Homebrew Gargoyle Species Details

Physical Description

Gargoyles are often large, usually grotesque statues carved out of stone, marble, or other solid earthen materials. Their specific details are down to the carver or creator of the creature with styles coming and going. Nowadays, demons, beasts, imps and hags are the most commonplace with a handful in forms such as animals or people (usually deities or heroes). An extremely rare few look like angels or cherubs instead of grotesque creatures and these are more commonly accepted by other races but disrespected by their own kind. Almost all gargoyles have a pair of wings, large or small, and some form of horns. Depending on the creature's age they might also show signs of weathering such as small cracks or plants growing around their bodies.

History

Gargoyles first came into being during the archaic age due to the experimentations of magic - specifically dark magic. Powerful warlocks and wizards carved creatures from stone and imbued them with enchantments and curses to bring them to life. Since then, the number of gargoyles being carved has reduced drastically yet somehow they still appear to be growing in numbers by themselves. How is unknown. Over time, different styles and types of gargoyles have become popular which creates a wide diversity of the creatures today. Whilst seen as familiars or pets in the past, they have now taken to their own way of life. This usually involves finding a certain area or building and acting like a statue to fool passersby. They seem to find this extremely amusing and are now so taken to it that they extremely dislike being ordered or controlled like they once were.

Society

In general, gargoyles are quite solitary and rarely communicate or travel with others. They sometimes form fearsome groups called “wings” for protection and sport. In certain conditions, a tribe of gargoyles might even ally with other creatures, but even the most stable alliances with a gargoyle tribe can collapse for the smallest of reasons—gargoyles are nothing if not grudge-bearing, overprotective, and vindictive. Gargoyles have been known to dwell in the heart of the largest of cities, crouching amid the decorations of stone cathedrals and buildings where they hide in plain sight by day and swoop down to feed on vagabonds, beggars, and other unfortunates at night.

The longer a tribe of gargoyles abides in a region of ruins or buildings, the more its members come to resemble that region’s architectural styles. The changes a gargoyle’s appearance undergoes are slow and subtle, but over the course of years, it can shift radically.

Gargoyle Names

Gargoyles' names are usually general human names at their time of carving, perhaps taken from their creator. However, a lot also prefer to use old, archaic names taken from their homeland and roots.

Claw, Goldstone, Griff, Jade, Oestra, Ophelia

Gargoyle Traits

You have the following traits in common with your fellow grotesque constructs carved from stone.

Ability Score Increase

Your Constitution score increases by 1.

Age

Gargoyles can live for as long as their stone bodies remain intact although weathering or erosion can reduce lifespan.

Size

Although each is unique generally most gargoyles are medium size.

Speed

You have a walking speed of 30 feet.

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.

Flight

 You have a flying speed of 30 feet. To use this speed, you can’t be wearing medium or heavy armor.

Stone Skin

Being made of stone, your skin is extremely resilient. While you are not wearing armor, your Armor Class equals 12 + your Dexterity modifier.

Stone’s Endurance

Being made of stone  you can shrug off injury. When you take damage, you can use your reaction to roll a d12. Add your Constitution modifier to the number rolled and reduce the damage by that total. After you use this trait, you can’t use it again until you finish a short or long rest.

False Appearance

While you remain motionless, you are indistinguishable from an inanimate statue of a gargoyle.

Elemental Nature

A gargoyle doesn't require air, food, drink, or sleep. During a long or short rest you are in an inactive, motionless state, during which you retain consciousness.

Stone Resilience

You are immune to disease.You are immune to poison damage, the poisoned condition, and
immune to disease.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Terran.