Homebrew Skeleton Species Details

Skeletons are collections of bones reanimated by magic. Many are raised by necromancers or other dark forces, while others can be animated through areas of natural magic or their own vengeful spirits. While many skeletons lack true sapience, some gain intelligence comparable to that they had in life and become truly independent.

Skeletons can originate from any humanoid species. Most are complete sets of bones but some can be missing parts or have bones from multiple individuals. They usually have little to no recollection of who they were in life, unless they are actively being possessed by their own ghost. Skeletons are often met with fear among people who aren't accustomed to magic, but may receive little notice in large cities where magic is commonplace.

Skeleton Traits

Creature Type: Undead
Size: Medium (about 4-7 feet tall) or Small (about 2-4 feet tall), chosen when you select this species
Speed: 30 feet

As a Skeleton, you have these special traits.

Animated Self

When you are reduced to 0 hit points, your bones fall into a pile on the ground. When you would be made Stable by succeeding a Death Save, or some other effect like the Spare the Dying Cantrip, you instead can choose to be brought to 1 Hit Point.

You can use this trait a number of times equal to your Proficiency Bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a Long Rest.

Darkvision

You have Darkvision with a range of 60 feet.

Undead Existence

You do not need to eat, sleep, drink, or breathe.

Undead Constitution

You have Immunity to Poison damage and the Exhausted and Poisoned Conditions.