Homebrew Eldritch Skull Species Details
They say nothing truly dies while in the shadowfell. Some creatures warp into something new, others perish and become vessels for new beings. An Eldritch Skull is the remains of one who has long since died in the shadowfell, becoming charged by the very energy that poisoned them in life. Their new form often takes the shape of what they were in life, however only the skull is restricted to the form it is.
Eldritch Skull Traits
A being of eldritch origin is not always the best creature to delve into the mind of, nor would it be lawful enough to keep to one form. Their most distinct trait is their skull which is their anchor to the world they choose to exist in and the dark energy that makes up the rest of their body, often taking the form of black but sometimes taking on colors of other dark connotations to the race that the skull belongs to, like red symbolizing blood within those of human origin.Ability Scores
As a being of eldritch origin you command a certain sense of fear in those around you. Your charisma score increases by 2 and your intelligence by 1
Ageless
Eldritch beings do not have a typical life span that many are able to note. Spells and other magical effects that would cause aging to effect a target does not affect Eldritch Skulls.
Size
A typical adventuring Eldritch Skull that is not in the form of a familiar takes on the size of other average adventurers, often adopting the size of those they feel most comfortable around or feel a great strength from. Eldritch Skulls are typically of Medium size.
Speed
An eldritch skull typically has a base walking speed of 30 feet.
Languages
As an eldritch being you know Common and Deep Speech.
Eldritch Mind
Should one find themselves connected to your mind they will discover great horrors within. Unlucky for them, but luckily for you, you have a natural barrier against unwelcome visitors. Someone of whom you did not willingly let seep into your mind must make a Wisdom Saving Throw, DC 8 + Proficiency + Char Mod, or become stunned for 1d4+2 rounds and gain a bout of madness, see page 283 of the dungeon master's guide.
Sunlight Sensitivity
You have disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight when you, the target of your attack, or whatever you are trying to perceive is in direct sunlight.
Heat Sensitivity
The Shadowfell is naturally a cold, dark place. The eldritch energy that animates you makes you sensitive to this heat. You can perceive the differences in temperature within 120 feet of you as long as you have a direct line of sight. You also, however, are vulnerable to fire damage. (For those of you who don't know, thermal vision is a lesser form of blind sense from older editions :D)
Shifting Magic
As your form can shift and change and has no real solid substance, you can manipulate yourself to create various effects. At level 1 you gain the primal savagery cantrip. At level 3 you learn Disguise Self. At level 5 you learn how to use Blur to make yourself harder to hit.
You can cast Disguise Self and Blur once per long rest each with this trait, and your spellcasting ability is charisma for them.
You count as a shape shifter for purposes of magical effects.
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