Forneus (4e Race)

Forneus

By Wei-Zi

Demons whose empathy or conscience changed there very nature into something different

Racial Traits

Average Height: 5'6-6'5

Average Weight: 110 lb- 250 lb

Ability Scores: +2 Wisdom, +2 Charisma or +2 Strength

Size: Medium

Speed: 7 squares

Vision: Low Light

Languages: Common, Abyssal, Choice of one other

Skill Bonuses: +2 Stealth, +2 Arcana

Born of the Abyss: You suffer a -2 Will and -2 Fortitude when hit with radiant damage until the end of your next turn

Inhuman Form: You do not sleep and instead enter a state of inactivity for 4 hours to gain the benefits of an extended rest. While in this state, you are fully aware of your surroundings and notice approaching enemies and other events as normal. You do not need to eat, drink, or breathe for twice the amount of time a normal creature needs to.

Minor Shifting: You are capable of altering minor aspects of your appearance (i.e. hair color, eye color, adjustments to facial structure). You still resemble your original form, but without fully changing your appearance

Demonic Attributes: You possess a prehensile tail, able to grab, and manipulate objects, but not use tools or weapons.

Type Sensor: You can use Creature Awareness as an at-will racial power.

Creature Awareness	Forneus Racial Power
You're heightened senses allow you to spot nearby creatures with ease
At-Will
Minor Action	Close Burst 5
Requirement: Cannot be in combat
Effect: You become aware of creatures in your aura. A perception check +2 can be made to identify the creature's type.
Special: The creature must be living and/or producing a sound equivalent to a whisper or louder and must be within line of sight.

Forneus were once proud, strong demons who served the demon lords themselves. They slaughter when told, and hunted whoever ordered. But the more time each Forneus spent on the mortal plane, the more humanity and empathy change their way of thought, till they found themselves disgusted by the demon lord's sway and orders. Upon discovering such a betrayal, the demon lords had the Forneus hunted for millennia, till they were near extinct. The paranoia that ensued forced them to adapt. They became more sensitive to noises, and changes, as well as blending their appearance to hide from those meaning to cause them harm. However, using the combined powers of the demon hordes, they cast a curse upon all demons who no longer served the demon lords. An enchanted tattoo, burned into the back of the demon. If properly copied, it can be used to forcibly summon the soul of the demon to wherever they may be, regardless of the situation the demon is in. With themselves hunted by the demon lords, and now existing alongside the living creatures of this plane, they fell in love with the way life and vowed to protect them from demonic forces and incursions. Using their superior strength and ability to fight for the mortal plane, from the shadows

Physical Qualities

The race looks primarily resembling humans or elves, with slight demonic features like red eyes, horns, claws and fangs. They do their best to blend into their surroundings, where they're living, in fear that the demon lords may find them someday. They often wear darker colors, for when they skulk through the night it is harder to see. One identifying trait is an intricate circle tattoo on their backs, that, if written down correctly, can be used against them, at any time. Most try to cover their circles with other tattoos, or removing the flesh it is attached too, but it always remains seen on the bare back. They also possess a long, thin, barbed, retractable tail.

Attitudes and Beliefs

They believe in the life of every mortal being, and that the demon lords and hordes have no claim to the mortal realm. Most use the majority of their time hunting down cults and demons, but some use their time to study the magics and skills mortals use to better themselves and assist in any way they can. The many are worth more than the few. A man guideline they follow

Forneus Communities

Most choose to live alone, as a large number would be easily spotted by the demon hordes who feverishly search for them across the world. The rare occasion they do meet is usually followed by days and days of roughhousing and feasting, as no one Forneus listens to another. They are equal, and warriors who must prove themselves to others. However, some acquire the respect of others, gaining them the ear of the majority.

Forneus Adventurers

Three sample Forneus adventurers are described below.

Dartak is a warlock sworn to the service of the KIngdom of Donton. With the kingdom lying near an abyssal gate, he remains on guard, ready for any onslaught that may happen at any time. On his little time off, he enjoys the company of his late wife, Stonia, and grazing some of the nearby fields.

Shatall is one of the oldest Forneus rangers. She long ago gave up combat, instead of for teaching mortals her knowledge. Ways to stop demons and defend their realm. She is famed for some of the great battles against demon kind but prefers the quiet library she has on the shoreline near the Mountains of Forbidden Screams.

Dante, a very young and foolish cleric, tries his best to follow the guidelines set by his town, in order to protect them and not be hated. He does, however, tend to mess up, and cause some destruction, which he does try to fix.

Roleplaying a Forneus

Forneus Characteristics: Ancient, wise, tactical, loyal, empathetic, strong willed, heroic

Forneus Male Names: Pocong, Ageres, Foras, orobas, Pithis, Preta

Forneus Female Names: Fortuna, Aeshma, Furfur, Phenex, Zagan, Dashna

---

Back to Main Page → 4e Homebrew → Races