Homebrew Crimson Demon Species Details

Long ago, a brilliant researcher in a technologically advanced nation was commissioned to modify a group of humans, with the goal of expanding their magical ability. These humans were rather eccentric, requesting that their eyes be made red and glowy, and asking for a suitably "cool" name for them to be known by. The experiment was a success, and the Crimson Demon Clan, as they are now called, awed the nation with their magic prowess, inspiring them to take on even more ambitious projects. While the nation was eventually destroyed by one of these projects, the Crimson Demons lived on, producing generation after generation of talented magic wielders.

Crimson Demons generally live in their own villages, although outsiders are welcome to visit. To many outsiders, though, their behavior is viewed as rather strange. Growing up, children are taught that the number one purpose of Crimson Demons is to "look cool." When introducing themselves to strangers for the first time, it is customary to strike an awesome pose and loudly announce one's name and profession/goal/notable achievement(s). They are also prone to accompany the spells they cast with dramatic phrases and chants; the more esoteric and incomprehensible it is, the better. Despite these somewhat quixotic tendencies, Crimson Demons possess very high intelligence, and when engaged in conflicts they can easily outwit and disorient enemy forces as they unleash their magic upon them. In addition, they have little concern for collateral damage in their own villages, since they can easily make repairs with their magic. The combination of these traits make invading or conquering a Crimson Demon village nigh impossible without some sort of defense against magic.

Crimson Demon children are taught using a public education system, and graduate once they become proficient with magic. While some take up jobs and professions around their village, it is also common for new alumni to set off in search of adventure. Due to their reputation for potent magic, they are usually in high demand among adventuring parties.

Crimson Demon Traits

Crimson Demons have the following traits.

Age

Crimson Demons have the same natural lifespan as regular humans, maturing in their teens and generally living no more than a century.

Ability Score Increase

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

Traditional Crimson Demon Clan Introduction

 You know the Thaumaturgy cantrip and use it excessively, especially when introducing yourself.

Languages

You can read, speak, and write Common and one other language of your choice, which must be an exotic language (i.e. Abyssal, Celestial, Deep Speech, Draconic, Infernal, Primordial, Sylvan, or Undercommon).

Magical Education

You gain proficiency in the Arcana skill, and if you do not have proficiency in the History skill, you are considered proficient when making a History check related to magic or magical items.

Indomitable Will of the Fearsome Crimson Demons

When an effect forces you to make a saving throw to avoid being frightened, charmed, or stunned, you can choose to replace the ability modifier for the saving throw with either your Intelligence or Charisma modifier. You only apply proficiency if you had proficiency with the original saving throw ability.

 

Release of the Cursed Power Sealed Within

You can draw on your innate magic reserves to amplify the power of your spells, although doing so puts a drain on your body. When you cast a non-concentration spell using a spell slot of 8th level or lower, you can raise the effective level of the spell. Each level you raise the spell by inflicts you with one level of exhaustion once you finish casting; the spell's level cannot exceed 9, nor can it be raised to a point where you would exceed level 5 exhaustion as a result. If you reach level 5 exhaustion using this feature, you fall prone. Exhaustion gained from using this feature can be recovered from thrice as fast as normal (i.e. you remove up to three levels where you would normally remove one). Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until you finish a long rest.

Alignment

Since their culture emphasizes "coolness" above all else, Crimson Demons tend towards chaotic alignments. They won't hesitate to disregard rules or societal conventions if they sense an opportunity to do something "awesome," although they are generally accepting of the consequences of their actions.