Blackheart (5e Race)

Blackheart

“	Blackhearts are vicious, dangerous, and considered to be the vilest beings to walk this earth. Their goal is to make every last creature bow down to them as they crush them under their foot.	”
—Gideon, Champion of Stone Meadow

Physical Description

By Andrea Mangiri

Blackhearts appear as large, muscular humans with faded-red skin, and black veins. They tend to have exaggerated features and tend to look devilish to other creatures, having horns and long canines sometimes. Their most distinctive feature is that in the center of their chest is a large protruding black heart covered by an overlap of thick flayed skin. Male blackhearts tend to be more monstrous in appearance; horns, tusks, bulging muscles, etc. Female blackhearts, though still physically imposing, appear with comparatively docile features; elongated ears, winged collarbones and shoulder blades.

History

Blackhearts were once a proud and noble empire of humans that are eternally damned due to a Faustian bargain that was forced upon them. The people were offered as the bargaining chip of their ruler to a powerful archdevil in exchange for power and the opportunity to destroy their enemies. This power and opportunity was granted, but the devil wanted to cash in on his end of the bargain before the empire could use their gifts. As the city was being besieged, the once-proud kingdom of man requested aid from all neighboring kingdoms, villages, even barbarian war tribes. None came to their aid, content with letting the king burn from his hubris. As the final days of the once-proud nation began, the king looked to the outskirts of his castle and saw the kingdoms he had sent aid to... watching, laughing, mocking. Since then these people have accepted their damnation, being turned into fiendish beings, and are returning to make the descendants of man pay for their abandonment.

Society

Since their creation, blackhearts keep to small feudal groups akin to a tribe. These tribes are typically power vacuums waiting to happen as domination is an inborn desire for them. They are like vengeance personified and show a burning hatred for kingdoms of humans, reminiscent of their desertion by their neighbors. Blackhearts are very stubborn, even towards one another. They hate to be at fault and admit they are wrong. This often leads to squabbles that foil their own plans, as they have not learned of hubris and its flaws.

Blackheart Names

Blackhearts have no names. They are born marked with a unique glowing insignia on their right arm until they come of age then they are given a title. The acceptance of the title causes their birth insignia to fade, leaving the symbol behind appearing as a brand. If they lose their title the glow returns. They have such titles as: The Dashade, Black Hand, and Nightreaver; typically related to night, darkness, blood, murder, etc. This title is given to them based on a significant action they may have done or one that a superior Blackheart has given them. To give a Blackheart a title is a sign showing superiority. If they accept it, they are blood bound to serve the one who gave them the title. Those that grant titles have the birth insignia of the named blackheart conjured onto their left arm to show ownership. Titles can be refused by killing the one offering it. If a blackheart is unable to refuse, the title is forced onto them. They must be able to understand you are giving them a title. If you give them a title in a language the blackheart doesn't know, they cannot receive it. They also must be able to hear you give them said title.

Blackheart Traits

Design Note: This race makes use of the Large Player Characters (5e Variant Rule).

Humans made powerful fiends, seeking revenge and conquest
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1.
Age. Blackhearts age quickly, reaching maturity at 14. Their maximum lifespan is yet to be determined as they each have died before reaching the age of 50.
Alignment. Blackhearts are bred with rage and hatred making them all usually evil. They typically show apathy towards orders beside their own and as such are often neutral.
Size. Blackhearts are masses of hardened flesh and blood, ranging from 8 to 11 feet tall and being well over 250 pounds. Your size is Large.
Speed. You have a base 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. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Utter Terror. You have the face of a devil, able to terrify all. You are proficient with the Intimidation skill.
Fiendish Origin. You were sacrificed to the devils and made a pawn of theirs. Your creature type is fiend and humanoid. You are resistant to fire damage.
Unwieldy Body. Your large body is ill-equipped for maneuvers and regular armor, even. You cannot wear regular armor and must use barding. Cover also is always one category lower for you than it would be for a Medium sized creature. You also must use triple your movement speed to pass through difficult terrain, instead of double.
Languages. You can read, write and speak in Common and Infernal.

Random Height and Weight

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
8′ 0''	+3d12	230 lb.	× (2d8) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

5.00

(one vote)

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