Homebrew Hat on a mannequin Species Details

My control hat has begun display some odd attributes. I feel as though it is malfunctioning... maybe my next version will be better.

— Excerpt from the journal of unknown wizard

Wizards are known for their odd experiments with magic and these can sometimes have unexpected results. An attempt to create a new magic item resulted in the creation of this sentient hat.

Unable to exist on its own this hat seeks out things to give it form and thereby reach further goals.

Hiding in plain sight

Hats of this nature desire nothing more than to have a place in society and be recognized as a living being, but their form leads them to be very fearful of letting others know their true nature. Only able to take control of inanimate objects with some sort of ambulatory form hats will disguise their nature in an attempt to blend in as much as possible

Limited Telepathy 

Hats communicate via telepathy and when associated with a form are skilled enough to make this appear indistinguishable from normal talking. If ever separated from a form they will use trickery and influence to compel a nearby traveler to give them some form. 

The range on this communication is limited by distance and they are unable to read minds without direct physical contact. Being worn by a person with any intelligence prevents them from taking control but they can read the surface thoughts of said creature.

Disposable Form

The nature of these hats mean that they are difficult to knock unconscious. Their chosen form gives them the appropriate vulnerabilities and resistances. When this form is damaged enough rather than dying the hat will require assistance to find a new form. If the hat is destroyed then magic powering its sentience fades away.

Hat on a mannequin Traits

Your hat on a mannequin character has the following racial traits.

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Dexterity score increases by 1.

Age

Hats do not age

Alignment

Hats tend toward the Neutral Good and True Neutral alignments avoiding the extremes means avoiding drawing attention.

Size

You can control a form of medium or smaller

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

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.

Chosen form

You adopt the appropriate resistances and vulnerabilities of a chosen form. Consult DM to decide what these should be

Powerful Build

You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.

Sneaky

You are proficient in the Stealth skill.

Surprise Attack

If you surprise a creature and hit it with an attack on your first turn in combat, the attack deals an extra 2d6 damage to it. You can use this trait only once per combat.

Languages

You can speak common and one other language of the last creature you made direct head contact with.