Homebrew Dhampyr Species Details
For as long as there have been Vampires, there have been Dhampyr. It is only the fact that the latter can be practically indistinguishable from the former in behavior, and that they can hide amongst mortals, that has allowed their kind to be relatively unheard of in the annuls of history.
Always Acting
Since they can be born of any mortal race (sharing their culture), and do not want to disclose what they are (for more than one reason), there are no known Dhampyr communities, the members themselves often attempting to be the textbook example of their mortal race. But that is only a facade. Their vampiric bloodline overrides all that sets the races apart, keeping only the form of their race and none of the substance. Historically, this has allowed some to be found out due to lacking the natural abilities afforded to their mortal side.
The Crimson Path or the High Road
Dhampyr are half-breed Vampires, and they're created in one of two ways:
- They are born of the (un)natural union between a Vampire and a mortal.
- They contracted a diluted form of vampirism after surviving an attack.
*A character that becomes a Dhampyr at Levels 2 and above keeps the Levels and Experience they have at the moment they turn.*
No matter how they come into existence, all Dhampyr struggle with their tendency to see others as prey, for when their vampiric nature is known, they are regarded with wariness (at best) and with unashamed fear and hatred (at worst). As long as they keep themselves in check, Dhampyr can blend into society pretty easily, their slightly paler skin and slightly sharper canine teeth being the only visual signs that they're different.
However, once their cover is blown, most communities shun them, drive them out, or try to murder them. Being faced with such hostility from their friends and family is the usual catalyst for many Dhampyr to embrace the Crimson Path, which is when they forsake their mortal side and become enamored with the stereotypes associated with their immortal makers. Another cause of them taking the Crimson Path is the inability for some to control their bloodlust. Those that fall into the endless spiral of hunting others will often go on killing sprees before trying to find their immortal kin. Others decide to live on the fringes of society and in the back allies of towns and cities, slaking their thirst on those least likely to be missed.
Not all Dhampyr stay on the Crimson Path, though, and some avoid it altogether. A few manage to make their own way in life, choosing to control themselves rather than let their fangs control them. This is known as the High Road. It is usually a lonely road they walk, often having nothing but their bloodlust to keep them company. But every now and then there will be the odd tale of a Dhampyr travelling as part of an adventuring party, as being recognized as a hero, or even as a friend.
Dhampyr Traits
Due to the strength of their magical bloodline, Dhampyr have none of the racial abilities afforded their mortal side. They do, however, have several abilities that stem from their immortal sires:Ability Score Increase
All Dhampyr have a +2 to Dexterity and add +1 to their choice of Strength, Constitution, or Charisma.
Age
You mature at the same rate as your mortal race. Your lifespan isn't magically increased by your vampiric nature, but a steady intake of blood has been rumored to increase it way beyond its normal range.
Alignment
Some would say that you're naturally Evil, but you're free to choose your own way of life (especially if your nature is still a secret). Regardless of how you choose to act, due to how your kind are treated and viewed by society, the likelihood of you being on the side of law and order is slim.
Size
You fall within the natural height and weight of your mortal race and your size corresponds with your mortal race.
Speed
Your base walking speed is +5 that of your mortal side.
Dark Vision
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.
Immortal Constitution
Your vampiric nature grants you Resistance to Necrotic damage.
Watch out now, they'll Chew you up...
Magically inclined to hunt in the night and pick off the unsuspecting, your blood makes you especially suited to hunt without being seen. You gain proficiency with both the Perception skill and the Stealth skill if you don't have it already.
Enchanted to Meet You
The Bards are full of tales about people being unable to fight back as a Vampire feeds upon them. This is due to their unnatural Enchantment abilities.
When becoming a Dhampyr, you may choose 1 of 3 spells -- Charm Person, Hold Person, and Slumber -- you may cast that spell at 1st level once per Long Rest without needing Material Components or using a Spell Slot. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for this spell. Once your choice has been made, you cannot switch to one of the other two spells.
A Bit of the Red Stuff
Dhampyr do not need to drink blood to live, but they crave it all the same. When the urge takes over, the most likely way for them to get a taste is through biting some poor, usually unsuspecting, victim.
You may make a Bite Attack as an Action. This counts as an Unarmed Strike, follows all the appropriate rules of an Unarmed Strike for your character, and it does Piercing Damage. If the target of the attack is Willing, Grappled, Restrained, Paralyzed. or otherwise Incapacitated, the Bite Attack is made as a Bonus Action instead of an Action.
A Journey of a Thousand Miles...
As a Dhampyr grows stronger, so do their vampiric urges. It is at this time that they must make the choice to control them or be controlled by them.
Starting at Level 5, the Dhampyr can choose 1 of 2 racial feats: The Crimson Path or The High Road. The former has them embracing their immortal side resulting in them becoming more like Vampires, while the latter has them restricting it and finding new abilities through discipline and focus.
Because they'll never fully lose their mortality or ignore their desire for blood, a Dhampyr may end up experiencing both choices. Upon reaching levels 10, 15, and 20, they may choose to switch from The Crimson Path to The High Road and vice versa.
Language
You have the same language options you had as your mortal race when you became a Dhampyr.
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