Homebrew Drifling Species Details
"So the rumors were true - a person blooming with colored light from within. And my first assessment was something ghostly. Nay, aquatic. I was both repulsed and entranced. Whatever conditions could mould such a peculiar creature were nowhere found in the world that I knew."
With no civilization of their own, Driflings appear sporadically where other races gather. Despite relying on the settlements of others, they take only a lukewarm interest in the affairs and constructs of people. Instead, they save their reverence for the patterns, cycles, and movement of the world around them. To ask a Drifling about beauty is to hear endless tales of clouds, winds, the transition of day and night and the passing of seasons.
Anomaly of Nature
With their unusual coloration and bizarre features, Driflings are regarded as strange by even the most exotic of civilized races. As a genderless species they are androgynous in appearance, and they stand taller than most humans, at an average of a little over 6 feet.
In contrast to their completely black eyes, Driflings' hair and skin coloration varies across all hues, but is invariably pale. The hair itself is composed of tightly bunched fibers that merge into bulbed ends. Spiral patterns adorn the body at various points, manifesting mostly as a slightly raised texture but sometimes as deep ridges.
A People without History
Driflings first appeared less than a century ago, and each one arrived entirely absent of innate language, culture, artistic flair or architectural flourish. Nothing of their development as a people remains. Although they recognize a kinship in each other, they are a vacant species that is inclined only to fit the mould of the society they find themselves in.
Although they are biologically genderless, Driflings will adopt gendered personas and rolls pertaining to the society in which they live. There is no record yet of a Drifling dying of old age, so their lifespan is undefined. Their reproduction is also a mystery, as they have only ever been encountered in a mature form.
Preternatural Mesmerism
The visual appearance of Driflings seems mismatched in any worldly environment, and as such they unwittingly garner the curiosity of all creatures. Even wild animals become transfixed when a Drifling passes by, and may cautiously follow them for a time, but will scatter when noticed.
Interactions with other humanoids is often friendly, although every Drifling knows at least one individual who can't resist feeding their fascination with endless questions about their origin, of which there is no satisfactory answer.
Embracing Change
Despite having no heritage, Driflings do share some inborn behaviors that they are quick to shed when integrating themselves at a settlement. "Stray" Driflings are active only during hours of twilight and seek cold places during the day until they are acclimated to the warmth of the sun.
Drifling Traits
Your Drifling is host to a number of natural abilities.Ability Score Increase
Your Constitution and Wisdom scores each increase by 1.
Age
Driflings have no memory of their infancy and have no parental upbringing. They can age but nobody knows how long they truly live.
Alignment
Driflings can quickly learn to accept a lawful lifestyle. Before they settle, however, they tend to lean towards chaotic ideals.
Size
Driflings typically stand around 6 feet in height, but can reach up to 7 feet. Your size is Medium.
Speed
Your base walking speed is 30 feet and you have a base swimming speed of 45 feet.
Languages
Your Drifling is keen to fit in. You can speak, read, and write Common and two extra languages of your choice.
Adaptable
You gain proficiency in the Survival skill.
Bioluminescence
Your skin can produce a chemical glow at will. While active, you emit dim light for 30 feet but you have disadvantage on stealth checks if the opponent relies on sight. Using subtle patterns and colors, you can also silently convey emotions and simple messages to other Driflings that can see you.
Forgotten Legacy
You have resistance to cold damage, and ignore the penalties of extremely cold conditions.
Unusual Anatomy
You have gills thus making you amphibious in nature, you can breathe both on land and underwater. You also have "wings" made for swimming.
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