Homebrew ARTHROPOD VESSEL Species Details
In the deepest reaches of an ancient, forgotten kingdom, an enigmatic force known as the Pale King forged beings from living Void—shadows given form—to stem the spread of a malevolent plague. These beings were called Vessels: silent, emotionless shells meant to contain a godlike infection. They were hollow, built for sacrifice, yet some among them stirred—weak lights igniting in their darkened frames.
Now unshackled from their birthplace and wandering foreign lands, these few Vessels carry within them remnants of that Void. Some seek purpose. Some seek silence. Others simply survive. Though they appear small and fragile, within them churns ancient power, dangerous and untapped.
Vessels are more than constructs—they are living enigmas, neither fully alive nor truly undead. Their emotions are faint, their words are few (or nonexistent), and their gaze is always fixed inward toward something only they can feel.
ARTHROPOD VESSEL
Creature Type: Aberration
Size: Small (about 3–4 feet tall)
Speed: 30 feet
Darkvision
Born from the depths of the Abyss, your eyes have long since adapted to a world of shadow. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. In total darkness, you perceive the world in shades of gray, unable to distinguish color.
This unnatural sight is a lingering gift from the Void—a remnant of your creation in lightless, forgotten places.
Hollow Body
As a creation of the Abyss, your body does not require the nourishment that sustains other life forms. You do not need food or water, and your form does not require sleep to function. However, you still need rest to reduce exhaustion and can benefit from both short and long rests. You are immune to all diseases, as your body is untouched by the usual ailments that plague the living.
This unnatural resilience is a gift of your origin—a being forged beyond the needs of the material world.
Natural Armor
Your body is protected by a tough, durable exoskeleton, forged from the Void itself. While you aren't wearing armor, your AC is 13 + your Dexterity modifier. If you wear armor that would result in a lower AC than your natural armor, you can choose to use your exoskeleton's protection instead. The benefits of a shield still apply as normal while you're using your natural armor.
This natural defense serves as a testament to your otherworldly origin, offering resilience that other beings may lack.