Phantomborn (5e Race)

Phantomborn

“	I've had enough being thrown aside. This is my time now. And you won't take it away from me.	”
—Shardawn, phantomborn rogue

Physical Description

By Muirin007

Phantomborn appear to be adolescent human children. They however have an eerily nonexistent presence and slightly translucent form. But they are by no means immaterial. Usually, phantomborn have a gaunt, withered appearance, as though they have been starved. Thus, they may have pronounced cheekbones, sunken eyes, thin, skinny limbs, and ribs that show under the skin. Their skin is also usually pale, though some appear grayish even. Their eyes are notably golden with black pupils always, and their hair will typically be stringy but of variable hues.

History

Phantomborn are born of neglected souls, notably that of human children. Their origin is rather sorrowful, coming from those who died as a result of abuse, starvation and various other forms of negligence and ill-happening. These deaths sometimes result in that of phantomborn. This name is due in part to the term "phantom child" but in reference to the phantomborn's lingering presence despite their death. Unlike the usual vengeful ghosts, some phantomborn are known to be known as free, no longer shackled by the ways of the living. They have been known to linger where they lived before, and many experience arrested development, not aging or growing from the state which they appear. People view them as telling signs of child suffering nearby when they are seen.

Society

Phantomborn are somewhat rare beings, usually seen more often in societies of poverty and strife. They have their own will and often forge new fates for themselves. But sometimes their past fate still follows them around. Phantomborn are given a special privilege due to their tragic pasts, and people feel a shred of pity for them that other undead do not receive. They are not so reviled against as even tieflings. However, there is some condescension towards them due to their young appearance. And pity only ever goes so far, so most phantomborn are still left to fend for themselves. Some play convincing beggars because people can't always tell they are already dead.

Phantomborn Names

Phantomborn sometimes use their original names. But some craft new ones to show a new identity.

Male: Caligula, Unther, Bort, Luke

Female: Iggy, Porchia, Rezi, Osore

Phantomborn Traits

Undead children who died of tragedy
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 1, and either your Intelligence or Charisma score increases by 2.
Age. Phantomborn are usually of the age which they died, and they do not grow from there. They do not die of age.
Alignment. They tend to be chaotic, having been young children.
Size. Phantomborn tend to stand between 4 to a little over 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 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. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Undead Resistance. Your creature type is undead and humanoid. You do not need to eat, drink or breathe, though you may do so if you wish. You are vulnerable to radiant damage. You have resistance to poison damage, and you have advantage on saving throws against being poisoned or diseases.
Undead Vigil. Phantomborn don't need to sleep like normal beings, instead entering a kind of hibernation that they call a "vigil." By spending 4 hours in a vigil, a phantomborn gains the same benefit as a human does after 8 hours of sleep. During a vigil, a phantomborn is indistinguishable from a corpse. While resting this way you gain ethereal sight of 10 feet that extends into the Ethereal Plane. You lose this sense when you complete your vigil.
Dead Child. You either scare people being what you are, or you pull the heartstrings. You are proficient with either the Intimidation or Persuasion skill.
Begging Visage. You can really pull wool over someone's eyes with your appearance if they don't figure out you're already dead. You have advantage in Charisma (Deception) checks to hide your undead nature.
Languages. You can speak, read and write Common.

Random Height and Weight

Table: Phantomborn Random Height and Weight

Base Height	Height Modifier	Base Weight	Weight Modifier
4′ 5″	+2d10 inches	90 lb.	× (2d4) lb.

---

Back to Main Page → 5e Homebrew → Races