Homebrew Yidam Species Details

The Yidam are descendants of great spirits and deities. Being touched by the universe itself, Yidam have awakened minds that are aware of great power. Many Yidam tend towards lives of individual study as they meditate on the truths of the world and grow towards true enlightenment.

Life of Solitude

Yidam are extremely rare, as they are born from circumstance rather than from family. Many Yidam are born into existence from the earth itself, with no family to speak of. A tree raised by an ancient druid may carry juvenile Yidam within its blossoms. A woman with child who bathes in holy water may give birth to a Yidam. Some might even be the physical manifestations or reincarnations of ascended creatures or wrathful spirits. Yidam societies are scarce, often taking the form of monastic temples or villages. Yidam cannot reproduce, and as such their societies can only exist on consecrated grounds where many Yidam arise.

From Dust to Dust

The universe creates and destroys, and Yidam follow this cycle. They are born from the will of the universe, and the universe will bring them to rest. Since Yidam live longer than most creatures, their sight of history stretches farther than many others. Many Yidam care little for temporary conflicts, knowing they will watch the rise and fall of empires. A Yidam might be provoked to become an adventurer because of a threat to the balance of the universe or a calling from a wrathful spirit within them. Perhaps the home and way of life for a Yidam has been made obsolete by an external force, pushing them to seek new purpose in life.

Yidam Names

Most Yidam are born without name, and many live alone with no name to speak of or assume the name of their former self if they discover it. Yidam who are raised in monastic Yidam societies are typically named after the area where they were found. A Yidam child discovered in a field might be named for the flowers that grew around them. Yidam do not have discernible gender, and their names are not divided as such.

Yidam Names: Lotus, Jiang, Valley, Orchid, Luna, Kauri, Woeten, Glade, Ginger, Iris, Tashi, Ixia, Willow, Sangye, Riverside

Yidam Traits

Yidam have a natural attunement to the universe around them.

Ability Score Increase

 Your Wisdom score each increases by 2, and your Dexterity score increases by 1.

Age

Yidam grow to adulthood within a year of birth, and can live up to one thousand years.

Alignment

Yidam tend towards a life of asceticism, and most are lawful neutral.

Size

Yidam vary greatly in size and proportions, but most are between 4 and 5 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Druidic. Your attunement to nature grants you its natural language. If you already know Druidic, you can choose another language.

Secondary Hands

Your awakened state of mind is manifested in the form of an additional pair of arms. These arms are non-magical, appear identical to your primary arms, and sit just below or above your shoulders. While these extra arms function like your primary arms, they are significantly weaker. Your secondary hands cannot attack, hold a shield, or hold material components for a spell. While both of your secondary hands are free, you can use them to perform somatic components for spells that you can cast.

Invoke the Universe

When you finish a long rest, you can choose one skill or tool set that does not use your Wisdom modifier. Until you use this feature again, you can add your Wisdom modifier to skill checks made using that skill or tool set. When you reach 3rd level, when you fail a saving throw, you can use your reaction to add your level to the amount rolled, possibly changing the outcome. Once used, this reaction cannot be used again until you complete a short or long rest.