Veleno Bevitore (4e Race)

Veleno Bevitore

By Sophie Campbell

Poison is a subjective term for these people.

Racial Traits

Average Height: 5'11-6'12

Average Weight: 175-180 lbs

Ability Scores: +2 Dexterity, +2 Charisma or Constitution

Size: Medium

Speed: 6 squares

Vision: Low-light vision

Languages: Common, Draconic or Abyssal

Skill Bonuses: +2 Diplomacy, +2 Streetwise

Poison Drinker: You have resist 15 poison. The resistance increases to 20 at 11th level and 25 at 21st level. You also have a +5 racial bonus to Fortitude checks to resist the effects of poison.

Scaly: You have the reptile keyword.

Regurgitate Venom: You can use venom cloud as an encounter power.

Venom Cloud	Veleno Bevitore Racial Power
Like an alchemist, you formulate new poisons in your own body and spew them out at enemies in a gaseous vapor.
Encounter  Poison
Standard Action	Close blast 3
Target: creatures within blast
Attack: Constitution +2 Vs. Fortitude
Hit: 2d8 poison damage
Special: Level 21 4d8 poison damage

These scaly humanoids are literally called "poison drinkers" by their creators. It is believed they were one among many of the reptilian races to have descended from the sarrukh creator race. Some believe they are actually yuan-ti creations, or even a branching type of yuan-ti, as they bear a striking resemblance to that of purebloods. Like their serpentine cousins, they have a very strong nigh immunity to poison.

Play a veleno bevitore if you want...

• To be a reptilian humanoid race.
• To be able withstand poisons.
• To be a member of a race that favors the Assassin, Rogue, and sorcerer classes.

Physical Qualities

Veleno bevitore could pass for humans in some instances. Their body shape is entirely humanoid. What gives them away is a close inspection for scales on their skin, as well as a forked tongue, pointed canines, and serpentine slitted pupils. But not all veleno have these, as some can appear near immaculate as a human, with no scales. Like humans, their heights and weights range, but for the most part, they tend to be lean. Their biology is very much like that of other creatures that are immune to poison. They commonly even drink poison, and can nourish themselves that way without water. The poisons they drink mix in their own body and can be expelled via glands at the back of their throats.

In terms of dress, veleno bevitore are as fashionably varied as humans. They do usually prefer flowy, free clothing, or at least something that doesn't restrict. Males often wear nothing but pants and shoes, while females prefer slitted dresses or very short crop-tops and shorts. Veleno can be very vain and they grow long nails for decoration, especially the females. They also prefer adorned weapons as opposed to plain ones, like a jeweled dagger over a cutting knife.

Veleno Bevitore Communities

These poison drinkers organize themselves around rather unsavory company. Thanks to their heritage tied with beings like yuan-ti, their humanoid appearance, and their ability to drink poison, they are commonly employed as spies and assassins. A veleno from birth suckles venomous milk along with its brood siblings from a providing mother. Thus, even babies have early resistance. They are then trained from early on in the ways of survival. Around their age of maturity, which is about 11-13, they are sent to do dastardly deeds already. They are expected to work their way into perfecting the craft of murder and politics. This also speaks volumes of their own society, which knows little to no bonds other than that of survival.

Attitudes and Beliefs

Most veleno bevitore find human compassion and empathy alien. Their own minds are set on a cunning gear and rational path, and they see many other beings as simple tools. They are particularly arrogant towards non-reptile races, and consider any who cannot share a cup of poison with them to be beneath their status. They can, however, be encouraged to change. This is the case for some exiled velenos who could not accomplish themselves in their own society. Some wander and come to revelations about the concepts of warmth and kindness.

A crucial difference between velenos and yuan-ti are that velenos do not have faiths. They are not loyal to Sseth or that old pantheon typical of reptiles. It is therefore an issue with yuan-ti sometimes, as the velenos see these practices as stupid and having no utility. There is some tension between the two groups for that reason. If a veleno adopts any faith, they only follow it halfway usually.

Roleplaying A Veleno Bevitore

When playing a veleno bevitore, here are some points to keep in mind:

There is only war in this world. Veleno are very adverse to trusting others. They see every individual out in the world only for themselves.

Poison will purge the weak. They do not take well to those who cannot withstand a cup of poison. It is said one can earn the respect of a veleno by having a poison drinking contest with them and surviving.

Never stop climbing. Veleno will do whatever it takes to win, no matter how dirty a fight gets.

Veleno Bevitore Characteristics: Cold, cunning, venomous, scheming, deceptive, duplicitous, amoral

Veleno Bevitore Male Names: Sshulsush, Shatzsli, Astissil, Elsath

Veleno Bevitore Female Names: Nahia, Sshlithu, Yelshei, Selee

Veleno Bevitore Adventurers

More often than not, veleno bevitores are sent out into the world on a constant string of missions. Many will be seeking means for others rather than themselves. This does not make them charitable by any means, as they are extremely mercenary-like. They only help the highest bidder, and even their employer isn't safe if they decide to turn on them.

Assassin. While the power of shadow is rare, veleno bevitores more than revel in the act of the silent kill. Those who take up this class are few, as the influence of Shadowfell only reaches so far. But those who exist are rumored to be the master killers in the world. They employ not only poison but also uncanny stealth to dispatch of nobles and other figures of power without a trace.

Rogue. Rogue is the obvious choice for veleno who cannot become assassins. They have no less skill and reply more on their martial abilities. Often they dip their weapons into their own venom to add a dose of deadliness. Unlike assassins, rogue veleno bevitore are more varied in function. They do not always kill, instead sometimes taking on espionage, reconnaissance and also saboteur missions.

Sorcerer. From their bloodline, the veleno are capable of drawing forth ancient and powerful magic. These veleno are seen as rarities and oddities in their community due to the fact that most do not use magic. However, they are usually furtive about it and refrain from huge displays. More often, they operate as public figures to sweet-talk officials to do as they say, and employ a great deal of charm.

Three example veleno bevitore adventurers are listed below:

Zsoktlus is a veleno bevitore sorcerer traveling with a party posing as his bodyguards. Upon developing his powers, he cut his ties with his old community and is now off in the world posing as a big shot politician. With the help of his party, he hopes to be able to erect a small town by gathering a following. What comes after will be grandiose dreams.

Huisti is an exiled veleno bevitore rogue. He had fallen in love with a human female who taught him how to smile and make jokes. However, after her death, he only feels loneliness. He seeks her murderers, who he believes to be from his old employer, a noble of the Sword Coast.

Ssilshia is a veleno bevitore assassin employed by the Zhentaurim. She commonly deals with noncompliant traders in the area and muscles competition into acquiescing. Few approach her an most fear her. This eventually turned back to bite her as she fumbles a mission when backup refused to cooperate, resulting in her capture by the local army. In prison, she conspires with fellow criminals to stage a breakout.

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