Aethen (5e Race)
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Aethen[edit]
Physical Description[edit]
Descendants of the celestial phoenix, Aethens, are blessed with the ability to harness the celestial and occasionally destructive power of fire. Their skin tones bear witness to their noble lineage, spanning from a pale white to a subtle golden hue akin to the sun's gentle glow. While some Aethens possess skin tones common to humanity, they bear unique fiery marks that set them apart. These marks manifest as softly swirling lights beneath their skin or glowing red lines that trace intricate patterns across their bodies.
The most remarkable feature of an Aethen's visage is undoubtedly their hair. As the progenitors of red hair, many Aethens boast a vibrant array of shades, ranging from the depths of crimson to the blazing intensity of orange and even specks of fire. Furthermore, they may exhibit subtle phoenix-like traits, such as the presence of small, mesmerizing, iridescent feathers adorning their temples, interwoven within their hair, or gracefully adorning their arms or back.
Lastly, Aethens possess a wide range of eye colors, encompassing the spectrum of normal humanoid hues. However, in addition to these, their eyes may also shimmer with captivating shades of red, gold, and cyan, further reflecting their celestial heritage.
History[edit]
In the annals of lore, the tale unfolds of Sol, the radiant Goddess of the sun, who bestowed her favor upon Aetheria, her ancient phoenix companion. It is said that Sol, in her wisdom, granted Aetheria the sacred duty of aiding humanity's survival. Through Aetheria's influence and the bestowal of the divine gift of fire, a new generation emerged, blessed by Aetheria's grace and, in turn, the benevolence of Sol herself. These chosen ones would be known as the first Aethens, bearers of the celestial blessings.
In light of this momentous occurrence, Sol issued new decrees, commanding Aetheria to remain a vigilant guardian over all those blessed with the essence of Aetheria. Thus, under Aetheria's watchful gaze, a new era was born, giving rise to the mighty nations of Hestia, forged by the union of Aetheria and her chosen people.
Society[edit]
Hailing from the noble lineage of Hestia, Aethen, hold a deep reverence for the deities Sol and Aetheria. These devout individuals often sense the comforting presence of Aetheria, the divine guardian, during moments of dire necessity. The sacred connection between Aethens and Hestia instills within them a profound affinity for fire and their kinfolk, fostering a sense of belonging and familiarity.
Yet, it is not uncommon for Aethens to embark on a path of self-discovery, willingly severing their ancestral ties to forge new bonds with chosen families. This act signifies their willingness to embrace change and seek companionship beyond the confines of bloodline as they venture into uncharted territories of personal growth and camaraderie.
Aethen Traits[edit]
As descendants of the Celestial Phoenix, Aethens possess a profound connection to their ancestral bloodline, enabling them to harness its power and infuse themselves with its essence.
Ability Score Increase. Your Increase one ability score by 2 and increase a different one by 1, or increase three different ability scores by 1.
Age. Aethens mature at the same rate as humans but can live up to 500 years.
Alignment. Aethens, walks of life are diverse; thus, its inhabitants embody many alignments.
Size. Aathens vary widely in height and build, from barely 5 feet to over 6 feet tall. You are Medium or Small. You choose the size when you select this race.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Creature Type. You are a Humanoid. When choosing feats, you qualify for a feat with the Human requirement.
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 discern colors in that darkness only as shades of Red and Gray.
Pheonix Resilience. You have resistance to Fire Damage.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common, Celestial, and one other language of your choice.
Subrace. It is customary for individuals to undergo a transformative process during puberty, wherein they tend to gravitate towards one of the following subraces: Celestial or Phoenix.
Celestial Lineage[edit]
Celestial Conduit. Healing magic is more effective when cast upon you. You regain additional hit points equal to your proficiency bonus when you are the target of a healing spell.
Flames of the Divine. As a bonus action, you can grow flaming wings for one minute. You gain a fly speed equal to your base walking speed. Once on each of your turns, you can deal extra fire damage to one target when you deal damage to it with an attack or a spell. The extra damage equals your proficiency bonus.
Holy Magic. You know the Produce Flame Cantrip. You can also cast the Cure Wounds spell with this trait. Starting at 3rd level, you can also cast the Flaming Sphere spell. Once you have cast either spell with this trait, you can't cast that spell again until you finish a Long rest. Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma is your spellcasting ability for it (choose when you select this race).
Phoenix Lineage[edit]
Burning Blood. When you take damage from a melee weapon attack, you can use your reaction to roll D6s equal to twice your proficiency bonus. The creature takes fire damage equal to the dice roll as your blood burns the creature. Starting at 5th level, you imbue a weapon you touch with your burning blood. The next time you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack, your weapon flares with white-hot intensity, and the attack deals extra fire damage equal to your player level plus your proficiency bonus to the target. You can use this trait a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
Finite Regeneration. Aethens have 3 lives when born. When creating your character, you can choose which life you start on. When you die, you combust into a pile of ashes and a small red egg. The egg weighs 3 pounds and is immune to all damage. It takes 1d8+1 days for you to be revived. You keep all your prior stats upon being revived, but your memory is hazy. Reviving, however, takes an ordeal on your body; you gain 4 levels of exhaustion.
Relentless Death. When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can release the burning energy from your phoenix ancestor. Each creature within 15 feet of you must make a DC (10 + your proficiency bonus) dexterity saving throw or take 1d6 per your player-level fire damage. Half as much on a successful save. The fire scorches everything it touches and ignites flammable objects that aren’t worn or carried.
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