Homebrew Dread-kin Species Details

A race of powerful, immortal, undead beings known as the Dread-kin. Brought to life by the powerful demon Lord Orcus.

However the Demon Lord did not anticipate that these undead would soon develop a free will and eventually turn their backs on him completely. Having no recollection of their past, these undead wander the plains of the mortal realm in search for purpose.

Orcus eventually grew tired of his creations disobedience and attempted to dispel the magic and in turn; destroy what he had created, but it seems when his magic was dispelled, it instead simply gave them mortality (at least partially). They cannot age nor decay over long spans of time, but they can be slain by normal means.

The Dread-kin were shunned by the rest of the world for what they are; twisted abominations created by Orcus, created to wipe out and/or enslave mankind. Surely it could never be possible for creatures such as the Dread-kin to be more than hideous killing machines. Most of them had come to terms that the outside world may never accept them and live in seclusion from the rest of the world. Others have yet to give up hope: these beings are much more than killing machines and can arguably be the most humane out of every other race. 

These undead were still quite powerful without Orcus, powerful enough to learn the spell used to create the Dread-kin in the first place. From there they began to produce newer generations of Dread-kin on their own. Dread-kin normally inhabit swamp like areas, deep caverns, or the deepest forests. Other Dread-kin instead seek Fame, Fortune, and to show the world that they are capable of much good.

 

Dread-kin Traits

This race is considered undead and therefore will receive a wide variety of useful traits, but also a few drawbacks.

Undead Fortitude

When damage (that isn't radiant or from a critical hit) reduces you to 0 HP, you can make a CON saving throw (DC 5 + the damage taken). On a success, you instead drop to 1 HP (and can't use this feature again until you finish a short rest).

Tireless Undead

You may eat, drink, sleep, and breathe, but are not required to. (Your digestive system is functional)

You do not age or decay over time.

You have Exhaustion Immunity

Decay Tolerance

You are immune to diseases, as well as resistant to necrotic damage.

Radiant Intolerance

You are vulnerable to radiant damage.

Unholy Presence

You're bad at persuading people, but great at scaring the crap out of them (not because you're a bad person, but because you're undead).

You have disadvantage on charisma (persuasion) checks. However, you have advantage on charisma (intimidation) checks.

Unfazed

You have advantage against being charmed or frightened.

Dreadful Combatant

You can cast Thaumaturgy at-will.  Additionally, whenever you touch a weapon, it is considered a magical weapon (if it isn't already). That weapon becomes non-magical again once it has left your hand(s).

Halved Healing

You only healed by half from spells and potions. However, you heal normally from a short or long rest like anyone else.

Dread-kin Features

Your bonuses are:

+2 Constitution, +1 Charisma, and Darkvision of 60 ft.

You can read, write, speak Abyssal, Common, and Infernal