Semme (5e Race)

Semme

“

Feathers of a thousand eyes, that which flock together. From that is where we draw our strength of the night.

”

Physical Description

The semme are humanoids with avian features, mainly related to that of owls. Their skin is notably covered in a thin layer of feathers. These feathers form an optical illusion due to their natural pattern, forming what seems to be a thousand eyes all over their body. Their name, as a matter of fact, comes from the Wa-an word "senme" which means "one thousand eyes." The rest of their structure is relatively humanoid, and they grow feathers out of their forearms. These will eventually become their wings as they grow stronger. Their hands sport four fingers, arranged in the way of a grabber claw to give them a vice grip complete with razor talons. Their heads are circular shaped, with a disc-like face. They have two large orb eyes and a beak-like mouth and nose orifice. Their lower body becomes progressively human, and they have normal human feet.

History

Origins of the semme are clouded in mystery. Most agree they were not the typical type of creature formed from natural means or evolution. There is an aberrant force to them. The semme themselves do not divulge on this matter lightly. Hinted at in their race's creation is experimentation at the hands of powerful alchemists. Supposedly this was the result of a ritual gone awry which would theoretically create harpy, griffon and other chimerical slaves. Unlike the typical forlorn failed experiment, the semme mainly embrace their new nature and revel in its power. This signifies that perhaps the ritual did more than just warp their bodies. while they are a relatively young race, they have a bit of a reputation in towns the woodlands where they are known to roost. Tales of spirits whisking children away to eat pop up now and then, as well as cautionary fables from hunters about having their eyes gouged out by a creature of the night which bears eyes all over its body. It is unknown if the semme cause these events, but there is undoubtedly an uncanny relation.

Society

Semme flocks are small, usually consisting of around three to five members. They tend to migrate between wooded areas like lush forests or alpines, preferring cooler temperatures. Within these flocks is little to no order. Each is responsible for their own hunts and survival. When a semme chickling is born to two of these members, the others in the group do not have any responsibility to help. Semme fiercely believe in survival of the fittest, where nature is the best teacher. Chicklings are expected to grow up and mature rapidly, with little to no affection. This is believed to perpetuate the semme's coldness down their bloodline, making them all of the same heartless demeanor. As such, semme are not viewed favorably by other races. Even societies that typically embrace nature see them as abnormal. The semme reflect this attitude manifold on the world through their spiteful actions. Some semme have been known to defect from their flocks to pursue their own goals, but this does not necessarily mean they develop any closeness to others.

Personality

Characteristically, semme are sleazy and lazy. They never care too much about other people and are very selfishly invested in themselves. Even towards their own, they offer indifference. To outsiders, it could be outright scorn. Semme do not like challenges, and prefer easy prey like blinded, lost travelers or young children. They typically enjoy picking on the weak and laugh at the ideals of nobility. Some semme are more personable, or at least less sadistic. These tend to be solitary hermits or nomads. Semme do not believe in ideas of morality, instead believing the world to be a maddened place. They are merely enjoying their time in the sun.

Semme Names

Semme names are of a strange dialect in Sylvan, with corruption in many of the syllables. It is believed this comes from something in their murky origin, likely to do with Auran.

Male: Agorion, Fispov, Thagrius, Lachlorghk

Female: Cecilia, Biselda, Sentrella, Roenath

Semme Traits

Creepy bird people with multi-eye patterns
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Intelligence score increases by 1.
Age. Semme can live to be anywhere from 100 to 120 years, and mature at around the age of 15 or 16 years of age.
Alignment. Semme commonly lean towards a chaotic and neutral view of self-interest. This pushes many to also be evil.
Size. They commonly are about 5 to a bit under 7 feet tall. 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.
Cover of Eyes. Your expertly patterned feathers make you appear more perceptive, and others are unnerved to try and skirt about that. Creatures have disadvantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks when trying to surprise you.
Ruffage Growth. Your feathers eventually form wings. Starting at 5th level, you gain 30 feet of flying speed. You cannot use this speed while wearing heavy or medium armor.
Bird of Horror. Your reputation and appearance precede you. You are proficient in the Intimidation skill.
Exploit the Weak. Semme have a heightened sense to detect the fear of creatures weaker than them. If you attack a creature of a size smaller than you, you can gain a bonus to the attack roll equal to the number of allies you can see within 30 feet of you (maximum bonus of +5). Once you use this trait, you can't use it again until you finish a short or long rest.
Claws. Your talons are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike. Your unique talon arrangement allows you to have advantage on Strength (Athletics) checks to grab objects.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Sylvan.

Random Height and Weight

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
5′ 0''	+2d8	140 lb.	× (1d4) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

0.00

(0 votes)

---

Back to Main Page → 5e Homebrew → Races