Dread Fiend (5e Race)
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This page is incomplete and/or lacking flavor. Reason: A race page is almost never complete when first created. For guidance, see the 5e Race Design Guide. Missing height/weight. 15:13, 6 October 2024 (MDT)
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DreadFiends[edit]
Physical Description[edit]
The DreadFiends have an impressive and menacing appearance. Their Bodies are muscular and robust, often with tough skin, scars, and demonic markings. It may have curved horns, eyes shining in red or orange tones and claws that refer to its infernal origin. Collors and Forms: Their skin varies in reddish, black, gray tones or even with textures that resemble solidified lava or volcanic rocks. They often have horns, fangs, claws, and even stunted wings that denote their connection to hell. Aura: A faint odor of sulfur and heat can emanate from them, and the very presence of a DreadFiend can provoke fear and discomfort. They are creatures that inspire respect and caution, with an aura that puts emotional pressure on those around them.
History[edit]
DreadFiends, especially those who rebel against their infernal nature, are beings marked by internal conflict. The duality between their demonic essence and the search for freedom or redemption shapes their complex personalities. They often struggle with violent impulses and dark desires, trying to maintain a morality that often contradicts their own nature. Many DreadFiends have a war mentality, being disciplined and focused on their goals. For those who betray hell, this determination translates into a relentless quest to break their ties to evil. They carry a lot of anger due to their hellish slavery, and this anger can be released in destructive ways if left unchecked. Some may seek a second chance, trying to escape the dark fate imposed on them. This can create a heroic or tragic journey, depending on how they choose to deal with their situation. Even after they rebel, the DreadFiends maintain a connection to hell. This connection can be a constant burden or a source of power. They may be pursued by demons or other infernal entities also called Igni'fers, always lurking to bring them back or destroy them for their treachery. In addition to the DreadFiends who are Born from Hell, there are those who, by Transformed by Pacts, the DreadFiends who were previously humans or other creatures can also be called Volgrath's, there is also a last sub-race, the Cursed by Guilt also known as Nal' krath. Each with their own peculiarities, the three races coexist in a hellish environment, whether by choice or by curse.
Society[edit]
The DreadFiends' society is fragmented, violent and marked by infernal hierarchy and the constant struggle for power and control. Each subrace within society has its own position, with their history and hellish origin determining the role they play in this empire of chaos and destruction. Most DreadFiends worship archdevils and greater demons, believing that they represent the power and destiny of their people. Some, especially the Damned, develop redemption cults or turn to beliefs of freedom from their curses, trying to escape the clutches of Hell. DreadFiend society is governed by a hierarchical system based on power and strength, with a clear distinction between subraces. Respect is earned by strength and the ability to control infernal power. Although the hierarchy is rigid, betrayals, conspiracies and challenges for power are common, as all DreadFiends are always looking for advancement. Ruled by infernal leaders, usually the most powerful of the Hellborn, who command armies of demons and subordinates. Infernal councils are rare, and the word of the strongest is the law.
DreadFiend Names:[edit]
This race has several names, even those who are transformed receive an infernal name when they are considered Dreadfiends, they have suffixes derived from their characteristics, whether mental or physical, they generally have 2 names, one indicating their origin and the other their characteristic.Zehal' – Associated with psychotic or mentally unstable demons, with erratic and unpredictable behavior.
Rhaz' – For demons with a strategic, cold and calculating mentality, who use their intellect as a weapon. Khel' – Paranoid or suspicious demons, always on alert and ready to react to threats that may not even exist. Dral' – Extremely disciplined and focused demons, with an inflexible and tireless mentality, willing to follow their missions to the end. Nkhur' – For demons who have a larger than average physical size, with large muscles and brute strength. Gor' – Demons with a monstrous and deformed appearance, often the result of infernal mutations. Torr' – For agile and fast demons, whose slender, muscular body allows them to move extremely quickly. Varn' – For demons endowed with wings or other characteristics that give them aerial capabilities or greater mobility. These names refer to their origin: Volgrath's, Nal'krath, Igni'fer, the first showing that they are transformed, the second that they are cursed, finally the third showing their infernal origin.
DreadFiends: Traits[edit]
Dreadfiends are infernal beings born from dark pacts, curses and eternal torments. Originally, they were warriors or mortal beings who, by choice or destiny, were transformed into infernal creatures, serving as soldiers and spies for demonic planes. Each subrace of Dreadfiends carries a unique history: the Hellborn (Igni'fers) were created directly in hellfire, destined to spread destruction; the Pact Transformed (Volgrath's) sold their souls in exchange for power, only to find themselves as pawns in the demonic wars; and the Cursed with Guilt (Nal'krath) suffered horrible transformations due to their own actions, carrying the pain and guilt that condemned them to darkness. Rebels by nature, many Dreadfiends defy their hellish destinies and seek revenge or redemption, fighting the forces that created them.
Ability Score Increase. Your Strengh increases by 2, and your Constitution increases by 2.
Age. The DreadFiends matures slowly, reaching maturity around age 30. They can live for up to 300 years, but many succumb to pain and darkness much sooner.
Alignment. DreadFiends are often chaotic, driven by intense emotions and internal torments. They tend toward evil, but may seek neutrality when trying to control their inner demons. years old.
Size. DreadFiends are tall and imposing, ranging between 7 and 9 feet tall. Its size is large.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Infernal flame manipulator. As the past in hell forces the DreadFiend to learn how to create and manipulate flames at their pleasure, as long as this flame is not of magical origin or coming from some non-infernal entity, as part of this you learn two cantrips, Create Flames and Manipulate Flames.
Infernal Flame Imbuement. The DreadFiend can imbue an object you are in contact with with hellish fire. This action must be done outside of combat and can be used a number of times equal to your wisdom bonus for rest. The object, if it is a weapon, causes damage equal to its level, the type of damage additional is fire. The weapon continues to burn until the next rest, is deactivated or loses contact with the wielder, if the object is in contact for more than two turns with something other than the wielder, that something starts to catch fire, if it is a creature , she can roll a resistance test to find out whether she bursts into flames or not (DC 8 + her wisdom bonus + number of turners in contact above 2), objects that are not made of metal, silver, gold, or platinum catch fire and burn and cannot be reused.
DreadFiends: Volgrath's, Igni'fers , Nal’krath.
Languages. Common, Infernal
DreadFiends: Igni'fers Traits[edit]
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by +2 and your Constitution score increases by +2.
Age. Born from Hell mature quickly, reaching maturity around age 15. Although their bodies are powerful, life in Hell is harsh, and most live to be around 120 years old.-->
Alignment. Due to their hellish upbringing and direct connection to the Devil lords, the Hellborn tend to be chaotic evil. Their violent nature inclines them towards chaos, while their obedience to the strongest aligns them with the infernal hierarchy.
Size. The Hellborn are massive, ranging between 7 and 9 feet tall, with muscular bodies covered in infernal scars and markings. Your size is Tall, but you have advantage on Strength checks to push, pull, or knock creatures over.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Darkvision.. You see in dim light up to 60 feet as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You cannot discern colors in darkness, only shades of gray
Demonic Resistances.. You have resistance to fear and fire, and are immune to poison, fire, and disease, conditions that paralyze you out of fear.
Demonic Terror.. You are proficient in the Intimidation skill. Additionally, once per long rest, you can use an action to frighten enemies. Choose a creature within 30 feet of you that can see and hear you. That creature must make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 8 + your Charisma modifier + your proficiency bonus). On a failed save, the creature is frightened for 1 minute.
Demon Tail.. Its tail is a natural weapon. You can use it to make unarmed attacks that deal 1d6 + your Strength modifier piercing damage, with an additional range of 5 feet. Additionally, as a bonus action, you can use your tail to inject poison into an enemy. If the attack hits, it deals 2d6 poison damage, thus becoming poisoned, taking 1d6 damage each turn. You can use this ability a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all uses after a long rest.
Demonic Shell.. You possess an infernal shell that grants you a base Armor Class (AC) of 13 + your Constitution modifier while you are not wearing armor.
Demonic Form. As a bonus action, you can collapse your limbs and gain a demonic form capable of flight. While in this form, you gain +1 to AC and fly speed equal to your walking speed. However, you cannot interact with objects, make melee attacks, or cast spells with somatic components. You can return to your normal form as a bonus action.
Eternal Pursuit.. You may feel the presence of enemies who have caused you pain or who are connected to your past. This grants advantage on Wisdom (Perception or Survival) checks to track these creatures or notice their presence nearby.
Languages. Common, Infernal
DreadFiends:Volgrath's Traits[edit]
Ability Score Increase. Attribute Increase. Your Charisma score increases by +2 and your Constitution score increases by +1..
Age. Those Transformed by Pact have superior longevity due to their infernal connection. They reach maturity at age 18 and can live for up to 500 years if not killed sooner.
Alignment. Due to the pact made with infernal entities, those Transformed by Pact tend to be chaotic or neutral evil, but their own will can influence their morality. Some may attempt to resist the covenant's influence and maintain neutrality or even a rare neutral alignment.
Size. Pactturned range from 5 to 7 feet tall, with moderately athletic bodies due to the infernal nature of their pact. Its size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Darkvision.. You see in dim light up to 60 feet as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You cannot discern colors in darkness, only shades of gray.
Infernal Resistances.. As a result of your infernal pact, you have resistance to psychic damage and fire.
Voice of the Covenant.. His voice is imbued with infernal power. You are proficient in the Persuasion skill. Additionally, you can use an action to cast Command without expending a spell slot. You can use this ability a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all uses after a long rest.
Covenant Power.. As a gift from your infernal pact, you can cast fire bolt as a cantrip. Charisma is your casting modifier for this spell.
Mark of the Covenant.. His body is marked by infernal pacts. When you hit a creature with a melee attack, you can mark that creature with an infernal seal. Once per turn, when you land an attack on a marked creature, it takes additional fire damage equal to half your level (minimum of 1). This mark disappears after 1 minute or when the creature dies.
Summon Hellish Servant.. As an effect of your pact, you can, once per long rest, cast the find familiar spell, but the familiar you summon takes on an infernal form, such as a small imp, quasit, or other type of demon. The familiar cast through this ability has fire resistance and can deal an additional 1d4 fire damage with its attack.
Infernal Corruption.. You are partially corrupted by the energies of Hell. You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed and cannot be magically put to sleep.
Aura of Pacts.. Creatures within 10 feet of you that aren't demons or imps suffer disadvantage on saving throws against spells you cast that affect the mind, such as Command, Suggestion, or Fear.
Languages. Common, Infernal
DreadFiends:Nal’krath Traits[edit]
Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by +2 and your Constitution score increases by +1.
Age. Nal’krath age slowly due to the spiritual burden they carry. They reach maturity at age 20 and can live for up to 350 years, but many succumb sooner, unable to bear the weight of guilt.
Alignment. Due to their tormented nature, many are neutral or neutral evil, but some seek redemption and may lean toward a chaotic good alignment, wishing to redeem themselves for their past failures.
Size. Those Cursed with Guilt have a hunched posture and a melancholy presence, ranging from 5 to 7 feet tall. Its size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Darkvision.. You see in dim light up to 60 feet as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You cannot discern colors in darkness, only shades of gray.
Resistance to Psychological Pain.. . Due to deep guilt and suffering over past mistakes, you have resistance to psychic harm.
Marks of Guilt.. You bear visible marks of your burden, which affect both you and those around you. Once per long rest, you can use an action to invoke your Marks of Guilt. When activated, all hostile creatures within 10 feet of you must make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 8 + your Wisdom modifier + your proficiency bonus) or become frightened for 1 minute. If they pass the test, they are immune to the effect for the next 24 hours.
Covenant Power.. As a gift from your infernal pact, you can cast fire bolt as a cantrip. Charisma is your casting modifier for this spell.
Aura of Remorse.. His presence carries a dense energy of regret and grief. Enemies within 10 feet of you have disadvantage on saving throws against spells or abilities that cause fear or confusion.
Eternal Penance.. You have been condemned to seek redemption for your actions. When you fall to 0 hit points for the first time by long rest, you can automatically get up with 1 hit point, as if a dark force impels you to continue. This effect can be used once per long rest.
Haunted Presence.. You are haunted by the ghosts of your past, and this affects your interactions. You are proficient in Intuition (Insight) and Perception, being able to detect hidden emotions and true intentions with greater ease. Darkly Tormented Form.' You can, once per long rest, enter a form tormented by your own ghosts. During this transformation, you gain resistance to necrotic damage and can deal psychic damage equal to your level to any enemy that attacks you in melee. The transformation lasts 1 minute or until you are dropped to 0 health.
Shadow of the Past.. You carry the weight of the bad decisions that made you cursed. Throughout your life, you have advantage on saving throws against mind-affecting effects, such as fear or confusion, because you are used to living with your guilt.
Languages. Common, Infernal
Random Height and Weight[edit]
| Base Height |
Height Modifier* |
Base Weight |
Weight Modifier** |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7′ 50'' | +3d8 in. | 330 lb. | × (1D6) lb. |
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*Height = base height + height modifier | |||
Suggested Characteristics[edit]
When creating a DreadFiends character, 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.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | Obstinat |
| 2 | Austere |
| 3 | Suspicious |
| 4 | Arrogant |
| 5 | Haunted |
| 6 | Calculative |
| 7 | Indomitable |
| 8 | Pious |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ancient Demonic Master – Xerath'Kal, Lord of the Burning Currents |
| 2 | Fallen Ally – Lilithra, the Former Celestial Huntress |
| 3 | Friend of the Rebellion – Thal'zar the Dethroned |
| 4 | The Watcher – Zel'Tar, the Dark Demon |
| 5 | Entity from the Past – Veraeth, the Guardian of Pain |
| 6 | Mortal Enemy – Kaelor, the Pact Hunter |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Freedom |
| 2 | Redemption |
| 3 | Rebellion |
| 4 | Power |
| 5 | Protection |
| 6 | Revenge |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | Obsession with Revenge |
| 2 | Arrogance |
| 3 | Excessive Distrust |
| 4 | Self-destructive |
| 5 | Controlled by Wrath |
| 6 | Relentless Remorse |
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