Arcaneborn

The Arcaneborn: Living Manifestations of Magic

In the realms of Aloria, the Arcaneborn are beings shaped by the intricate dance of arcane forces. Born of ancient enchantments that affected humanoid species, they bear visual alterations reflecting their affinity for one of seven schools of magic: Abjuration, Conjuration, Divination, Enchantment, Illusion, Necromancy, and Transmutation. Marked by ethereal glows and shimmering eyes, they thrive in magical enclaves and faced a history of persecution with resilience. Each subspecies embodies a distinct magical essence, from the guardians of Abjuration to the reality-shapers of Transmutation. The Arcaneborn’s journey is one of self-discovery, acceptance, and the pursuit of balance in a world where magic is both wondrous and formidable.

Appearance of the Arcane

Arcaneborn individuals exhibit distinctive magical alterations to their appearance. This might include ethereal glows, runes on their skin, blue skin or other magical manifestations. The degree of alteration varies among individuals, making each Arcaneborn visually unique. Their eyes might shimmer with magical energy, and when they cast spells, the arcane energy often manifests more visibly.

Abjuration Arcaneborn:

Warding Runes: Abjuration Arcaneborn may have intricate glowing runes on their skin, especially on their arms or forehead, symbolizing their affinity for protective magic. Auras of Shielding: They may have a faint, shimmering aura that becomes more pronounced when they use abjuration spells, serving as a visible sign of their defensive abilities.

Conjuration Arcaneborn:

Portals and Rifts: Conjuration Arcaneborn might have faint, swirling portals or rifts near their hands or eyes, suggesting a connection to other planes of existence. Ephemeral Echoes: Their footsteps or movements may leave brief afterimages or echoes, emphasizing their connection to conjured entities.

Divination Arcaneborn:

Eyes of Foresight: Divination Arcaneborn could have cloudy eyes that glow with a soft, inner light, suggesting a constant awareness of future possibilities. Floating Symbols: Faint symbols or runes associated with divination might periodically appear and hover around them or in their forehead, responding to their heightened perception.

Enchantment Arcaneborn:

Hypnotic Gaze: Enchantment Arcaneborn may have eyes that appear mesmerizing or hypnotic, drawing attention to their persuasive nature. Aura of Charisma: An enchanting purple aura could radiate from them emanating magical musical notes.

Illusion Arcaneborn:

Shifting Shadows: Illusion Arcaneborn might cast faint, ethereal shadows that move independently, creating a mesmerizing and elusive effect. Ever-Changing Features: Their facial features, hair color, or even gender might subtly shift over time, reflecting their connection to illusions and the ever-changing nature of appearance.

Necromancy Arcaneborn:

Glowing Veins: Necromancy Arcaneborn may have veins that faintly glow with a dark energy, emphasizing their connection to the forces of life and death. Chill in the Air: A chill or mist may emanate from them, especially when they are focused on necromantic spells, creating an eerie atmosphere.

Transmutation Arcaneborn:

Elemental Manifestations: Transmutation Arcaneborn might have parts of their body that periodically shift in appearance, mimicking different elements like stone, water, or fire. Prismatic Gleam: Their skin or hair may have a prismatic gleam, reflecting light in a rainbow around them.

Knowledge among bretheren

Arcaneborn communities are often found in regions rich with magical energy, such as ancient ruins, arcane academies, or hidden enclaves in the heart of mystical forests. However, individual Arcaneborn can be found living among other species in diverse environments, drawn to places where the balance of magical forces is evident.

Persecuted in old days

The Arcaneborn have a complex history, marked by the interplay of magical forces. In the past, their kind faced persecution and misunderstanding due to their magical alterations. This history provides a rich backdrop for storytelling, allowing for themes of acceptance, redemption, and the consequences of wielding powerful magic. Additionally, conflicts may arise from the different magical schools, with rivalries and alliances shaping the dynamics of Arcaneborn society.

Peaceful but wary

Arcaneborn often have a diplomatic stance with other species, as they understand the importance of maintaining a balance between different civilizations. However, their history of persecution has left some Arcaneborn wary of other species, particularly those who held prejudices against magic in older times. Interaction with other species may involve efforts to dispel myths and foster understanding.

Magically inclined

Arcaneborn are naturally inclined toward classes that involve magic, such as wizards, sorcerers, and bards. Their affinity for different magical schools makes them versatile spellcasters. Backgrounds tied to academia, magical research, or mystical traditions align well with the Arcaneborn, reflecting their connection to the arcane arts.

The Arcaneborn’s signature traits include Arcane Affinity, Tainted Form, and Arcane Knowledge. These traits collectively represent their inherent connection to magic, their visually distinctive appearances, and their proficiency in understanding arcane mysteries.

Arcane division

Each subspecies of the Arcaneborn is associated with a specific school of magic, influencing their abilities and strengths. The Abjuration Arcaneborn, for example, excels in defensive magic with the Warding Presence trait, making them resilient protectors. On the other hand, the Illusion Arcaneborn can cast the minor illusion cantrip, enhancing their abilities in deception and trickery. Each subspecies brings a unique flavor to the Arcaneborn, allowing players to tailor their characters to specific magical themes and playstyles.

Ability Score Increase: +2 Intelligence

Size: Medium

Age: Arcaneborn have a similar lifespan to tallmen, reaching maturity in their late teens and living up to around 70 years.

Speed: 30 feet

Alignment: Arcaneborn individuals often lean towards neutrality, valuing the delicate balance of magical forces that shape their existence.

Languages: Common, and one additional language of your choice.

Traits:

• Arcane Affinity: You have advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

• Tainted Form: Your appearance is marked by the magic that courses through your veins. This might manifest as ethereal glows, runes on the skin, or other magical alterations.

• Arcane Knowledge: You gain proficiency in the Arcana skill.

Subspecies:

Abjuration Arcaneborn:

• Ability Score Increase: +1 Wisdom
• Warding Presence: Once per long rest you can use your reaction to give yourself or a creature within 30 feet of you temporary hit points equal half your total hit points rounded down.

Conjuration Arcaneborn:

• Ability Score Increase: +1 Dexterity
• Sudden blink: Once per long rest you can negate the gappled or restrained condition when imposed by non-magical means, otherwise you can get advantage on saving throws against such conditions.

Divination Arcaneborn:

• Ability Score Increase: +1 Wisdom
• Prescient Insight: Once per long rest, you can choose to reroll an attack roll, saving throw, or ability check.

Enchantment Arcaneborn:

• Ability Score Increase: +1 Charisma
• Hypnotic eyes: When you make eye contact with a creature within 30 feet of you, you can use your reaction to impose disadvantage on the next attack roll or saving throw that creature makes against you or your allies. Once you use this feature, you can’t use it again until you finish a short or long rest.

Illusion Arcaneborn:

• Ability Score Increase: +1 Dexterity
• Illusory Veil: You can cast the minor illusion cantrip without needing any components. Once you reach 3rd level, you can cast the silent image spell once per long rest. You can pick which spellcasting ability you use for these spells.

Necromancy Arcaneborn:

• Ability Score Increase: +1 Constitution
• Life Draining Touch: Once per long rest, when you hit a creature with a melee attack, you can deal an extra 1d4 necrotic damage.

Transmutation Arcaneborn:

• Ability Score Increase: +1 Constitution
• Resilient Form: Once per long rest, you can spend 10 minutes focusing on a non-magical and non-living material at touch range with a size no larger than 3 cubic feet, transforming it into a object of the same material. For example, you could turn a handful of sand into colored glass or a piece of wood into a sculputre or mend a broken armor.

Roleplaying Tips:

Arcaneborn are often contemplative and attuned to the magical energies that flow through their being. They may be cautious in their actions, aware of the delicate balance that magic brings to the world. Some Arcaneborn may embrace their magical nature openly, while others might seek to hide their arcane features, fearing prejudice from those who don’t understand the nuances of their existence. As a species shaped by magical forces, Arcaneborn may have a natural curiosity about the arcane arts, and many find themselves drawn to careers as scholars, wizards, or magic users.