Homebrew Gargoyle Species Details

It is not so rare to see the growling, snarling, even grotesque figures made of stone adorning the many cathedrals and castles across the land. The secret that few know is that art truly does, at times, imitate life. Have you ever really paid attention to the rigid stone defenders of these old buildings? Didn't that one on the north east corner look different the last time you were here? Surely not, you are just misremembering it. There have, at times, been stories telling of Gargoyles that live, that fly...that hunt, but those are just children's stories. Right? 

An Accursed Past

Gargoyles as a race were not always as we know them to be. While nowadays, we see them as stationary stone works, they used to be flesh and bones as much as you or I. Long ago, Gargoyles were a race of winged humanoids that closely resembled goblins or hobgoblins. They were instrumental in the destruction of a deity long lost and as a final act of defiance - that same deity used what remained of their power to place a powerful curse on the entire race. Now, there are few Gargoyles left. They cannot reproduce and they suffer from "stone sleep" which causes them to turn to complete stone when the sun hits their bodies. Additionally, Gargoyles no longer age, they are doomed to live on forever at whatever age they were when the curse was released. For some, this has strengthened their alignment. For most, however, this has changed them to become bitter and angry at the world around them. Almost all Gargoyles are extremely secluded and often do not travel too far from their rookeries for fear of being caught in the sun away from home. 

Stone Sleep

For Gargoyles, sleep is bittersweet. When you take a Long Rest, you enter a state of suspended animation, turning into inanimate stone. While in this state, you have the Incapacitated condition, you have Resistance to all damage except Psychic, and you succeed on all saving throws. If direct sunlight hits you while you are resting, you cannot be awakened early by any means until the sun sets or you are moved into shadow. 

Enduring the Endless

Because Gargoyles do not age and cannot reproduce, their societies are not built on tribes or generations, but on grim endurance. Every Gargoyle alive today is a survivor of the ancient deity's curse, frozen forever at the exact age they were when the magic struck. There are no elders to offer guidance, and no children to inherit their legacy; there is only the agonizing reality of permanent stagnation.

While a Gargoyle cannot die of old age, their stone bodies can still be shattered, cracked, or worn down by centuries of conflict. Among Gargoyles, a permanently damaged individual faces a bitter existence. Deprived of the ability to heal like creatures of flesh, those who are too broken to defend the rookery often choose to succumb to "stone sleep" permanently—allowing themselves to become true, unmoving statues rather than burdening the few companions they have left.

This eternal existence breeds a deep, festering cynicism. Most live in profound isolation, treating outsiders with intense hostility. They do not seek glory in battle, but rather a quiet, unchanging sanctuary where the sun can never find them and the world cannot force them to change.

Gargoyle Names

Echoes of the Past

A Gargoyle’s identity is split between who they were before the curse and what they have become during centuries of isolation. Every Gargoyle carries two names: their True Name from their ancient goblinoid past, and their Moniker, given to them by the world or adopted out of bitterness.

Because Gargoyles have no concept of gender roles or changing generations, their True Names are ancient, unchanging markers of a civilization lost to time. To speak a Gargoyle's True Name is a sign of immense intimacy or a painful reminder of what they used to be.

In casual conversation or when dealing with outsiders, Gargoyles go by Monikers. These names are often descriptive of their appearance, the cathedral they inhabit, or the grim disposition they have adopted over the centuries.

• True Names (Ancient Goblinoid): Aukan, Eglath, Gae-Al, Gauthak, Ilikan, Keothi, Kuori, Lo-Kag, Manneo, Maveith, Nalla, Orilo, Paavu, Pethani, Thalai, Thotham, Uthal, Vaunea, Vimak

• Monikers (Cursed Names): Apex, Spire, Moss-Skin, Grimgrin, Crag, Silent-Watcher, Gargoyle of the North-Tower, Silt, Iron-Claw, Obsidian, Bitter-Mind, The Sentry, Stonemourn, Perch, Weeping-Gargoyle

 

Gargoyle Traits

Born from an ancient goblinoid heritage and frozen in time by a divine curse, Gargoyles are enduring sentinels of solid stone. Though they suffer from a rigid "stone sleep" when they rest, these ageless survivors possess incredible resilience, an unyielding granite hide, and a supernatural mastery over the skies that defies their immense weight.

Age

• Ageless: You do not age and are immune to any magical aging effects.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

You have a flying speed that is based on your chosen size ranging from 20 to 40 feet.

Accursed Sight

Your curse grants you superior vision in the dark places you hide. You have Darkvision with a range of 60 feet.

Granite Hide

Your skin is cursed to be as hard as stone. While you aren't wearing armor, your base Armor Class is 13 + your Dexterity modifier.

Gargoyle Resilience

You have Resistance to Poison damage. You also have Advantage on saving throws you make to avoid or end the Poisoned condition

Stone's Weight

Your dense, rocky body makes you remarkably heavy. You have Advantage on saving throws and ability checks made to resist being shoved or knocked Prone.

False Appearance

While you remain motionless, you are indistinguishable from an inanimate stone statue.