Homebrew Forlarren (2024) Species Details

Forlarren are rare. Even moreso, forlarren that live long enough to tell their origins are extraordinary. Yet, this scarcity has led to preposterous and far-fetched presumptions about the species as a whole, based upon the exaggerated abilities of a few. Most recently the archmage Mordenkainen penned an entry about the forlarren in his Fiend Folio (p.9) which indicated they were satyrs corrupted by Fierna, and quite powerful with sorcery. A previous publication by the same name predating Mordenkainens work by several decades indicated they were conceived by the coercion or seduction of nymphs by greater Devils. While both may have an element of truth, they miss the underlying premise - fey and devils, which are diametrically opposed in worldview, are capable of copulation and producing viable offspring. In recent years since the Toril Thirteen enacted the Mark of Asmodeus, even the pairing of tieflings with  satyrs have produced forlarren children. 

Being both fey and fiend, forlarren are conflicted by their very nature, and while they mature physically around 1-2 years of age, their emotional and intellectual development takes considerably longer. Much about the forlarren is dependent upon these formative years - particularly who raises the child and where. Erinyes have birthed satyr-sired offspring in the pits of Avernus, and raised them to be brutal berserker wildcards in the battles of the Blood Wars. Monks of the Githzerai once raised a forlarren in their monastery and trained it as an unpredictable sparring partner - though it later betrayed them to the illithids, and took its own life in despair. Covens of hags have raised forlarren and kept them around as entertainment, as forlarren emotions swing wildly when witnessing or participating in the hags darkest rituals. A glade of patient dryads helped a nymph mother to raise a champion of the Oath of the Ancients - who later came to ruin and was hunted down for betraying the order. 

Physically, forlarren vary considerably. When very young they often appear hunched and feral, nearly hairless as they rip out whatever grows in fits of despair and anguish, leaving scars and infected boils which fester due to their often-solitary existence. They are often hungry as they decry having to eat anything living, yet when that hunger overtakes them they can gorge until their bellies are swollen and distended. All have horns, though some have nubs barely more than a brow ridge, while others have great horns like an oxen or antlers of a stag. Those born of satyrs or cloven-hoofed infernals are nearly always cloven-hoofed. Those born of nymphs and erinyes can be strikingly beautiful. Some grow a velvety-smooth hide, others scraggly curls and tufts. Given enough time and self-restraint, most can grow a head of hair or facial hair if so inclined. Their eyes, hide, hair or skin colors can vary through shades of brown, green, red, blue, purple, gray and black, with a pale blue or purplish-gray being the most common. 

Forlarren (2024) Traits

Forlarren have been seen to be as short as four feet, and as tall as seven, some are emaciated and thin, others have been strongly muscled warriors. (Base height 45", roll 2d20 as a height modifier, base weight 50 lbs, roll 2d4 as a weight modifier)

Age

A forlarren could, conceivably, begin adventuring at one year old, though most would not (and did not) survive such foolishness. Most forlarren achieve a level of emotional and intellectual maturity in their mid teens. Forlarren have been observed to live more than a century, but none have yet been observed to die of old age either.

Alignment

Forlarren are known for their competitive, conflicting, opposed dual-natures. A forlarren friendly and outgoing one day could be horrendously xenophobic the next. One who is serious and dour might go through fits of delirium and childlike regression.  Some forlarren practice a level of rigid self-control and achieve a lawful alignment, but the overwhelming majority are chaotic, and their bent between good and evil fluctuate often. 

Darkvision

Both forlarren parents likely had darkvision (or even truesight) and forlarren can see in dim light within 60 feet as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light but can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Psychic Resistance

You are the recipient of a legacy that grants your supernatural abilities. With a mind already riddled with internal turmoil and conflict, Forlarren are not easily susceptible to psychic influence, as opponents find their mercurial emotions exceedingly difficult to manipulate. You gain resistance to psychic damage. 

Natural Weapons

Forlarren as a race have a range of natural weaponry including cudgel-like fists, whip-like tails, sharp claws and even goring horns - though individuals tend to have one or two specific natural weapon they excel in wielding. Select one type of natural weapon at 1st level, your unarmed attacks deal 1d6 damage of either bludgeoning, piercing or slashing damage as appropriate plus your Strength modifier. You may only attack with one natural weapon per round, unless a class feature or feat allows you additional attacks per round.

Innate Spellcasting

The forlarren has natural sorcerous abilities. You learn the Sorcerous Burst cantrip. At 3rd level you learn Goodberry. At 5th level you learn Heat Metal. You always have these spells prepared. You can cast each spell once without a spell slot, and you regain the ability to cast it in that way when you finish a Long Rest. You can also cast the spell using any spell slots you have of the appropriate level. 

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, as well as two other languages of your choice based upon upbringing. Common selections include Abyssal, Elvish, Infernal or Sylvan.