Homebrew Arcanaloth (Weakened) Species Details

 

"You fools! My knowledge is vast, and my spells destructive. With a word, I can turn your bones to glass and your minds into fluid. But this will not come to pass- for my master wishes that you live." 

- An unnamed Arcanaloth hired out for a heist

Yugoloths are spectacularly powerful fiends, born in the icy planes of Hades and Gehenna. They are fickle, sly, and always follow the highest bidder. Many kingdoms have fallen to their ravenous assaults, and their power is unmatched compared to other mercenaries. But, they can be cruel as well- for if their employer is weak in word or coin, then the Yugoloths will bend their words and take control. After all, they are still fiends, no matter how kind their altered forms are. 

Fiendish Mercenaries

The most notable subspecies of the Yugoloths are the Arcanaloths- jackal headed fiends with innate spells as well as a magnificent grasp on wizardry. They stand between 6'0 and 7'0,  their furry bodies range from white to brown to a startling orange, and their altered forms can look like almost any humanoid. Arcanaloths feast on knowledge, and always crave more. Most of their contracts involve payment of rare tomes and spells to grow their arsenals and power. Death on other planes merely sends them back to Gehenna, so all Yugoloth's fight without care for themselves, unless their employer wishes them not to. 

A Broken Race

Not all Yugoloths are perfect, and not all jobs go out without a hitch. Even with knowledge of all languages and the innate ability to fly, they can still be tricked. This can lead to unfortunate encounters and a life of hardship, especially if their true name is found and taken advantage of using the Books of Keeping, where all of the Yugoloth's true names are contained. The worst possible fate for an Arcanaloth is for their knowledge to be stripped away, which has happened before. Such sorrow for an Arcanaloth can both be infuriating for having to start over, but it is a way for them to be humbled. 

Playing An Arcanaloth

Playing an Arcanaloth right out of the Monster Manual would not be very fair, so an unfortunate event that weakens an Arcanaloth would be expected in their past. They are still fiends, so most Arcanaloths look down on others, especially non-spellcasters. Weakened Arcanaloths still have their fiendish resiliences, but have lost the knowledge of most of their languages and spells. Even worse, their flight is pitiful compared to their much more powerful cousins.  

 Arcanaloth Names

Arcanaloths have both true names and chosen names, and they rarely share their true names with anyone, because speaking the Arcanaoths true name can stun them and bind them to the speakers service. Chosen names are always long and noble, and usually mirror the names of the species they live near. True names are in Abyssal. 

Chosen Male Names: Almiraj, Taishen, Vidori, Breysis, Mushaffarr, Laucian, Navalishan, Mozikith

Chosen Female Names: Rainila, Quelenna, Amastacia, Gesethe, Marasytr, Khadija, Saffrion

True Names: Yggraxin, Farghannost, Daardendrian, Linxadiroikol, Phanidkosikal

 

Arcanaloth (Weakened) Traits

Your fiendish heritage manifests in a variety of traits you share with other Yugoloths.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Arcanaloths grow up very quickly, becoming fully grown in around ten years. They age incredibly slowly, often outstripping elvish elders in age. Even though they cannot really die outside of Gehenna, your weakened state means that your regeneration could last decades or centuries, if you even come back at all. 

Alignment

Arcanaloths follow orders, but are often overly critical of them and do their best to toe the line. Most Arcanaloths are Lawful Evil, but they can be any alignment depending on their upbringing and surroundings. 

Size

Arcanaloths are rarely seen with muscle, and are very often quite tall, averaging siz and a half feet. The average Arcanaloth weighs around 210 pounds. Your size is medium. 

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet, and you have a flying speed of 10 feet. 

Damage Resistance

You have resistance to acid and poison damage. 

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and two other languages of your choice. Other Arcanaloths know all languages, which you are bitterly resentful of.