Porcelain Doll (5e Race)
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Porcelain Doll
Physical Description
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Sourced from Monster Girl Encyclopedia [1] |
An exclusively female race, these dolls are slender and made of delicate porcelain endowed with magical protection against chipping and scratches. They are small and child-like, commonly modelled upon that of the elven or human physique. Rarer variants include other humanoid creatures, although their base features don't normally change too much. Their "skin" is smooth, with their body being separated by joints at the: ankles, knees, thighs, pelvis, stomach, neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and fingers. Instead of an internal skeleton, there is an elastic string system holding the body parts together; if one were to pull the arm away from the torso, these strings can be seen. A small clink will be heard with any impact against a hard object, and a soft grinding sound will be heard when dolls move their joints. There is little to no detail on their bodies, aside from their tiny fingers being separate.
Doll hair is soft and bouncy, holding its shape even after getting wet and drying off. Strands are infrequently shed, unless forcibly pulled out of the doll's scalp. There is an ethereal air about them, with their "skin" and clothes hardly ever getting dirty. Their eyes usually hold an intense emotion behind their glassy surface, whether it be sorrow, anger, joy, etc. Depending on her backstory, a doll will wear any clothing made in an appropriate fabric and/or style pertaining to her origins. Many will upkeep their appearance out of pure habit or instinct.
History
Porcelain dolls are mysterious beings. Their existence mightn't even be intentional, with most dolls having the basic principals of life either shoved down their throats or taught to them in a loving nature. When they're finally let free into the world, they seem to go into hiding. Nothing has been documented about their history or culture, leading various scholars to assume their direct origins are more menacing than they appear to be. However, the dolls themselves are just as oblivious to this as everyone else. The craftsmanship put into their appearance implies an expensive, superior origin; perhaps as a gift for a regal heir?
There are only two known ways where their conscious existence can begin. The first is being enchanted through an alchemist to fulfil orders and biddings of a higher power, for good or evil. Many dolls created this way tend to develop bitter feelings against the world they were brought into, longing for a sense of freedom, and feebly rebel or escape against their master's will. The other more common way is through an intense emotional bond with a child it is gifted to. Through this process, the repurposed toy will venture down through one of two paths. If of a good or neutral alignment, they will outgrow the child and be cast away, outed into a whole new world for them to explore. On the other hand, if they lean towards a more evil alignment, they are likely to cause havoc in the child's life and will be hastily driven into the outside world, thirsting for more chaos.
Society
Many keep to themselves, preferring to life a live away from excitement and rather enjoying a quiet, secluded existence. It is assumed that -- if there are circles of porcelain dolls living together in a society -- they will adopt any similar hierarchy of the creators they descended from. Otherwise, the dolls that reveal themselves to others are generally docile and complacent by nature. Any prejudices against other races and/or species are on a personal level only, as most outsiders are unaware of their existence.
Racial Names
Porcelain doll names can originate from any language at all, but are most named after the children that own them. As such, their names are commonly derived from foods, animals, and onomatopoeic words, rarely (if ever) being masculine. Dolls that originate from any magic user will often have a name reflecting the purpose of which they were made to do. This can often be of any ingredient, or a name of an exotic origin; though, it is not uncommon for them to lack a name altogether. In this case, they will give themselves a name after they achieve exile.
Porcelain Doll Traits
A pretty, little, porcelain doll.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 1.
Age. Dolls are "conceived" when bestowed sentience. They're eternal beings; the only way for them to die if their head and/or torso is shattered, or if they fail all death saves. The strings inside their body are essential to their being; the life source of these dolls are in some way related to them. If these strings are severed, she will die. Dolls do not die of old age.
Alignment. There are little to no cases where dolls don't encapsulate some semblance of their creator or "owner". Nevertheless, they tend to have a dependable nature and typically lean towards a neutral alignment and can seek to do good or evil.
Size. Dolls range in size from around two and a half feet to a little over four feet tall. They are moderately light, averaging about 50 pounds. Your size is Small.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 25 feet.
Living Construct. Even though you were constructed, you are now a living creature. You are immune to diseases and have advantage on saving throws against poisoned. You do not need to eat or breathe, but you can ingest food and drink if you wish. Instead of sleeping, you enter an inactive state for 6 hours each day. You do not dream in this state; you are fully aware of your surroundings and notice approaching enemies and other events as normal. After fully resting in this state, you gain the same benefits as a person would normally get from a long rest.
Vitrified Skin. You have resistance to nonmagical slashing damage.
Dainty Mimicry. You gain proficiency in the Deception skill. Additionally, when you remain still for at least one minute, you gain the benefits of False Appearance and are indistinguishable from a regular porcelain doll until you move.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common, as well as any additional language related to your background (if Common, swap it out for Sylvan).
Subrace. Depending on a porcelain doll's backstory, you can pick one of two variants: Discarded Toy and Enchanted Assistant. Choose one of these subraces.
Discarded Toy
Once in the hands of an imaginative child, you find yourself in the present without that safeguard. Were you thrown away, or perhaps forgotten? Maybe you simply outgrew your child and ran away yourself. Whatever the case, you flourished through expressing yourself, and you can do it well.
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 2.
Play Along. You gain proficiency in the Persuasion skill.
Cutesy Tricks. You know one cantrip of your choice from the Bard cantrip list. Once you reach 3rd level, you can cast the color spray spell once per day as a 2nd-level spell. Once you reach 5th level, you can also cast the nystul's magic aura spell once per day. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.
Enchanted Assistant
Created to aid the presence of a powerful magic user, you quickly learned of many techniques in brewing various magical items. You boast a fair amount of knowledge regarding the profession and have a tougher body as opposed to your Discarded Toy counterpart.
Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence score increases by 1, and your Constitution score increases by 1.
Nimble-footed. Your base speed is 30 feet, as long as you are Unarmored or wearing armor you are proficient in.
Alchemy Knowledge. Choose two skills from Arcana, History, Nature, and Religion to gain proficiencies in.
Magical Protection. You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed and frightened, and magic can’t put you to sleep.
Random Height and Weight
Base Height |
Height Modifier* |
Base Weight |
Weight Modifier** |
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2′ 8'' | +2d8 | 50 lb. | × 1 lb. |
*Height = base height + height modifier |
Suggested Characteristics
When creating a porcelain doll, you can use the following table of traits, ideals, bonds and flaws to help flesh out your character. Use these tables in addition to or in place of your background's characteristics.
d6 | Personality Trait |
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1 | I'm very excitable and love to play with children and animals. |
2 | I'm shy. I'd rather hide and conceal myself around strangers than confront them face-to-face. |
3 | I pride myself on my mannerisms and respect for others. |
4 | I prefer to take the spotlight and feel down if I don't. |
5 | I have a disturbing aura and a personality to suit. |
6 | I'm very sensitive to the emotions of those around me. |
d8 | Ideal |
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1 | Enjoyment. The world is my oyster. I want to make as many friends as I can and have a good laugh. (Good) |
2 | Reformation. I want to be as humanlike as possible. (Any) |
3 | Exploration. I wish to see the world and as many cultures as I can. (Any) |
4 | Obedience. I was made to serve others and I know my place in the world. (Lawful) |
5 | Amusement. I'm done entertaining others. It's my turn to enjoy what others can do for me. (Chaotic) |
6 | Revenge. I was mistreated in my past, and I will exact my vengeance upon those who further contempt me. (Evil) |
7 | Knowledge. I want to know everything. (Neutral) |
8 | Ambassador. Everyone deserves to know the true nature of my race, and I will be the one to show them. (Any) |
d6 | Bond |
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1 | I get lost in thought, often reminiscing over more halcyon times. |
2 | I've seen the best and worst of this world; I live to experience more. |
3 | I want to rekindle my relationship with my old master. |
4 | I don't want to see others go through the hardships I had to endure. |
5 | I want to share the knowledge I've learned from my past life with people I befriend. |
6 | Meeting people that accept me for who I am will give me direction in life. |
d6 | Flaw |
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1 | I hate getting my feet wet, and despise getting dirty. |
2 | I'm careless and don't mind throwing myself into dangerous situations. |
3 | The more I neglect maintaining my appearance, the more self-deprecating I become. |
4 | Teamwork is just an excuse for people to use me. |
5 | I like to play dead and scare my fellow companions from time to time. |
6 | I force myself to ingest as much food and drink as possible to blend in more. |
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