as a central aspect of their social gatherings and celebrations. Aethereals have a primarily vegetarian diet that makes use of extremely strong spices and seasonings, and they have developed a rich tradition of using potent fungi, and other plants that grow in their cities, to add flavor and depth to their dishes.

Insects and arachnids also form a notable part of Aethereal cuisine. Though not consumed every day, they provide an important source of protein.

Aethereal Traits

Aethereal characters have a number of traits in common with others of their kind.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language that you and your DM agree is appropriate for the character.

Ability Score Increase

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

Size

Aethereals are medium creatures, typically standing about 6 feet tall, with slender, elongated limbs.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Age

Aethereals reach full maturity at around the age of 25, and live 80-100 years.

Limited Darkvision

Due to their single eye, Aethereals have limited depth perception in darkness. You can see in dim light within 30 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern colour in darkness, only shades of grey.

Ethereal Adept

You have a natural connection to the Ethereal Plane. You know one cantrip of your choice from the Sorcerer spell list. Once you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Identify spell once. Once you reach 5th level, you can also cast the Blink spell once. You must finish a long rest to cast these spells again with this trait. Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for any Spell you cast with this trait.

Tribe

Due to the diverse environments of different Emirates, four distinct Aethereal tribes have evolved, each adapted to their unique surroundings. You carry the traits of one of these four distinct Aethereal tribes:

Rock Folk

In cities that expand vertically rather than horizontally, Rock Folk have evolved strong, hooked nails on their fingers and toes, allowing them to climb effortlessly.

1. Climber. Your strong nails give you a grip that few can match."You have a climbing speed of 30 feet.
2. Claws. You can use your claw like nails to make unarmed strikes. When you hit with them, the strike deals 1d4 + your Strength modifier slashing damage, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Air Folk

In cities with large gaps between navigable terrain, Air Folk have developed a patagium (a membranous skin flap stretching from wrist to ankle), enabling them to glide.

1. Glide. Using your patagium, you can slow your fall, and glide short distances. When falling you can use your reaction to spread your patagium and slow your descent. While doing so, you continue to fall gently at a speed of 60 feet per round, taking no fall damage when you land. If you would fall at least 10 feet in this way, you may fly up to your movement speed in one direction you choose, although you cannot choose to move upwards, landing in the space you finish your movement. You cannot glide while carrying heavy weapons or wielding a shield (though you may drop any held items as part of your reaction to spread your patagium). You cannot glide while wearing heavy armor, or if you are encumbered.
2. High Jump. As a bonus action, you can use your patagium to propel yourself upward a distance equal to half your movement speed. You can use it in conjunction with a regular jump, but not while gliding. You cannot use your High Jump while carrying heavy weapons, wielding a shield, wearing heavy armor, or if you are encumbered.

Ground Folk

The most terrestrial of the Aethereal tribes, Ground Folk have powerful, digitigrade legs adapted for speed, allowing them to traverse sprawling landscapes with ease.

1. Fast Movement. Your powerful legs let you outrun most creatures. Your base walking speed is 40 feet. In addition, once on your turn when you take the Dash Action, you can increase your speed for the duration of that Action. The increase equals five times your Proficiency Bonus.
2. Sturdy. Your digitigrade legs and stable center of gravity give you advantage against being knocked prone.

Water Folk

Originating from cities built around vast aqueduct networks, Water Folk have webbed fingers and toes for efficient swimming, along with enhanced lung capacity for navigating their aquatic highways.

1. Hold Breath. You have an enhanced lung capacity. You can hold your breath for up to one hour at a time.
2. Swimmer. You have webbed hands and feet. You have a swimming speed of 30 feet.
3. Cold Resistance. Adapted to live in and out of the water. You have resistance to cold damage.