Homebrew Dark Stalker Species Details

Dark creepers are diminutive dwellers found in the depths of the earth. The wear layers of filthy rags to hide their pale, wan bodies. Unwilling to show their true forms even to each other, they do not remove their clothing, and merely add a new layer as the outermost grows too ragged or stained. Some say entire cities of these folk exist in the dark depths, and that they raid the surface for loot, kidnapped servants, and the love of mayhem. While they are the leaders of dark creeper communities ranging from small village outpost to the mighty cities of the dark folk said to exist deep within the earth, the dark stalkers are a people apart. Although of the same race as the dark creepers, dark stalkers are taller, more courageous, and possibly more intelligent. They share many of the same cultural attitudes, an unwillingness to be nude, an acceptance of murder and cannibalism, and general unhygienic ways of their diminutive brethren. A group of dark creepers led by a dark stalker is a deadly force of assassins, marauders, and raiders made bolder by the presence of their taller kin.

Innate Spellcasting. The dark stalker’s spellcasting ability is Charisma. The dark stalker can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: deeper darkness, detect magic, fog cloud
Death Throes. When a dark stalker dies, it combusts in a flash of white-hot flame, and each creature within 20 feet of it must make a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw, taking 14 (4d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much on a success. A dark stalker’s gear and treasure are unaffected by this explosion.
Envenomed Attacks. The dark stalker coats its weapons with black smear, a foul-smelling black paste distilled from fungi that live deep underground.
Exceptional Darkvision. Dark stalkers can see perfectly in darkness of any kind, including magical darkness.
Light Sensitivity. While in bright light, the dark stalker has disadvantage on attack rolls as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
Sneak Attack. Once per turn, the dark stalker deals an extra 14 (4d6) damage when it hits a target with a weapon attack and has advantage on the attack roll, or when the target is within five feet of an ally of the dark stalker that isn’t incapacitated, and the dark stalker doesn’t have disadvantage on the attack roll.

Dark Stalker Traits

Abilities come from the plane of shadows

Ability Score Increase

Increase Dexterity score by 2 and Charisma score by 1

Innate Spellcasting

Innate Spellcasting. The dark stalker’s spellcasting ability is Charisma. The dark stalker can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: deeper darkness, detect magic, fog cloud

Death Throes

Death Throes. When a dark stalker dies, it combusts in a flash of white-hot flame, and each creature within 20 feet of it must make a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw, (4d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much on a success. A dark stalker’s gear and treasure are unaffected by this explosion.

Envenomed Attack

Envenomed Attacks. The dark stalker coats its weapons with black smear, a foul-smelling black paste distilled from fungi that live deep underground.

Exceptional Darkvision

Exceptional Darkvision. Dark stalkers can see perfectly in darkness of any kind, including magical darkness.

Light Sensitivity

Light Sensitivity. While in bright light, the dark stalker has disadvantage on attack rolls as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.

Sneak Attack

Sneak Attack. Once per turn, the dark stalker deals an extra (4d6) damage when it hits a target with a weapon attack and has advantage on the attack roll, or when the target is within five feet of an ally of the dark stalker that isn’t incapacitated, and the dark stalker doesn’t have disadvantage on the attack roll.

MultiAttack

Dark Stalker can attack twice per action

Proficiency

Proficiency in stealth and perception