Homebrew Corrupted Species Details

The Corrupted display much of their nature in their very name. They were something else before. They were different, perhaps stronger, perhaps weaker. Mentally, they are largely the same as their former selves- if they can get over the pure shock of their change. The Corrupted are often outcasts in society due to their fearsome appearances. Many speculate that the existance of commonality in mutations caused by seemingly erratic magics may indicate that, perhaps, there may be more at play here than simple wayward energies. (Note: Beast races, such as Dragonborn and Tabaxi, for an unknown reason, cannot become Corrupted.)

Forever Cursed

However powerful the magic, nothing short of divine intervention seems to be able to reverse the transformation of one into a Corrupted. It is a permanent state of being for one unlucky enough to end up as one of these creatures. 

Despite the permanent nature of their condition, many of the Corrupted can get over the shock of their new form and go on to live out their lives as normal- if their people are still willing to accept them. In many cases, horrified former friends will shut out a Corrupted out of fear, bigotry, or superstition.

 

Conflicted Soul

Becoming Corrupted is, at first, a purely physical change. While it never directly changes one mentally, their very soul may change depending on how they confront their change.

If they are able to face it with dignity and acceptance, while refusing to let it shake their previous values and dedications, their soul will strengthen in resolve and increase the willpower of these individuals greatly.

If, however, they are unable to cope with the change, living in denial, fear, and self hatred, their soul will become increasingly unstable and corrupt. This can have many effects; the individual's alignment could shift frequently, they could become fanatical on a whim, or they could become obsessively focused on a possession or concept.

 

Corrupted Names

Many Corrupted choose to keep their former names. This can be as a result of pride, denial, or simply not seeing a reason to change it. Some, however, will change their name to assume a new identity or to prevent their name or family name from being 'tainted'. The names are often short, one or two syllables, and are very 'harsh' sounding. Some may choose to make their name sound like a negative word. 

 

Example Names: Raam, Skarr, Kesh, Karn, Nahk, Lech, Gorrak, Skorn, Sraak, Bahk

 

Corrupted Traits

The Corrupted, regardless of their original race, share a few common traits.

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength and Constitution scores are increased by 2.

Age

The Corrupted age very slowly, many living as long as 2 and a half centuries. However, the older one is when they are Corrupted, the shorter their lifespan will be. Being Corrupted does not reverse/reduce age.

Alignment

Most Corrupted sway toward good and evil, and away from Neutral alignments. A few Corrupted may remain Neutral if that was their alignment before their change.

Size

Corrupted are often between 6 and 8 feet tall and weigh between 220 and 340 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Claws

Corrupted have viciously sharp claws that can be used to deal 1d4 plus your Strength modifier slashing damage on unarmed strikes, as an alternative to regular unarmed attacks.

Abominable Terror

You have double proficiency in the Intimidation skill.

Horror

Once per Long Rest, as an action, you can roll a d10. On 5 or above, you can cause a creature already frightened of you to become stunned for 1d4-1 turns (minimum of 1). On a 4 or below, the creature is frightened for 1d6 more turns.

Monstrous Form

You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift. However, you have disadvantage on Sleight of Hand checks and Persuasion checks.

Defiant Fortitude

When your enemies lash out against you, you feel a strength grow within. When you take damage, you can use your reaction to roll a d8. Add your Constitution modifier to the number rolled, and reduce the damage by that total. After you use this trait twice, you can’t use it again until you finish a short or long rest.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common.