War Born (5e Race)
War Born[edit]
“ | Do you fight with me, or against me? If you fight against me, you'd better have an army! | ” |
—-Typical War Born challenge |
Physical Description[edit]
War Born are similar to any Medium sized race (creator's choice), but appear heavily scarred, even if they have never been injured, and support a wild look in their eyes, like a man in the thick of battle. The scars on their bodies do not appear to hamper them in any way.
History[edit]
The existence of war born are something of a age-old mystery. Legends of their existence go back for ages, each claiming that war born are formed from the chaos and destruction of the battlefield. That they care only for war. While not entirely true, war born are natural warriors and are known for being struck down only to rise and continue to fight while, as the reports say, "ignoring wounds through almost pure rage and willpower until not even willpower can keep their hearts beating," War Born are known for slaughtering small armies almost single-handedly, making them some of the most valuable warriors. As many take to being mercenaries, it is rather easy to get one to fight for a cause... so long as you can afford them. It is said that they are spirits of war, vengeance, and rage who animate fallen warriors. If this is true, it would explain the scars that cover their bodies. However, it is unknown if this is true, as no one knows if such spirits can repair fatal wounds, even on a dead body. Strangely, while they do not see themselves as having genders, they can reproduce, however, the children are born as if the war born is the race they appear as. Perhaps they are spirits. Despite sounding like berserkers, many war born are expert tacticians and generals, laying down tactics and controlling the battle with but a few words.
Society[edit]
War Born don't have much of a society, they tend to live alone and love to fight. They tend to have little to do with others besides as allies or enemies. Many war born live as mercenaries, waiting for someone to hire them to join a battle, regardless of where and when. In fact, because of their willingness to go to war, they are often much cheaper than other mercenaries of their caliber. However, a few have been known to tear themselves away from the need to fight and live somewhat peaceful lives in villages or towns. It is said that they sometimes seem to recall memories they never had. Perhaps from a previous life?
War Born Names[edit]
War Born tend to take names that involve battles, war, or fighting. Some war born do have a surname, however, this surname is almost always the battle they were "born" from (that is, if a war born was "born" from the Battle of Anchorhead, then the war born might take the surname Anchorhead). In addition, some war born have hinted that they may have yet another name (which they do. It is their real name. The name they use is a false name).
Example: Blade, Kill, Slaughter, Strike
War Born Traits[edit]
Rivers of blood. Piles of gore. Endless slaughter of enemies. All in a day's work for the War Born.
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2 and your Constitution increases by 1.
Age. War Born do not have childhoods, thus are "born" adults. However, they usually spend the first 5 years in either a mindless rage or an almost blank stupor, afterwards suddenly seeming to gain a mind. They typically spend some time doing some profession before they suddenly start lusting for battle and adventure, usually around when they are 10. They can live to be 60, but typically die before then, usually during the first 5 years.
Alignment. War Borns tend towards chaotic neutral, though a few can wrench themselves away from the need to fight and take other alignments.
Size. War Born average 5-6' in height and 150-210 lbs in weight. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Fearless. Whenever you make a saving throw to avoid being frightened, as long as the source is not a spell, you have advantage in the saving throw.
Battlemaster. You are proficient in the Athletics and Acrobatics skill.
Undying Warrior. Whenever you are knocked unconscious, are at 0 hit points, and make three successful death saves, you may spend a hit die to roll it. You gain hit points equal to the result.
Warrior by Trade. Choose a weapon type (longsword, battleaxe, dagger, etc.). You are proficient with that weapon type.
Languages. You can read, speak, and write Common and one Exotic language of your choice.
Random Height and Weight[edit]
Base Height | Height Modifier | Base Weight | Weight Modifier |
---|---|---|---|
4 ′ 8 ″ | +2d10 | 130 lb. | × (2d6) lb. |
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