Homebrew Awakened Skeleton Species Details

Ex-servitors of powerful necromantic entities, Awakened Skeletons come into being in a number of variable ways, typically by infusing too much magic into a given skeleton or leaving a single skeleton alone for long periods of time. The result of either of these actions is the same: the now awakened skeleton ultimately breaks free of its old master's control and rapidly begins to develop a personality of its own. Sometimes it models itself upon its old master, whether as a paragon of what it never wants to be, or as a goal to surpass. 

These skeletons are humanoids who have risen from the dead and gained some form of free will. Maybe you did it on your own by some miracle? Maybe it was a poorly worded wish spell? Maybe it was an awakened spell? The possibility is yours to imagine how you became free. Rising from the dead may have been a result of a spell, a necromancer, or an enchanted weapon. Again, you can imagine whatever you want about how you rose from the dead. However, one thing is for sure: they almost always are left as nothing but bones. These skeletons seem to be completely capable of moving despite having no muscles, likely because of the fact that magic has to be used to create them, and they can speak due to being awoken.

Awakened Skeleton Traits

Skeletons have advanced constitution as they have already died once, and dexterity as they don't have bones and muscles to restrict them. They tend to lean towards chaotic although this is not always the case, and are capable of speaking Abyssal due to their time in the Abyss.

Dexterity Score Increase

Awakened Skeletons gain +2 dexterity as they don't have as many body parts to constrain their movement.

 

Organless

Since you have no actual organs to poison, you are immune to poison damage and are immune to the poisoned condition. Other benefits of lacking organs are your immunity to disease, and you do not require food, though you can consume food if you so wish. Likewise, without skin and muscle to protect your bones, you are vulnerable to bludgeoning damage.

 

Dead Resemblance

Being dead has a few benefits, you only need to sleep for 4 hours to gain the benefits of a long rest. While sleeping, you appear dead to all outward inspection and to spells. 

Darkvision

Though you have no eyes, the magic fueling your existence also grants you the ability to see through the darkness. You have darkvision for 60ft.

Undead Nature

Due to your unique creation as an entity of magic and undeath, you are considered both a Humanoid and an Undead.

Lightweight

Faster than most races due to its body being only comprised of bones.

Ageless

As an Awakened Skeleton, you are effectively immortal. Your behavior may betray this, as people can determine the age you were prior to your death and ressurection.

Languages

As a former soldier of evil, you already know common as well as abyssal