Homebrew Cambion Species Details

A cambion walks the mortal world with the unmistakable mark of the Hells etched into their very bones. Born of a mortal and a fiend cambions straddle a perilous line between two realms. Their mortal blood grants them free will, but the infernal fire that fuels their soul is a constant whisper, urging, ambition, hunger, and a taste for power. 

Many mortals see only the fiend in them. They see smoldering eyes, the iron-hard nails, the curling horns or leathery wings, and assume corruption. Cambions learn young that the world expects them to fall - so some rebel fiercely against that fate, while others embrace it with wicked delight. Still others walk a narrow path between striving to define themselves by choices rather than ancestry. 

Infernal Blood, Mortal Heart 

Cambions are born rarely, and never by accident. Whether through a devil's manipulation, a mortal's ambition, or the fallout of forbidden pacts, a cambion is always a consequence. This makes them objects of fascination as much as fear. Mortal communities often do not know what to do with a half-fiend child - some hied them away, some worship or weaponize them, and some cast them out before they can speak. 

Cambions mature quickly, their bodies developing sharper, stronger, and more precise than their mortal peers. Their infernal lineage grants them innate magic, a keen mind for manipulation, and an almost unnatural physical grace. But with those gifts come expectation - they are watched, judged, and weighed constantly. 

Marked by the Hells 

Though no two cambions look alike, certain traits are nearly universal. 

- Eyes that burn with ember-red, gold, or infernal violet

- Horns or ridges cresting the brow

- A faint scent of brimstone, hot metal, or smoke

- Shadows that cling too long, or flames that reflect unnaturally in their gaze

- Voices with a faint resonance, as though another tone speaks beneath

Some cambions inherit wings - leathery or feather-dark - while others walk as mortals do, their infernal trains subtle but unmistakable. 

Suspicion and Temptation 

Because of their heritage, cambions often face mistrust from strangers and manipulation from devils who seek to use them. They are viewed as potential threats, valuable assets, or catastrophes waiting to happen. Even the most virtuous cambion feels the pull of infernal instinct: hunger for victory, delight in cunning, or the thrill of bending others to their will. 

Shaped by Choice

A cambion's life is rarely quiet. Some become wandering mercenaries, mages, or musicians, masking infernal might beneath charm and wit. Others delve into the mysteries of their heritage, seeking either to sever themselves from the Hells or to master the power that calls to them. 

Despite the shadows of their birth, cambions are not bound to evil. Their mortal soul allows them to forge any path - though few escape the consequences of the one they choose. 

Cambion Traits

Cambions share certain racial traits as a result of their infernal descent.

Ability Score Increase

Increase one ability score by +2 and another by +1, or increase three different ability scores by +1.

Age

Tieflings mature at the same rate as humans but live a few years longer.

Size

Tieflings are about the same size and build as humans. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet. Those of the winged variant also gain a fly speed of 60 feet.

Darkvision

Thanks to your infernal 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.

Infernal Resilience

You have resistance to fire damage and your choice of necrotic or poison damage. 

Devil's Legacy

You know the thaumaturgy cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the hellish rebuke 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 darkness spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Infernal.

Fiendish Cunning

You gain proficiency in Deception or Intimidation. If you are already proficient, you instead gain expertise.