Homebrew Shek Species Details

Shek are a Race of bony, horned humanoids. The Shek have a culture that values pride, honour, and physical strength—so much so that many would prefer to die in a hopeless battle than continue living as a disgraced survivor. The Shek are known for their steadfast stoicism and considerable absence of humour when compared to the more jovial races, such as Humans.

Aside from their pink-purple skin and large stature, Shek can be commonly identified by the fact that Shek's bodies are covered from head to toe in bony plates which serve as an excellent natural armour. The Shek are also remarkable for their long bony protrusion/horns, which are a source of pride for many Shek. They are renown for their exceptional strength and incredible toughness. The Shek legend, Kral, is a testament to the immense toughness of the Shek—or is at least indicative of how much the Shek value toughness, strength, and courage.

Shek don't typically ascribe to any particular belief or religion, instead focusing on individual strength and resolve, though some Shek may find themselves idolising strong figures such as the Orcish god Gruumsh, or the Demon Lord Baphomet.

Shek Traits

Your Shek character has the following racial traits.

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength score increases by 2 and your Constitution score increases by 1.

Age

Shek reach adulthood at around 10 years of age and live up to 70 years, though most would prefer to die in glorious battle than wasting away of age.

Alignment

Shek are usually highly organised in cities populated by no others, and usually with harsh restrictions. They also respect strength above all else and believe the strong must rule over the weak to ensure that weakness does not spread. They are usually lawful neutral.

Size

Shek are usually over 6 feet tall and weigh between 230 and 280 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Defensive

As a bonus action, you can ready yourself against a physical attack from a creature you can see, gaining resistance to bludgeoning, piercing and slashing damage from non-magical attacks made by that creature until the start of your next turn.

Menacing

You are trained in the Intimidation skill.

Powerful Build

You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.

Natural Armor

You have tough, bony skin. When you aren’t wearing armor, your AC is 13 + your Dexterity modifier. You can use your natural armor to determine your AC if the armor you wear would leave you with a lower AC. A shield’s benefits apply as normal while you use your natural armor.

Languages

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