Bladebound (5e Race)

Bladebound

Physical Description

As an offshoot of the Half-Orc race, Bladebound have a very similar physical appearance. Notably, they share similar jaws and bear equally prominent and sharp teeth; in addition to having roughly the same height and weight, reaching from around 6 to 7 feet (even 8 in some cases), and weighing around 250 lbs. Their bodies are naturally well-built and muscled, though they are more slender than their regular Half-Orc counterparts. Whereas Half-Orcs are often shades of dark grey, Bladebound tend towards being a brighter shade of the same colour so far as to becoming silver or even milky white. It is also noted that they naturally give off a low amount of light, similar to a dim glow (though not enough to be used as a potential light source).

History

The Bladebound species began as a single Orc tribe. Their leader, a Half-Orc, sought to cleanse themselves of Gruumsh's influence, and much like the Tieflings formed a pact with an entity of great power. Though unlike the Tieflings, the pact was formed with the Living Light, which is the embodiment of all the light in the lands. This pact cleansed the Tribe's ability to hear Gruumsh's whispers, whilst also granting them new abilities. The ritual used to form the agreement gave them access to the ability to create Spiritual Weapons in addition to what was promised, though now the newly renamed "Bladebound" acted as the enforcers of the Undying light, spreading light as well as they could in an attempt to rid the world of Darkness and the Undead.

Society

Bladebound society is much like that of a regular Orcish clan, where combat is their primary focus, with the leadership of the tribe being determined through honourable combat. However, the primary goal of the Bladebound tribes is to spread the light as much as they can throughout the lands, leading to a culture in which a Bladebound comes of age in a ceremony where they slay their first undead creature. Nomadism is widely spread amongst Bladebound culture as a result of their desire to spread light, contributing to a large array of Bladebound villages spread about the lands. Whilst much like the Orcs, the Bladebound welcome others into their society, allowing guests to stay in their villages with little compensation, though visitors are encouraged to help out around the village. This openness reflects well on Bladebound as a whole, making them often welcome in other societies. They do, however, have rivalries with certain orc and half-orc clans, though this is up to your DM's choice.

Bladebound Names

Bladebound take their names from either Human or Orcish culture, with their parents selecting it at birth. However, upon coming of age a Bladebound is granted the right to choose a name for themselves. They are allowed to choose any name, from any culture, including their surname. This is because the latter is a concept not often found in Bladebound society unless drawn from another race's way of life.

Bladebound Traits

Bladebound serve as the enforcers of the Undying Light and are equipped to serve as well as possible in this role.
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.
Age. A Bladebound reaches maturity at roughly the age of 14, upon which they can undergo a coming of age ritual. Unlike their regular Half-Orc kin, live to roughly 150 years old as a result of their pact with the undying light.
Alignment. Unlike normal Half-Orcs, Bladebound do not hear the whispers of Gruumsh, having purged him from their bloodline after making a pact with the Undying light. This means that instead of leaning in the favour of evil, Bladebound have a tendency towards the alignment of good in some form, be it chaotic, neutral or lawful.
Size. As an offshoot of the Half-Orc race, Bladebound often stand at 6-7 feet tall, with some cases reaching up to 8 feet. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Relentless Onslaught. Once you reach 3rd level, you gain an additional bonus action, but it can only be used to cast spiritual weapon.
Lightborne Blade. Upon reaching 3rd level, you become able to cast the spiritual weapon spell, with the weapon taking whatever form you choose, though it must be a blade of some form. You can cast spiritual weapon twice with this trait and regain the ability to do so once you finish a long rest. At 5th level, you can cast spiritual weapon three times before a long rest is required. This spell is always cast at 2nd level. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for it.
Languages. You can read, write and speak Common and Orcish.

Random Height and Weight

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
5′ 10''	+3d10	140 lb.	× (2d6) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

d6	Flaw
1	You have a nervous compulsion to keep a bright light in even the barest shadow.
2	You have a compulsion to enter and illuminate dark areas.
3	You have an overwhelming hatred of undead creatures
4	You fidget and are irritable when you can’t see the sun.
5	In a dark area, you always carry a lit torch or lantern. Putting it down is an unbearable thought.
6	You find total darkness a suffocating experience akin to drowning.

0.00

(0 votes)

---

Back to Main Page → 5e Homebrew → Races