Machina Infernus (5e Race)

Machina Infernus

“

From the bowels of the Hells, where no one thought things could get anymore gruesome... from the ponds of bolgia where they spawned, there stalked those who were created... monstrosities, in every right, even to the other demons.

”

Demonic Abominations

Drider M.I. by Angel Reynoso

Machina infernii, also known simply as M.I.s, resemble demons or devils, but with a lot of technological augmentation. Some have mechanical legs or arms, while others have extended tails and other appendages. Those with multiple legs are called driders, as they resemble the spider-like beings of the Underdark. M.I.s with prosthetic or augmented tails are called scorpions. The ones with enhanced arms are called bears. They are not limited to these parts, and can have other scant alterations to their faces and overall body. These are the main alterations, however. A demon's heart beats from within a structure of metal, powering the oddity that is a machina infernus.

Infernal Creations

M.I.s were created by devil scientists who admired the power of constructs and desired it for their race. They conducted heinous experiments on lesser devils and demons, usually shredding their bodies apart and reconfiguring them in grotesque ways which ensured they could never move properly again. They were frustrated at many failures until they discovered how to make a chassis from a deactivated warforged and infernal flesh. By tearing apart an infernal being and infusing the chassis with the flesh, using the extracted heart as a binding core, they succeeded, calling their masterpieces machina infernii. Their deeds reached the ears of some archdevils, who were intrigued at the promises of a powerful army which needed no sustenance under their grasp. The demons were alarmed, as the devils would mainly be using them as flesh material for this, and revolted against the idea. It was too late, as the devil scientists created wave after wave of these beings from the flesh of demon and devilkind alike. In present day, they make up a good portion of the armies of Hell.

Rift Dwellers

The creation of M.I.s worsened the divide between devils and demons. M.I.s were touted to be protectors of all infernal beings, but the sacrifice had largely been paid for by the demons. Thus, M.I.s are likely targets of demon syndicates wanting to fight the devils. M.I.s themselves are preprogrammed and lack any personality of whatever demon they may have been before, as well as their memories. They live as guards and soldiers of devildom, under great devil generals and corporals. Usually they live in barracks placed in the more dismal of conditions than actual devil fighters, as they are still perceived to be of demonic, rather than devilish descent. Thus, they are neither devil nor demon, but a completely different being altogether now, living in some subliminal space between the two.

Evil Machines

Despite having been programmed, some argue this makes M.I.s more deadly than regular devils or demons. Devils usually can be enticed by incentive and possibly lured into traps by words of their own damnable curiosity. Demons are chaotic and can often trip on their own frenzy. M.I.s however, are purely about the destruction and screams of their enemies. They do not relish it, but carry it out coldly, almost unfeeling, in a way. They do not do so in adherence to any laws, but because they feel it is their right to. This demeanor makes it easy for them to turn on friend and foe alike if so desired or ordered. Even their commanders have to be wary of them, as they carry their orders out in manners that please themselves. If they wanted to, they would disobey.

Machina Infernus Names

They are usually non-gendered in association, and use names like tracking numbers one may use for a robot like the warforged. Sometimes, among their own, they come up with simple nicknames denoting slaughter and murder in battle.

Names: Killer, Thrasher, Crusher, Slayer, Flayer, Mauler

Machina Infernus Traits

Machines of war power with demon flesh and blood
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 1.
Age. Like their infernal kind, M.I.s do not age or die of age from their time of creation.
Alignment. Machina infernii are almost always neutral evil. Sometimes problems may occur in their programming though.
Size. M.I.s are usually about 6 to 8 feet tall. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Hellvision. Accustomed to the darkness of the lower planes, you have no problem seeing in darkness. You can see in dim light within 120 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. In addition, magical darkness doesn't affect your darkvision.
Hellish Construct. Your creature type is both construct and fiend. You are immune to spells and effects that would target humanoids such as hold person or crown of madness. As a construct, you do not need to eat, sleep or breathe. When you take a long rest, you must spend at least six hours in an inactive, motionless state, rather than sleeping. In this state, you are at low power, but retain your consciousness and you can see and hear as normal.
Infernal Resistance. Your chassis was reforged in the fires of damnation. You are resistant to fire damage.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Infernal.
Subrace. Choose from the drider, scorpion and bear subraces.

Drider

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity and Strength scores each increase by 1.
Scuttle. Your multitude of legs make it easy for you move around. You have a climbing speed of 20 feet. Your base walking speed also increases to 35 feet.

Scorpion

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2.
Stinger. Your lashing tail is a weapon, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with it, you deal piercing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength or Dexterity modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.
Limber. The configuration of the tail usually entails some fixes to the spine as well, making for a more flexible body. You are proficient in the Acrobatics skill.

Bear

Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2.
Strong Arm. Your enhanced limbs give you greater grip. You have advantage in Strength (Athletics) checks to grapple other creatures.
Powerful Blows. When you make an unarmed strike, you can deal bludgeoning damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier instead of the normal damage.

Random Height and Weight

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
6′ 0''	+2d12	250 lb.	× (1d6) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

---

Back to Main Page → 5e Homebrew → Races