Homebrew Dhampir Species Details

Vampiric Origins Dhampir can be the result of one of a few different situations, none of which are entirely predictable or understood; a dhampir’s birth is almost never expected. If a vampire feeds on a mortal woman while she is with child and she survives the ordeal, it is possible for a fragment of the vampire’s essence to pass through the victim’s body and into the child, altering it in the womb. Likewise, if a vampire mentally dominates or entrances a mortal while pregnant, the vampire’s supernatural influence may work its way into the unborn child. There are also just as often stories in which a male or female victim is fed upon or entranced, and upon conceiving a child at some point afterward, the vampire’s lingering influence is potent enough to affect their child. In cases of particularly powerful vampires, it is even possible that its undead essence may lie dormant as it passes down through multiple generations before finally manifesting within a child, possibly decades or centuries after the vampire left its mark on the family’s lineage. For reasons that are far from well-understood, it seems that the dhampir condition only occurs in human children. For better or worse, it does not seem possible for other races to produce dhampir offspring. Touch of the Undead Dhampir appear mostly human, but their skin and eyes are unusually pale compared to their human kin. Many dhampir manifest vampire-like fangs, but they are usually retractable, making them relatively easy to conceal. Though they do have some similarities to true vampires, it is important to note that dhampir are not truly undead—they are still living, breathing humanoids who need air, food, water, and sleep to survive. In general, it is not terribly difficult for a dhampir to pass as a normal human, though they might stand out somewhat under scrutiny. Folklore and Ill Omens Because of their relationship to vampires, most stories and legends cast dhampir in an unfavorable light. Though not all dhampir are evil monsters who prey on mortals, more than a few are. This has led many cultures to regard the birth of a dhampir as a sign of ill omen and misfortune in their communities. Even if a dhampir avoids or actively hunts true vampires, they are unlikely to ever fully earn the trust of other mortals, so many dhampir live out a solitary existence on the fringes of civilization. In many cases, the best a dhampir can hope for is to be tolerated. At worst, a throng of villagers who discover a dhampir in their midst might take up pitchforks and torches in an effort to drive off or kill the misfit. It is rare that a dhampir whose true nature is revealed is met with trust and acceptance. Dhampir Names When dhampir are raised as part of a family, they are likely given a name that befits their cultural heritage. For those who lack such an upbringing, however, names may vary widely. Some might adopt names typical to other races or nations, while others may choose the name of an object or creature which they relate to or revere. “Object” Names: Creek, Edge, Lance, Ash, Church, Brand, Temple, Quill, Castle, Silver, Powder, Ice, Fang, Dust “Creature” Names: Badger, Ghost, Wolf, Fox, Banshee, Hawk, Bull, Leech, Weasel, Hound, Spider, Dragon, Imp

Dhampir Traits

Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 1, and two other ability scores of your choice increase by 1

Ability Score Increase.

Your Charisma score increases by 1, and two other ability scores of your choice increase by 1

Darkvision.

You can see into areas of dim light within 60 feet of you as though they were bright light instead, and you can see in darkness within 60 feet of you as though it were dim light. You cannot see colors in darkness, instead seeing only shades of gray.

Sunlight Sensitivity.

Due to your pseudo-vampiric nature, while you or something you are trying to perceive is in sunlight, you have disadvantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight. Likewise, you have disadvantage on attack rolls if you or the target of your attack is in sunlight

Vampiric Physiology

Because of how the touch of undeath changed your physiology, you have resistance to necrotic damage.

Fangs

Your upper canines are elongated and exceptionally sharp like those of a vampire, and you can retract or extend them at will. While they are extended, you can use them to make an unarmed attack. On a successful hit, this attack inflicts piercing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier.

Vampirism

When you succeed on a bite attack against a living creature and inflict at least 1 point of damage or otherwise ingest its blood, you may gain temporary hit points equal to half the target’s hit dice (minimum 1). You cannot use this trait again until you finish a short or long rest.

Captivating

You can use this feature to cast the charm person spell once. You regain the ability to do so when you finish a long or short rest. Your spellcasting ability for this spell is Charisma.

Levitation

You can use this feature to cast the levitate spell (with a range of self ) once. You regain the ability to do so when you finish a long or short rest. Your spellcasting ability for this spell is Charisma.

Languages.

You can speak, read, and write Common and one language of your choice.