Homebrew Silkborn Species Details

Silkborn are a spider-like species native to Nerukhet (see page 34), typically emerging from silken cocoons amidst thick webbing that fills miles of tunnels throughout the subterranean province. They have a deep kinship and connection with the bejeweled arachnids and insects that have assisted them in building the grandest civilization in Druskenvald. This folk also channels the great gems that fill the caverns of the province with light and power, bringing them ever closer to the gods that spared their kind from an ancient calamity. While this species has humanoid proportions, they have arachnid features—hardened carapace skin, numerous eyes, segmented limbs that grow from their backs, and mandibles that sprout from their mouths. They generally live for 250 years, but those at the higher echelons of their civilizations have been known to live nearly 800 years.

Silkborn Traits

As a Silkborn, you have these special traits. Bejeweled Carapace. When you are hit with an attack roll, you can take a Reaction to add your Proficiency Bonus to your AC against that attack, potentially causing it to miss. Once you use this trait, you can’t do so again until you finish a Short or Long Rest. Darkvision. You have Darkvision with a range of 60 feet. Silken Legacy. You know the Thaumaturgy cantrip. Starting at character level 3, you always have the Find Familiar spell (the familiar takes the form of a jeweled insect or arachnid) prepared, and starting at character level 5, you always have the Web spell prepared. You can cast each spell once without a spell slot or Material components. You regain the ability to cast them in that way when you finish a Long Rest. You can also cast either spell using any spell slots you have of the appropriate level. Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma is your spellcasting ability for the spells you cast with this trait (choose the ability when you select this species).

Bejeweled Carapace.

When you are hit with an attack roll, you can take a Reaction to add your Proficiency Bonus to your AC against that attack, potentially causing it to miss. Once you use this trait, you can’t do so again until you finish a Short or Long Rest.

Darkvision.

You have Darkvision with a range
of 60 feet.

Silken Legacy

You know the Thaumaturgy cantrip. Starting at character level 3, you always have the Find Familiar spell (the familiar takes the form of a jeweled insect or arachnid) prepared, and starting at character level 5, you always have the Web spell prepared. You can cast each spell once without a spell slot or Material components. You regain the ability to cast them in that way when you finish a Long Rest. You can also cast either spell using any spell slots you have of the appropriate level. Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma is your spellcasting ability for the spells you cast with this trait (choose the ability when you select this species).

Spider Climb.

You can climb difficult surfaces, including along ceilings, without needing an ability check and while leaving your hands free.