Homebrew Baneful Race: Gruwel Species Details

Grotesque Grace

The Gruwel ('groo-WELL') are humanoid in basic body shape and appearance, however the similarities between the two seem to end at that.  Gruwel are taller than humans, ranging from 6 to just under 7 feet.  In comparison to their height, they are slender and lithe, weighing anywhere from 130 to 185 pounds.  Their skin is pale in color, contrasting greatly from the dark browns and blacks of their hair.  Their eyes are not so colorless, encompassing the normal human range but including silver, white, purple, and dark red.  Gruwel's features are thin and hallow, with slightly pointed ears and thick, sharp fangs.  Their fingers are long with thin but durable claws on each one.  Black wings protrude from their back, varying in appearance from raven-like, bat-like, or even consisting of bones.  They also have a blackish-green scorpion tail, with a deadly stinger on the end.

An Unknown Origin

Little is known about the beginnings of the Gruwel.  Some say they were created by the demons from the lowest planes of existence, made to serve them and bring about chaos upon the world.  Others say they were the creation of dark necromancers, perhaps an experiment gone wrong.  Yet some say it was a fluke of birth, their features and traits created by pure accident.  Whatever story people may believe, they all treat the Gruwel with cruelty out of fear and disgust, simply because of how they were born.

Dark Nature

The Gruwel are often attracted to a dark, unknown force.  They have an inborn tendency to bring out the aspects of chaos; this may mean committing simple crimes or playing harmless tricks, or it could mean the domination of entire cities or countries.  Some Gruwel give in to the darkness, and those that do become terrible, bloodthirsty villains.  Others resist their nature and try to live a good life.  They may become brave warriors, fighting for the good of the people.  They could be researchers, answering the questions of the cosmos and even their own darkness. Or they might live a secluded life, fearing the temptation of the darkness may win them over and cause damage.

 Gruwel Names

Their horrifying appearance and dark nature typically cause Gruwel to be cast out from their families.  Thus, they give themselves their own names, choosing a name that they like best.  It could be from another race, or it could be a word to memorialize their ideals and aspirations.  Some do not have a name at all, feeling that having a name would be to deny that they are outcasted from society.

 

 

Baneful Race: Gruwel Traits

A Gruwel is born with a variety of terrible yet magnificent abilities, forged from the aura of darkness itself.

Ability Score Increase

Your Charisma score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1.

Age

The darkness of the Gruwel is able to support them for centuries.  They reach maturity at around the same age as humans and typically exceed 600 years.

Alignment

Because some Gruwel resist their darker nature and others do not, there is no one general alignment for the entire race.  Both the best and the worst are found among them.

Darkvision

The darkness is no stranger to a Gruwel.  You can see in dim light up to 60 feet as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light.  You can't see colors in darkness, only shades of gray.

Gruwel Magic

You know the chill touch cantrip.  When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the false life spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a short or long rest.  When you reach 5th level, you can cast the darkness spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a short or long rest.  Ignore all material components for these spells.  Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Size

Gruwel are taller than humans (6 feet to under 7 feet), but are slender and weigh about the same.  Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet, and you have a base flying speed of 40 feet.

Dark Blessing, Light Curse

The darkness inside you protects you from draining forces, but it causes you to be especially susceptible to heavenly forces.  You have immunity to necrotic damage and vulnerability to radiant damage.

Fearsome Presence

Your fearsome presence and appearance cause all who see you to tremble with fear.  You have proficiency in the Intimidation skill.  Also, you have an advantage on saving throws against being frightened.

Natural Weapons

Your claws and tail can be used as deadly weapons.  You are considered proficient in using both your tail and your claws. 

You can use an action to attack with your claws on your turn.  They have a reach of up to 5 feet, and you can add your Strength modifier to attacks with your claws.  A hit with your claws inflicts 1d4 slashing damage to the target.

Also, your tail and stinger can be used as a weapon.  It has a reach of up to 10 feet, and you can add your Dexterity modifier to attacks with your tail.  When you take the Attack action on your turn, you can use your stinger and deal 1d8 piercing damage on a hit.  Occasionally, you can fill your stinger with poisonous venom.  When you hit a creature with your tail, you can force that creature to make a Consitution saving throw (with a DC of 10 + your Dexterity Modifier).  On a successful save, the creature takes 1d8 piercing damage as normal.  On a failed save, the creature takes 1d8 piercing damage and 1d4 poison damage.  Once you use this venom feature, you can't use it again until you finish a long rest.

Hallowed Burns

The darkness inside of you forbids you to touch anything holy.  You cannot make contact with any holy object or being (such as holy symbols, places under the hallowed spell, celestials or aasimar, etc.) with your bare skin.  If you do, you suffer 1 acid damage for every 2 seconds of contact with the object or being.  If you choose a class that requires contact with holy objects (e.i. choosing the Cleric class), you will be provided with gloves with the rest of your equipment to avoid direct exposure.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and either Abyssal, Celestial, or Infernal.  Evil Gruwel typically learn Abyssal or Infernal so they can commune with powerful demons and devils.  Others who repel their evil nature learn Celestial to converse with higher beings, so they can set themselves on a better path.
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