Homebrew Blade-Bonded (Hathal'Vere) Species Details

Peculiar Race

The Hathal'Vere, or Blade-Bonded in the Common tongue, are full of quirks and oddities. While they look predominantly human, plenty of features set them apart from other races. They all carry some form of weapon, whether that be a hammer or scimitar or even a dagger. When a Blade-Bonded is born, they look and appear the same as any other human, but when they turn ten, all of that changes forever.

Manifestation

When a Blade-Bonded reaches the age of ten, they undergo a sacred ceremony known as the Manifestation. This is when a Blade-Bonded manifests their soul into the form of a weapon. Bows are rare among Blade-Bonded but are not shunned. Once a Hathal'Vere completes their Manifestation, they are indoctrinated fully into the race and given a celebration. The Manifesting is one of the Blade-Bonded's most sacred and revered events, and the consequences for interrupting or disturbing one can be dire.

Soul And Appearance

Hathal-Vere carry their weapons around with them wherever they go, as it is nearly impossible to separate the two. Their Manifestation is more than just the summoning of a weapon, it is a projection of their very soul. Once they have fully Manifested, they begin to grow into their true form. Those that Manifested their soul in the form of a hammer or other weapon that relies on brute force alone take on a very large and hulking stature akin to a goliath or orc, while others who possess a scimitar or other more finesse weapon begin growing and developing a sharp, lithe body. Some will have an iron-toned skin like a blacksmith's anvil, others silver or smooth. Blade-Bonded that incorporate a magical weapon into their soul will develop soft-glowing skin that can turn blue, red, or even black. If a Blade-Bonded begins studying arcane arts, his or her Manifestation will change to something like a wand or staff.

Aging

As a Blade-Bonded ages, not only do they change physically, but their soul ages with them. What begins as a simple, mundane sword begins to transform into an ornate and detailed weapon that imitates the kind of soul that a Hathal'Vere holds. Ones full of kindness and compassion take on an elegant and intricate shape, marked with beautiful carvings, while evil or hard-hearted Blade-Bonded would Manifest a jagged dark weapon that radiates hatred and ill will.

Society

Many Blade-Bonded change in accordance with their Manifestation, as mentioned above. The Strong Hathal'Vere accept the role of heavy lifting, whether it be building temples or walls or other tasks that require raw strength. Keen Blade-Bonded, those with staffs or wands, are the scholars and teachers that use knowledge and wisdom, while Quick Blade-Bonded will go fetch water or deliver messages to neighboring lands. The Hathal'Vere have Elders, those that have proven themselves to be great leaders. These Elders also tend to be the eldest in their tribe, as proven by their weapons. All Blade-Bonded are open and welcoming to outsiders that have not proven themselves a threat, willing to house those in need of somewhere to stay for the night or hide from adversaries. If provoked, however, they will turn from friendly to hostile in a moment.

Blade-Bonded (Hathal'Vere) Traits

Predominantly human, but far from them, the Hathal'Vere are a pecuilar race with their own quirks.

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength or Dexterity increases by 2, and one other ability score of your choice increases by 1.

Age

Blade-Bonded can live for an indefinite amount of time as long as their Manifestation stays bonded to their physical form. Should their Manifestation and physical vessel ever part, the body will wither and die, while the weapon lives on as a sentient artifact.

Alignment

Blade-Bonded tend to lean towards neutral. They do not busy themselves with politics or other matters unless it directly concerns them. Some Blade-Bonded will use their gifts to harm others or spread evil, while others will do as much good as they can. Most live passive lives, uneventful, but others will go out and explore the world.

Size

Blade-Bonded vary vastly in weight and size. Depending on their Manifestation, they can be almost any shape. Those that possess hammers are very large and heavy with muscle, akin to a goliath, while those that Manifest in the form of a scimitar or other finesse weapon have a more lithe and sharp build similar to an assassin or monk. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common. Blade-Bonded often communicate in Common, but they also can talk in other languages. Blade-Bonded have their language that they communicate in, a rare language known as Ettalea, but only they and a select few educated people speak it.

Manifestation

Once a Blade-Bonded reaches their tenth year of living, they undergo something known as the Manifestation. This determines what their bonded weapon will be, whether it appears as a dagger, greatsword, or even hammer. Your Manifestation can be any simple or martial weapon that lacks the heavy, two-handed, or reload property. You may summon and dismiss your weapon as a bonus action on your turn. Use the appropriate stat for your weapon. Ex: STR- Longsword, DEX- Scimitar.

Skill Versatility

Blade-Bonded often learn trades and customs of other places, as well as new skills. You gain proficiency in one skill, tool, and language of your choice.

Arcane Knowledge

You gain proficiency in the Arcana skill. You have advantage on Arcana checks to identify magical weapons.