Homebrew Astari Species Details
Forged in the fires of rebellion against tyrannical elder races, the first Astari emerged from alchemical crucibles meant to break humanity's spirit. Once ordinary humans enslaved as labor, entertainment, and fodder, they were freed when the gladiatorial champion Cassian Taro led an uprising that scorched the chains of oppression. The Conclave of the Nine Thrones, in their malice, sought to smother the rebellion by warping remaining human slaves into obedient thralls, infusing them with the chimeric essences of magical beasts and monstrosities, but all such experiments failed, yielding only death or madness. When the captured champion himself was subjected to these torments to crush human morale, his former slave brand burned like wildfire, his indomitable will fusing with the mutagens and rituals to birth a new breed of warrior. With his newfound power, Cassian escaped before the final ritual to strip him of his will, led his people to victory after victory, established the first human empire, and became known as Primus Astro, compelling captured archmages—abandoned by the Conclave—to repeat their sin, refining the process on now willing subjects. Only ten of Primus's chosen legion survived the rites, forming the first breed of Astari, all bearing the former slave mark now revered as the Mark of the Astari, and leading the human armies to triumph.
No longer mere mortals, the Astari became an independent order after Primus's two-century reign over the realm now known as the Primaris Imperium Magnar, or the Prime Empire. Seeing none of his sons as worthy to command the Astari, Primus freed them form their oath of service, binding them only by his dying wish , for them to safeguard and seek the betterment of all sentient creatures both human and non-human. Curiosity and duty drew many to explore distant realms, from shadowed underlands to verdant wilds and beyond.
Astari features differ greatly depending on their human appearance before transformation, often manifesting subtle chimeric traits like strange looking eyes, unnatural skin tones, or ethereal glows that echo their infused essences. They live between 300 and 700 years, with the longest-recorded Astari exceeding 1,000, though their true lifespan remains unknown—no Astari has ever died of old age, falling instead to battle or fate. They require less rest than humans, entering a vigilant trance where senses stay alert while the mind refines instincts and memories.
Astari Traits
Creature Type: Humanoid
Size: Medium (about 5–6 feet tall)
Speed: 35 feet
Enhanced Sight
You have Darkvision with a range of 120 feet.
Enhanced Constitution
You have Resistance to Poison damage. You also have Advantage on saving throws you make to avoid or end the Poisoned condition.
Enhanced Physique
You have Advantage on any ability check you make to end the Grappled condition. You also count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity.
Enhanced Mind
You have Advantage on saving throws you make to avoid or end the Charmed condition.
Enhanced Acuity
You have proficiency in the Insight, Perception, or Survival. Additionally you have Blindsight with a range of 5 feet.
Enhanced Somnolence
You don’t need to sleep, and magic can’t put you to sleep. You can finish a Long Rest in 4 hours if you spend those hours in a trancelike meditation, during which you retain consciousness.
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