Homebrew Gargoyle Species Details

Born From Stone

Though the true origins of the Gargoyle race are unknown, it is incontestable that they share many traits with the earth they appear to be carved from. Their hardened skin is very similar to living stone, even more so when they become still and unmoving in their rest. Their personalities often tend towards the grating and tough. Depending on the colony they come from, they may have creation stories about being carved by the Gods, created through powerful enchantments, or merely having always existed among the boulders and pebbles of high mountain peaks.

Observers

Gargoyles mostly live separately from societal interaction, living barely noticed among others. Colonies originally roosted exclusively on high cliffs or peaks in the wilderness, but as society spread, many colonies adapted and moved to churches and other stony buildings. They live amongst the dead stone sculptures that share their name and watch what goes on below. Many gargoyles are curious and observant, though they tend to be aloof and not very communicative. There are, of course, exceptions, though many times they are compelled away from the colony if they make themself too obvious.

Because of this time spent observing, gargoyles are often wise or intelligent.

Natural Protectors

Gargoyles naturally have very strong protective and territorial streaks. This is thought to have originated because of the precarious position of cliff roosts and the scarcity of resources, though it may have been because they were originally created as guard minions. Either way, gargoyles often firmly attach themselves to a place, item, or even a person and will fiercely and loyally defend it. With their natural defenses, it seems they are perfectly suited to serve, guard, shield, and protect. Few gargoyles are cowardly, though their patience may come off as hesitance to the casual observer.

Many Shapes

Gargoyles are an extremely varied and adaptive race depending on region and location. Though their skin always appears like stone, it carries wildly in color and texture. Their shape and size vary from tiny to large, though they generally are 1 to 6 feet tall. They may appear with traits of any animal, often blending elements into odd chimeric beasts.

Gargoyle Traits

Gargoyle Traits

Ability Score Increase

Your sturdy design grants you a +2 in Constitution and a +1 in Strength.

Age

Gargoyles live for an extraordinarily long time if not killed, weathering down to unmoving stone around 500 years old on average, though they may live up to 2,000 in some circumstances. They hatch and mature in around 50 years.

Allignment

Gargoyles trend towards Neutral.

Size

Anywhere from 6 inches tall to 10 feet, though 1 to 5 or 6 is the usual.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 25 feet. 

Standing Stone

When you take a long rest, you must spend at least 6 hours in a petrified, motionless state, rather than sleeping. In this state, you appear inert, but it doesn’t render you unconscious. You gain +2 to AC and have the False Appearance trait while in this state, and have disadvantage on all perception checks. You cannot be roused from this state through your own or others' volition, unless through magic.

Darkvision

You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

False Appearance

While motionless, you appear nearly indistinguishable from a statue. You must spend one minute motionless before this ability takes effect. You must maintain concentration during that time, as if you were casting a spell. Even to the most astute observers, your ruse is usually indiscernible. If you rouse suspicion, or if a wary creature suspects something is amiss, they must pass a DC15 Intelligence (Investigation) to discern your true form.

Natural Armor

While unarmored, your AC is equal to 12 + your Dexterity modifier.

Stone Body

You are immune to petrified conditions.

Glide

Once per long rest, fall damage taken can be reduced by 1d10.

Hardened Tallon

You are proficient with your unarmed strikes, which deal 1d4+strength slashing damage on a hit.

Conspicuous

Those of your race are rarely seen out and about. You and those you accompany tend to be put under particular scrutiny when the average person sees you moving around and talking. You are considered ugly and unnerving to many, which may be a blessing or a curse.