Vryloka (5e Race)
Vryloka[edit]
| “ | It was the shadow that concealed us during our flight from the bright lands. It was the shadow that enfolded us, sheltered us from the gods’ wrath. And it is to shadow I pledge my loyalty without question. | ” |
| —Kreston, Vryloka paladin | ||
Physical Description[edit]
|
|---|
| By Evan Palmer |
Vrylokas were originally human and thus retain that humanoid shape. The blood bond ritual which created them has altered them in noticeable ways, but one has to look a little closer. Vrylokas commonly have dark gray or blue eyes that turn red when they are angered or excited. Their skin is uniformly pale and chalky. Some have more color, ranging from pale-pinkish flesh to chalky purple. Most vrylokas have hair in shades of red, from deep scarlet to strawberry blond, though there are some with shades like a dark red brown or even near black. As they age, vryloka maintain their vitality. The ritual makes it so they live to 300 years and beyond easily. Powerful vryloka are untouchable by the flow of time, though they can be killed as normal.
This slow of time sometimes shows on their choice of dress. Like aristocrats of older times, their clothes and even armors are very elegant. Often, they carry designs unique to their blood family.
History[edit]
Vryloka originated from an ancient household shrouded in legend. This household name is lost to time but they supposedly owned lands touched by mist, and they were fanatics for eternal life. An entity thought to be an exarch of the Raven Queen, the Red Witch, appeared to them on a stormy night with the answers to their wishes. She taught them the blood bond ritual which made them like the vampires, with incredible vigor and life to last. This household is rumored to have been the origin of the name Vryloka, though it is speculated. The ritual spread among noble circles mostly, and these families used their newfound dark power to take control of their lands. However, following an uprising, their powers were lost forever. These deposed nobles endured however, against the test of time, lurking in the background. They instead have risen to prominence under the guise of humans and insinuate their presence in high ranks of other societies.
Society[edit]
Too few vryloka exist to consist of a community. However, these ancient families have persisted. They make others into vryloka to replenish their ranks, and induct them into their family. Vryloka hide in plain sight, usually passing as human. Their dealings in the darker side of society consists of brutal political games between themselves and other rival families jousting for power. Those who turn their backs on family are exiled, for nothing is greater than blood bonds. These exiles are usually the ones traveling with outsiders.
Attitudes and Beliefs[edit]
Vryloka follow the pursuit for a full and everlasting life. Therefore, to turn stagnated and ancient like a true vampire is repulsive to them. Their human minds remain able to enjoy the passage of time. With their elongated lifespans, they love to find fascinating things which keep them occupied and interested, glad to be alive. Those who become weary of living usually are the most dangerous, as life ceases to have a value, and they proceed to play with mortals like pawns.
Loyalty is the greatest belief for all vryloka. Nothing beats your blood family, and to betray that is death. However, some become able to open up to outsiders, despite the danger in doing so. All vryloka also swear fealty to the Red Witch, who is accredited with the foundation of their race.
Vryloka Names[edit]
Their names tend to have an air of aristocracy and time-worn use. Family names are very important to them as a means of identity.
Male: Iulius, Adel, Elzen, Mireau
Female: Aurelle, Claudia, Griga, Mircea
Family Names: Drogmir, Gavil, Ghenadie, Lionel, Vasili
Vryloka Traits[edit]
A race of humans who gained near-vampiric powers
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 2, and either your Strength or Dexterity score increases by 1.
Age. Due to the blood bond ritual sustaining them, vryloka live no less than 300 years and are vital until they die.
Alignment. Vryloka tend to be lawful to their family rules over that of society.
Size. Vryloka range from 5 to a little over 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 35 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.
Living Dead. Because your soul is tainted by undeath, you are both living and undead. You are considered both humanoid and undead. You are susceptible to spell effects which target either type.
Necrotic Resistance. Energies of death cannot harm you so easily. You are resistant to necrotic damage.
Human Heritage. You have advantage on Charisma (Deception) checks to pass as human.
Lifeblood. You gain a burst of vigor from the ebbing life force of your enemies. You can use an action to drink the blood of a creature within 5 feet of you that is at 0 hit points. You gain temporary hit points equal to your level + your Charisma modifier.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice.
Random Height and Weight[edit]
| Base Height |
Height Modifier* |
Base Weight |
Weight Modifier** |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5′ 2'' | +1d12 | 110 lb. | × (1d8) lb. |
|
*Height = base height + height modifier | |||
Racial Feats[edit]
Bloodwolf[edit]
Prerequisite: vryloka
You can assume the shape of a wolf or revert as a bonus action as per the polymorph spell. While in this shape you have 50 feet of movement, ignore difficult terrain and are proficient in thePerception skill. Taking any damage causes you to revert to your normal shape. As a bonus action you can revert to your normal shape.
Bloodbond[edit]
Prerequisite: vryloka
Target a humanoid friendly to you within 5 feet of you that has died since your last turn. You can provide your blood to revive or resurrect them. If they are dead, expend 3 hit dice to revive them. The target awakens with hit points equal to the value of hit dice expended on a roll. After using this feat, you gain 1 level of exhaustion. If the target is of a race susceptible to vampirism, they must succeed on a Constitution saving throw against a DC of 22 or their race becomes vryloka. This removes all their original racial traits, including ability score increases, and replaces them with that of the vryloka. In this case, both you and the target suffer 3 levels of exhaustion.
Crimson Wings[edit]
Prerequisite: vryloka
As a bonus action, you take the form of a Tiny flying creature or revert to your true form. Once you choose this form, you cannot change into another flying creature. While in this form, you cannot attack but you gain a flying speed of 40 feet and a +2 bonus to your Armor Class. If you are reduced to 0 hit points, you return to your normal shape.
Back to Main Page → 5e Homebrew → Races