Homebrew Drowned Species Details

Dead and Dedicated

Whether from a powerful entity or a greater commitment from the soul, drowned are undead brought to life in the form of water inhabiting their previous bodies. This water is known as soul water and while it behaves exactly as water does, it cannot be altered by any other than the inhabitant of the water. If removed from the main body, it can only last 1 minute before returning to the form of regular water, in which the soul fragment contained is returned to the main body. While regular water cannot simply bond with a soul, if given time, drowned can infuse their soul within enough water to occupy the same space as the main body.

Blending in

While some can perceive their undead status, most drowned are able to blend in with civilization as effectively as they would have prior to death. However, they often cannot settle in one location for long periods of time due to their undying nature raising suspicions.

Drowned Traits

Your drowned has certain traits resulting from their revival

Magical Water

You can cast the Shape Water and Create or Destroy Water spells once with this trait, requiring no material components, and you regain the ability to cast it this way when you finish a long rest. Soul water cannot be created or destroyed via the create or destroy water spell and shape water may be used to freeze the user, decreasing their movement by 5ft and increasing their armor class by 5. Constitution is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Soul Water Regeneration

You must be submerged in water to regain hit points during a rest.

Rot

You have disadvantage in the Stealth skill.

Organless

You do not need to breathe

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Drowned mentally mature at the same rate as their previous race but do not physically age.

Alignment

Drowned have a tendency toward lawful due to the intentions behind their revival.

Size

Drowned possess the same physical characteristics that they had prior to their revival.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 25 feet.

Already Dead

When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can drop to 1 hit point instead. You can’t use this feature again until you finish a long rest.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common.