Homebrew Chi'tan (Hollow Knight Inspired) Species Details

Chi'tan (Kī-tăn) are a peculiar race of chitinous humanoids, many of them resembling bugs. Purportedly created by their masked god and ruler, the Pale King, these  strange entities venerate their lord by wearing smooth ivory masks that are unique to each person. Valuing art and expression, chi'tan dedicate themselves to the honing of a particular skill or talent and often show great pride in these works. Though isolated from most of the world in the sprawling subterranean kingdom of Hallownest, the chi'tan nevertheless boast some of the most skilled artisans. Their intricate and beautiful architecture is but a testament to this.

The chi'tan themselves are a greatly varied race and come in many shapes and sizes. For example, a "pillbug" chi'tan might have a segmented body that allows it to curl into a ball when if feels that it is threatened while a "dragonfly" chi'tan might have a set of insect-like wings that allow to flit from place to place. Still there are other chi'tan that don't resemble bugs at all, but are more akin to a hollow suit of armor inside which their shadowy soul resides.

Darkness Given Light

The only clues to the origins of the Chi’tan are in the stories that they tell. What follows is an excerpt from a tale commonly told at a Masquerade (a child’s coming of age celebration):

 

“A long time ago, an ancient and powerful gray wyrm looked out upon the kingdoms of the dwarves, saw the greed in their hearts, and decided that he would have none of it. So it was that he resided on a remote mountaintop, tending to the animals below. For many years, he was content. However, one day humans appeared in the valley below. Having never met humans before, the great wyrm sat and watched from afar, eager to see if these newcomers were different than the dwarves. For generations, he watched and saw how cheaply men considered the lives of others. Animals were hunted and killed for their skins; the meat left to rot. People butchered each other for a few whispered words and the flash of coin. Though his contempt grew, he did not get involved as surely these humans would be their own undoing. On a dark and cloudy morn, while the dragon slept, a large group of humans climbed to the cave that was his home. The clack of iron and the smell of alcohol woke him from his slumber, but by then it was too late to flee. When asked the meaning of the intrusion, the leader of the humans claimed that the valley, the mountains, and even the dragon’s den were rightfully theirs by the divine right of their god. Though annoyed, the wyrm was willing to move to a different territory to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, knowing that he would long outlast the humans. However, the humans again stopped the dragon from leaving, insisting that he turn over all his gold to them. The dragon laughed, for he had no gold-for what use is gold to a dragon-and he told them as much. The leader of the humans didn’t believe him though, saying, ‘If you won’t give us your gold, then we’ll take your scales instead!’ Thus, a bloody battle of tooth and claw, sword and arrow, began. Though the humans were weak, they were many. Though many blows were deflected by the dragon’s tough hide, the wings were pierced, torn, and eventually severed. Enraged, the wyrm unleashed its terrible breath upon the intruders, destroying them utterly with a torrent of crystals. Through the pain of his wounds, the great grey wyrm had a moment of insight. He knew that he had to go where the ambitions of the humans and the dwarves couldn’t reach him, so he burrowed deep under the roots of the mountain. Down, down, he went. Past the hungry illithid and the devious duergar, down to where even the memory of light didn’t exist. Down to the Deep-Earth. There he found a pool where the primordial energies of earth and darkness coalesced, raw matter waiting to be formed. Thus, a plan hatched in his mind: to create a people unsullied by the mark of greed, a people he could guide to be the true caretakers of the world. He fashioned bodies from scale and stone and imbued them with souls wrought from magic and Deep-Earth essence. So the chi’tan came to be. Under his guidance, the chi’tan flourished and built a great civilization that stretched all the way to the surface. Instead of material gain, they sought the arts and expression, building many elegant structures and masterpieces. The wyrm saw this and his love for his people grew. So he decided to walk among his people as one of them and shed his form as a wyrm. In remembrance of his animal charges, he fashioned a horned mask from the bones of his discarded body. The people saw him resplendent in his ivory mask and gray mantle and were struck with awe. This is why we wear masks fashioned like his own: as a reminder to not give in to baser desires and to show our love and devotion for our lord and creator, the Pale King.”

Chi'tan (Hollow Knight Inspired) Traits

Your chi'tan character has traits indicative of their Deep-Earth origins.

Ability Score Increase

Your hardy nature means that you are more resilient than most races. Due to their varying forms, chi'tan tend to excel in a particular area. Your Constitution score increases by 2. Increase another ability score of your choice by 1.

Age

Chi'tan are a somewhat short-lived race, but they make up for this by being productive and studious. Chi’tan reach maturity around 12 and have an average life of 70 years.

Alignment

Chi'tan society abhors greed due to its role in their genesis. That being said, greed still exists among them, but it is usually well hidden. Beyond this, chi'tan place no particular emphasis on morality, and only condemn those that jeopardize the safety of Hallownest and its people. Most chi’tan tend towards neutrality. Those that embrace their dark roots in favor of evil and those that are good despite it are not unheard of, however.

Size

Coming in a variety of sizes, most chi’tan range from Dwarven height to Goliath stature. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Chi'tan are not particulary agile or slow. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

The essence of the Deep-Earth flows through you. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Carapace of the Wyrm

Your chitinous shell can deflect attacks. When you aren't wearing armor, your AC is 13 + your Dexterity modifier. You can use your natural armor to determine your AC if the armor you wear would leave you with a lower AC. A shield's benefits apply as normal while you use your natural armor.

Acolyte of Mastery

All chi'tin strive to be masters at a particular skill or talent. Gain proficiency in one skill or tool (including instruments). For the selected proficient skill or tool, you can add half of your proficiency bonus, rounded down. At 7th level, replace this feature with Expertise in the selected skill or tool instead.

Soul Mask

You have an ivory mask given to you during your Masquerade that is specifically crafted to your tastes. When equipped, the mask cannot be removed unless you will it. While equipped, you gain resistance against psychic damage. Additionally, you are immune to any effect that would sense your emotions or read your thoughts.