Homebrew Forsaken Species Details

"We sat down; and for some moments, while he spoke not, I gazed upon him with a feeling half of pity, half of awe. A cadaverousness of complexion; an eye large, liquid, and luminous beyond comparison; lips somewhat thin and very pallid, but of a surpassingly beautiful curve; hair of a more than web-like softness and tenuity; the now ghastly pallor of the skin. I could not, even with effort, connect its Arabesque expression with any idea of simple humanity."

- Edgar Allan Poe, The Fall of the House of Usher

Restless Dead

Often the result of sinister necromantic magic or some divine intervention, the Forsaken's spirit, and soul remain whilst their flesh and bones resemble corpses. Some Forsaken retain their human senses and retain the ability (but not requirement) to eat, smell, see, and hear. But for many, the touches of a loved one, the warmth of a fire, the taste of ale - are but distant memories of a former self.

The flesh and muscle of a Forsaken can still be commanded. Some Forsaken move with a jerky, uneven gait, often clad in the moldering apparel they wore when put to rest, carrying the stench of decay. Their skin is tight and appears rotten; the hair is thin and wiry; eyes milky; tongues blackened. Other Forsaken seem to move in utter serenity. Their skin is pallid and white; their hair flowy and soft; their voices wispy and almost calming.

Regardless of their appearance, many consider the Forsaken to be hideous omens of dark forces who are the servants (perhaps unknowingly) of evil liches, vampires, or even of Orcus himself. It is often the case, however, that those who have spent significant time with this non-evil undead learn that their humanity is not lost, some would even go so far to say that they are more human than their oppressors, using their second chance to become a brighter force in the world. Some, however, indeed let their anger and regret consume them, becoming powerful symbols of hatred and agony.

Forsaken Personality

Forsaken often find themselves struggling both to find a place in an unwelcoming world and to relate to the people they were once so alike. 

The typical Forsaken shows little emotion, and can often find themselves struggling to understand the feelings of others. Forsaken often find themselves fulfilling very pragmatic purposes - protecting allies, completing contracts, exploring the lands. Others seek to solve the mystery of their transition from Human to Forsaken, some even develop an intense hatred for the undead (Other Forsaken not always excluded). Often Forsaken seek to religion, and the embrace of faith and mysticism, seeking a higher purpose and deeper meaning to their circumstances. 

Quirks

Given their experiences, Forsaken often display one or two odd quirks.

Forsaken Quirks

Forsaken Names

Forsaken often use the name they had as humans. It is not unusual, however, for a Forsaken to take upon a new name, signifying their new identity and path.  This name may be taken later in their life as a Forsaken, as they embrace a new culture.

Forsaken Traits

Your forsaken character has the following traits. A few of the traits give you a choice; consider how your choice reflects the purpose for which your character was built.

Ability Score Increase

Your Constitution score increases by 2, and one other ability score of your choice increases by 1.

Age

The maximum Forsaken lifespan remains a mystery; so far forsaken have shown no signs of deterioration due to age after their transition. You are immune to magical aging effects.

Alignment

Forsaken are rarely neutral, often leaning towards good or evil as a way to utilize their second chance of life. They may be lawful, as a means of a sense of normal and control in an unwelcoming world.

Size

Forsaken still occupy human bodies, so often range between 5 and well over 6 feet tall. Regardless of your position in that range, your size is medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Undead Resilience

• You have advantage on saving throws against being poisoned, and you have resistance to poison damage.
• You don’t need to eat, drink, or breathe.
• You are immune to disease.
• You don’t need to sleep, but magic can still put you to sleep.

No Rest for the Wicked

When you take a long rest, you can choose to spend at least six hours in an inactive, motionless state, rather than sleeping. In this state, you appear inert, but it doesn’t render you unconscious, and you can see and hear as normal.

Cling to Life

Your undead fortitude allows you to recover from the most gruesome wounds. When you make a death saving throw and roll 16 or higher, you regain 1 hit point.

Revenance

You retain your creature type, yet you register as undead to spells and other effects that detect the presence of the undead creature type

Languages

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