Homebrew Awakened Lethifold Species Details

"It resembled nothing so much as a rippling black cape, the edges fluttering slightly as it slithered up the bed towards me."

— Flavius Belby's account of a Lethifold attack

 In the reckonings of most worlds, Lethifolds are not considered a people at all, but predators—living cloaks of flesh that smother and feed upon the living. The Awakened are something else entirely. Through rare circumstance or deliberate transformation, these beings break from their instinctive cycle and take on constructed, humanoid forms. No longer bound to parasitic existence, they walk the world as thinking, choosing individuals.

Where others are born, Awakened Lethifolds emerge. Their existence is not inherited but claimed, often through will, trauma, or an undefined spark of self-awareness. Many struggle to understand what they are meant to be, caught between the memory of hunger and the desire for purpose. Some seek redemption, others knowledge, and a few embrace their alien nature without remorse. All are shaped by the tension between what they were and what they choose to become.

Forms of the Awakened

An Awakened Lethifold does not possess a natural body in the traditional sense. Instead, it inhabits an artificial shell, often crafted to resemble a humanoid figure. These forms range from carefully sculpted mannequins and stitched constructs to eerie, near-perfect imitations of living creatures. Height, build, and features vary widely, depending on the materials used and the aesthetic the Lethifold adopts. Their bodies do not age in a conventional way, though wear, damage, and neglect can still take their toll.

While many Awakened strive to appear convincingly alive, subtle tells often remain. Their movements may be slightly too smooth, their expressions a fraction too still, their presence faintly unsettling. Some lean into this discomfort, while others work tirelessly to mask it.

A Will Apart

Unlike their feral kin, Awakened Lethifolds possess true autonomy. They reason, plan, and feel, though their emotions often develop in unfamiliar patterns. Many struggle with empathy at first, learning it through observation rather than instinct. Others form deep, almost obsessive attachments to individuals or ideals that give their existence meaning.

They tend toward introspection and adaptability, reshaping their goals as they learn more about the world. Some seek redemption for what their kind represents, while others reject the notion of guilt entirely, seeing themselves as new beings unburdened by the sins of their origin.

Among Other Peoples

Most societies react to Awakened Lethifolds with fear or suspicion once their nature is revealed. As a result, many hide what they are, passing as constructs, cursed humanoids, or strange warforged. Those who live openly often do so in isolated communities or under the protection of powerful patrons.

Despite this, Awakened Lethifolds often integrate well into adventuring groups. Their resilience, adaptability, and unique perspective make them valuable allies. They observe more than they speak, and when they do speak, it is often with deliberate intent.

Purpose and Legacy

Where other peoples measure their lives in generations, Awakened Lethifolds measure theirs in moments of choice. They do not inherit cultures or traditions; they build them. Each action defines what it means to be awakened, shaping a legacy that may one day overwrite the terror their kind once inspired.

Whether seeking redemption, understanding, or dominion, every Awakened Lethifold must answer the same question:

What does a creature born without a soul choose to become?

 

Awakened Lethifold Traits

No two Awakened Lethifolds are alike, but your character embodies the traits below.

Ability Score Increase

Your ability scores each increase by 1.

Age

Lethifolds reach maturity at 8 years old, and live a little over a century.

Size

Lethifolds are the size of a cloak spread out, but sit on humanoid shapes within their size category, so your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base flying speed is 30 feet.

Languages

You can speak and read Common and one extra language.

Fearful Presence

Beasts of lower intelligence fear you. You have disadvantage on any animal handling checks.

Limited Magical Resistance

Your magical nature gives you some magical resistances. You have advantages on spell saving throws.