Homebrew Frostkin Tiefling Species Details
It was the the twenty-fifth day of our expedition that we came across the first of the them: Tieflings with bright blue eyes and skin so white we only noticed them when their Great Old One raised his spear and spoke.
Their language was not the gutteral speech of infernal, inherent in most tieflings, but rather a series of harsh and rythmic sounds that matched the snowstorm around us in its intensity.
To this day I wonder what it was about us that upset them so, but all I can do is wonder, being bound to my chair and my hearth as I am. Their secrets remain locked behind the ice, just as the corpses of those who joined me on my expedition.
To live among the icebound dunes of the far south and survive the harsh, cold dangers it hides, that is the lot of the Frostkin Tieflings. Unlike their infernal counterparts, the Frostkin share no blood with Devils or other Hellish creatures, but rather draw the power to survive from their connection the Jötunn, strange and mythical creatures of varying alignments, said to dwell the furthest reaches of the south. Because of their isolated lifestyle is it rare to see a Frostkin Tiefling enter northern civilizations. If they do, most keep the secrets of the south closely guarded.
Jötunn Bloodline
Frostkin Tieflings share most basic characteristics with normal Tieflings, such as the horns, tails and sharply pointed, canine teeth. However, on closer inspection, there are a few notable characteristics native to the Frostkin, the specifics of which usually depend on their tribe. Most obvious is their skin tone, which can take on a large number of human colorations, but usually lies closer to pure white and blue, crisscrossed with intricate patterns reminiscent of frost on glass. Their eyes tend to be light blue or grey but can also be a desaturated green or purple. Their horns are reminiscent of the Animals they share their communities with and can range from those of a mountain ram to those of a moose or reindeer. The hair also comes in lighter shades of blue, white and grey among most, but it is not uncommon to see Frostkin with darker purple or even black hair further north. Members of some tribes grow hair along their entire body, which can lead some to mistake them for Yeti.
Though and Secluded
Frostkin Tieflings live in small, nomadic tribes that wander the tundra and the polar icecaps. Every member of the tribe has their own role to fulfill and is trained to hunt, fight and hide early in life in order to survive. The tribes are led by a matriarch shaman with an inherent connection to the Jötunn, who decides what offerings to bring them and what spirit names are to be given to frostkin who come of age. Most Tribes try to keep out of each other's way, as encounters with other Tribes can often result in fatal skirmishes. Further north, some Tribes trade amongst each other and have even formed alliances and permanent settlements.
It is uncommon, but not unheard of, for a Frostkin to wander further north, either by accident or through intent. These are usually outcasts abandoned by their tribes and left to wander the tundra. Most either descend into a life of crime as a result of being heavily mistrusted or are taken under the wing of a researcher looking to learn more about their ways and societies.
Frostkin Tiefling Names
Frostkin Tieflings are given two names: A calling name and a death name. The former is usually a short, monosyllabic name used to refer to the tiefling in life, while the latter, the Spirit Name, is a name specifically meant for the soul of a frostkin, and not to be shared in life. Spirit names are given when a Frostkin Tiefling comes of age at 9 years old, and are shared by the Shaman after the death of the Frostkin. It is commonly believed that those who die before they are given a spirit name or who reveal it before their death, are forced to roam the cold wilderness as vengeful wraiths after passing away.
When dealing with Frostkin Tieflings from other tribes the tribe name is usually added as a surname to indicate heritage. Tribes tend to have longer names, often derived from the Frostkin terms for various polar animals.
Male Calling Names: Esk, Rin, Cort, Mek, Res, Kir, Ter, Zu, Nait, Root, Gars
Female Calling Names: Ylr, Une, Bea, Woon, Uti, Eno, Asj, Fhe, Loon, Lok
Spirit Names: Leaps the melting brooks, Stares at the snow, Comes with Winter, Cries with the wind, Listens to the moon, Hopes in Summer, Hunts the snowflakes, Called at Dawn, Holds the Door.
Tribe Names: Failrenemeni (Snow Owl), Surolooshini (Whale), Ventreveveshi (Snow Fox), Hempookeni (Seal), Broostekrelek (Yeti), Hinteherlelikki (Snow Hare)
Frostkin Tiefling Traits
Frostkin Tieflings share certain racial traits as a result of their Jötunn descent.Ability Score Increase
Your Constitution score increases by 1, and your Wisdom score increases by 2.
Age
Frostkin Tieflings mature at the same rate as humans but live a few years longer. Due to the harsh climate they usually live in however, not many live for the duration of their full lifespan.
Alignment
Frostkin Tieflings live in close-knit societies which require everyone to do their part to survive. Because of this Frostkin Tieflings tend to have a lawful alignment. Wether they are evil or good is usually determined by their tribe.
Size
Frostkin Tieflings are between 6 and 7 feet tall and weigh between 180 and 240 pounds. Your size is Medium.
Speed
Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Darkvision
Thanks to your Jötunn heritage, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. 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. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Winter's Resistance
You have resistance to cold damage.
Jötunn Legacy
You know the Produce Flame cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the ice knife spell as a 2nd-level spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the blur spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for these spells.
Languages
You can speak, read, and write Common and Giant.
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