Homebrew Black Mage Species Details

We became aware one day, each under different circumstances. It was the same with me. I just woke up one day... ...and there was a human body lying next to me. His body was covered in blood. It scared me... I didn't know what it meant. I ran as fast as I could. When I looked around, I was far away from the front line. There were many others like me, and we decided to escape together.

- Black Mage No. 288

Black Mages are created from the byproduct of an unnaturally occurring mist. A substance known to keep the souls of the departed in stagnation, preventing them from passing on. These souls are tormented and unable to find any semblance of peace. One of the side effects of these souls / mist is it's ability to cause strife and even warfare among neighboring nations. These souls can then be condensed into a cloth like egg and 'hatched' into a mindless soulless automaton. Many of these automatons 'wake up' realizing they're serving a master with little to no regard for their survival, wants or desires and will eventually leave the service of anyone controlling them for a more peaceful existence or the opportunity to pursue their own destiny. 

Cautious and Secretive

After leaving a form of unwitting service, Black Mages tend to setup villages that are away from prying eyes. Usually using their magic to hide themselves from the world. Even after discovery, any one that manages to locate them will be met with distrust and hostility; regardless of intent. This secretive nature carries on to how a Black Mage will present themselves, tall straw hat, large over coat with a high collar that covers their face (either blue or deep purple) and long vertical or horizontal stripped pants. 

Timid and Gentle

Once awoken, many Black Mages take on a much more gentle persona. Caring for small animals, tending the Black Mage cemetery for any who have 'stopped' or taking on more passive roles as artisans, inn and shop keepers in their own villages. Being born into and waking up in conflict, there are very few Black Mage adventurers. Not that enthusiastic when it comes to creating more death in the world.

A Limited Existence

...You're right, but I don't think we build cemeteries for the dead. Sure, it may seem pointless to you, but... How can I describe it? It's so that we can think like this: 'We'll never forget you. We'll remember you every time we stand at your grave. And we won't let the fear of death, which each of us knows, stop us from living our lives. ...Because my friends will remember me when I'm here.'

- Black Mage No. 288

As a being born for warfare, their creators had little interest in giving any of the black mages what resembled a 'normal' life span. Meaning that any black mage can 'stop' unexpectedly. No one knowing when their time is up as they were expected to be killed at the hands of an enemy or their eventual replacement for a newer model. What is known, is that this life expectancy is very short as many went from manufacture, waking up and stopping shortly after their own village was founded. To date, there are only 4 black mages that appear to have an extended life expectancy; each of the templates known as a Black Waltz (1, 2 & 3) and the prototype of the black mage race. 

Black Mage Names

As they have no gender VERY few black mages have any actual name. Even then, there is nothing about their names that would appear to stand out. Though it is theorized that Male and Androgynous pronouns (he/him, they/them) as black mages cannot reproduce. They must be manufactured. That said, many will take their manufacture number as a name.

Names: 288, 261, 10, 402, 326, etc. 

Awoken with Purpose

Made without a destiny and a legacy to be feared, adventurous black mages will seek to find their own way in the world for what end saw fit to grant them life. The more adventurerouss will seek out experiences. New, exciting and even mundane. The road to this brand of fulfillment will however leave many either under the thumb of a petulant individual that would use the black mage for their own end or left hold the bag as they lack the real world experience to know when someone is untrustworthy. 

 

Black Mage Traits

Your black mage character has characteristics in common with all other black mages

Ability Score Increase

All black mages are created for the arcane arts and have heightened intelligence to accomplish that end. 

Alignment

Most black mages begin their existence under someone else's control. When they awaken, it is often with no purpose or guidance. Making many of them starting their awakened lives as a true blank slate. Starting off as True Neutral and often adopting a 'good' nature when finding a cause worth devoting themselves to. 

Size

Black Mages are a manufactured species. From start to stop, their size remains constant. With steepled straw hat, black mages size is 6'0".

Speed

Your bas walking speed is 25 feet.

Born of Magic

You have advantage on all Intelligence and Charisma saving throws against magic.

Trusting Nature

You have disadvantage on all Wisdom saving throws against magic.

Natural Caster

You gain either the Ray of Frost, Fire Bolt or Shocking Grasp Cantrip. Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for this spell.

Weapon of War

You gain either the cold, fire or lightning damage type version of Elemental Adept.