Igbourne (5e Race)

Igbourne

“

This is a world built on a single, fragile stem. We are the ones who must protect it.

”

Physical Description

By Brian Valeza

The igbourne appear as tall, multi-limbed creatures. They are bipedal and vaguely humanoid in shape. But they are constructed of a wooden plant body, often with the semblance of a skeleton. Atop where their head and shoulders are tend to be bones from bygone animals, in particular humans. Their bodies are said to be hollow, filled with an organism that encompasses the darkness itself, with red eyes. The body is actually a sort of husk or vessel. Most igbournes have four arms. Their bodies are quite limber and strong. From their rather natural appearance, it suffices to say they usually do not wear much clothes, nor do they have anything to hide.

History

At the center of the world lies a vital tree which is supposedly the support of all life in the world order. In the root of the life tree is a toxic serpent which poisons it eternally. One day, the venom will overwhelm the tree and initiate the end of the world. People with sinister intentions also attack the tree and try to bring forth the dark days. There are those who are valiant that oppose them. Warriors and guardians of the tree have died along its trunk and branches defending it to their last breath. Their spirits know the job is yet to be done. The life tree resurrected them in a new form, with the essence of the plant itself, infused with their bleached bones. These are the igbourne, eternal, reborn guardians of the tree of life. They hope to protect the world from its grim fate.

Society

The igbourne tend to remain near the areas where they died and were reborn, serving as vigilant sentinels for these spots of the life tree. Some of them may relocate to areas they find more vulnerable. They live bare-bone lives, avoiding rest and refreshment when they can afford to. The bodies given to them by the tree are not infinite, but they see it as a blessing nonetheless and usually devote their lives to this guardianship. They have most of their memories from their past lives as well. Some igbourne are more proactive as guardians, even vengeful. They may stray from their guardian post and seek those who killed them and seek to harm the tree. Some igbourne even embark on quests to go slay the source of venom in the tree's roots.

Igbourne Names

Igbourne keep their names more or less from when they were alive. Some of them adopt new names as risen guardians of the life tree.

Male: Argaryth, Sanza, Terubit, Poleck

Female: Zanzabeck, Jiareda, Kiruo, Uloszka

Igbourne Traits

Reborn guardians of the life tree
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 2.
Age. Igbourne are undead, but their bodies are on borrowed time from the life tree. They tend to reach the end of their second life in about 30 years or so.
Alignment. Driven by their sense of duty, igbourne can be very lawful. Those who feel very righteous can be chaotic.
Size. The wooden bodies of igbourne are all more or less uniform. It is not that light of a body, and it can often reach about 6 feet in height. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 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.
Risen Plant. Your creature type is both plant and undead instead of humanoid. You do not need to eat, drink, breathe or sleep. You are resistant to poison damage, but you have disadvantage on saving throws against fire damage. You can still receive the benefits of healing spells due to your plant typing.
Sun Soak. You must spend at least 1 hour a day in bright sunlight or take a level of exhaustion.
Multilimbed. You were given extra limbs to better perform your best. You have four arms instead of two; these additional limbs can hold objects and wield weapons as normal. Your arms get in each other's way at times; while wielding a two-handed weapon, you cannot benefit from a shield or wield a second two-handed weapon.
Plant Body. The unique wooden body you have makes it easier for you to find replacements. When you reattach a limb via an effect like regenerate, you can use another piece of plant matter (branch, stalks, etc.).
Languages. You can speak, read, and write in Common.

Random Height and Weight

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
5′ 0''	+1d12	120 lb.	× (1d6) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

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