Homebrew Brassborne Species Details

“The Brassborne are neither machine nor mortal, but something caught in between—an ember in the forge of progress, flickering between creation and creator.”- 

— Artificer-Regent Vaelrus Stormgrasp, The Clockwork Histories

 

The Brassborne: Flesh and Forge Entwined

Born from the fusion of alchemy, metalworking, and arcane ingenuity, the Brassborne are a race of living constructs—part metal, part flesh. Their origins trace back to an age when artificers and mages sought to create perfect beings, not bound by mortal frailty yet capable of thought, emotion, and purpose. These experiments gave rise to the first Brassborne, and while their creators have long since faded into history, the Brassborne persist, forging their own place in the world.

Neither wholly organic nor entirely mechanical, a Brassborne is a self-sustaining entity, capable of healing like flesh but reinforced like steel. They possess a sense of autonomy and self-awareness, free from servitude, yet their very existence is a testament to the craftspeople who once shaped them. Some wander as lost relics of an old war, seeking meaning beyond their original design, while others carve new destinies as adventurers, scholars, or warriors.

Brassborne culture is not unified; they are scattered across the world, forming small communities or integrating into existing societies. Some see them as marvels of artifice, while others view them as eerie remnants of an age best forgotten. Regardless, one thing remains certain: the Brassborne are here to stay, and their future is their own to forge.

Physical Appearance

Brassborne appear as humanoid figures crafted from a fusion of flesh and metal. Their skin, where organic tissue exists, seamlessly merges with the brass-like plating that encases much of their bodies. Their faces, often resembling a blend of artificial craftsmanship and natural design, lack emotive mouths but convey emotion through shifting plates and glowing optics. Some possess cables and filaments running along their limbs, mimicking veins and tendons, while others have exposed gears subtly whirring beneath their outer layer.

They range in height from 5 to 7 feet tall, with an athletic or wiry build, their bodies reinforced yet flexible. Many Brassborne have markings, engravings, or sigils on their plating, remnants of their creators’ intent or personal modifications over time. Their eyes glow with arcane energy, shifting in hue based on emotion or power usage. Despite their inorganic components, they are not immune to the passage of time—metal tarnishes, flesh scars, and yet, they endure.

Brassborne Names

Brassborne do not follow conventional naming customs. Many adopt names based on musical terms, instruments, or poetic expressions. Their original names, given by their creators, often resemble serial numbers or grandiose stage titles.

Examples:

• Serial-Inspired Names: B-440, Rhapsody-7, Crescendo-9, Aethelbrass-02
• Stage Names: Maestro, Echo, Bellows, Cadence, Aria, Forte
• Musical Terms as Names: Requiem, Allegro, Staccato, Harmonia, Sonnet

Brassborne Traits

Brassborne have a plethora of traits from their mechanical making.

Creature Type

You are a Construct.

Size

Your size is Medium. Brassborne are usually between 5 and 7 feet tall.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

Your augmented optics allow you to see in dim light within 60 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.

Ability Score Increase

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

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice.

Arcane Physiology

Though you have organic components, your body is sustained by magic-infused machinery. You do not need to eat or drink, but you can consume alchemical substances, such as potions, for their effects. Though, because of the organic components, you can be healed as normal.

Additionally, when you take a long rest, you must spend at least 4 hours in an inactive state rather than sleeping. During this time, you remain conscious and aware of your surroundings.

Resonant Form

Your body is a finely tuned musical machine that naturally disperses sonic force. You have resistance to thunder damage.

You also have advantage on Performance checks when using your own built-in instruments, and you count as having an instrument of your choice integrated into your body. You are also proficient with this instrument.

Additionally, when you cast a spell with a verbal component, you can flavor it as music played from your own internal mechanisms, making your magic sound like a symphony or haunting melody.

Overclocked Crescendo

Once per long rest, as an action, you can enter a Crescendo State for 1 minute. Choose between Forte Dissonance and Forte Harmony.

• Forte Dissonance
  
  • Your speed increases by 10 feet.
  • When you hit with a melee or ranged weapon attack, you deal bonus thunder damage equal to your Charisma modifier.
  • When you cast a spell with a verbal component, you can choose to amplify it, causing all creatures within 10 feet of you to take thunder damage equal to your Charisma modifier.
  • Choosing Forte Dissonance also gives you proficiency in Intimidation.

 

• Forte Harmony
  
  • You gain resistance to nonmagical bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage for the duration.
  • When you take damage, you can use your reaction to release a burst of kinetic force, dealing thunder damage equal to your level to all creatures within 5 feet.
  • You cannot be grappled or restrained while in this state.
  • Choosing Forte Harmony also gives you proficiency in Persuasion.

 

After the Crescendo State ends, you gain one level of exhaustion as your mechanisms temporarily overheat.
(You will have to do the math and additions of either state, because I can't figure out how to make something akin to a condition.)