Homebrew Arboren Species Details

The Arboren are ancient beings of living wood, sap, bark, and leaf, born from the oldest forests of the world. Legends claim they first awakened when the world's primordial groves were touched by the raw magic of creation, granting thought and purpose to the trees themselves.

Though their towering forms and imposing appearance often inspire fear, Arboren are known for their patience, compassion, and deep connection to all living things. They experience the passage of time differently than most races, often measuring their lives in decades and centuries rather than seasons. This long perspective grants them a calm wisdom, though some Arboren possess a childlike curiosity about the wider world.

No two Arboren are identical. Some resemble mighty oaks with thick bark and broad limbs, while others take on the characteristics of willow, pine, birch, or flowering trees. Moss, vines, mushrooms, blossoms, and even small woodland creatures are often found among them. Their appearance may change with the seasons, reflecting both the natural world and their emotions.

Most Arboren dwell within hidden groves where they serve as caretakers, protectors, and keepers of ancient knowledge. Yet when the balance of the world is threatened, some feel the call to wander. These rare Arboren leave their roots behind to seek answers, fulfill an unknown purpose, or simply experience the world beyond the forest's edge.

Many believe Arboren are not truly born at all, but awakened by the world itself when a guardian is needed. Whether this is truth or legend, one thing remains certain: where an Arboren walks, the will of the natural world follows.

Arboren Traits

Awakened to protect, built to endure.

Powerful Build

Your towering form was created to stand against threats that would overwhelm others. You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.

Rooted Guardian

Created to protect and endure, Arboren possess an unshakable connection to the world beneath their feet. You have Advantage on saving throws and ability checks made to resist being knocked prone or moved against your will.

Living Bark

Your body is covered in thick bark and living wood. While not wearing armor, your Armor Class equals 13 + your Dexterity modifier. You can use this calculation instead of your normal Armor Class.

Scorched Bark

When you take Fire damage, you must succeed on a Constitution saving throw. The DC equals 10 or half the Fire damage taken, whichever is higher.

On a failed save, you begin Smoldering.

While Smoldering, you take 1 d4 Fire damage at the end of each of your turns.

You can end this effect by using a Bonus Action to extinguish the embers. The effect also ends if you become submerged in water.