First Men
Homebrew
First Men
First Men are the degenerate remnants of the first humanoid peoples to walk the earth. Driven to near extinction in the world what remains of them lies buried throughout the world, slowly building their numbers worshipping many ancient and terrible gods.
Ancestral Physiology
You are cold-adapted, pale, and partially resistant to the horrors of the frozen Hyperborean epoch.
- Cold Resistance - You are resistant to cold damage
- Eldritch Physiology - Advantage on saving throws vs disease and exhaustion.
Echo-Sense
A faint psychic pressure permeates your perception.
- You can sense the presence of sentient creatures (INT 6+) within 30 ft, even through thin walls, though not their exact location.
- You have proficiency in Perception OR Insight (your choice).
- You can cast detect thoughts (range: self, only surface emotions) once per long rest, no components required.
Hyperborean Memory
Your mind holds fractured genetic memories of the First Age.
- You gain proficiency in one of the following: Arcana, History, Nature, or Survival.
- Once per long rest, you may add +1d4 to a skill check involving ancient lore, relics, or the supernatural.
Ancient Biology
You heal strangely, your flesh knitting in unnatural ways.
- When you roll Hit Dice to restore HP during a short rest, you may reroll one die (you must keep the second roll).
- You have advantage on saving throws that prevent natural bleeding, poison, or suffocation.
Darkeyes
You have superior darkvision out to 90 ft.
However, daylight or bright light is painful:
- In direct sunlight, you have disadvantage on Perception checks that rely on sight.
First Men Names
A few names are listed below:
Soft, whisper-like:
Azeru, Maelith, Khur, Elvan, Nerru, Szael
Harsh, chitinous consonants:
Khel, Vrann, Grath, Tzal, Krevi, Sharuk
Ancient Echo Names (Hyperborean-style):
Aexios, Threnas, Voroa, Lythis, Khosyr, Urashel
The First Men are descendants of the peoples that once inhabited the world at the time of Pangea and the Hyperborean Age. Loosely related to the Yuan-Ti, their biology has mutated them over time showing all manner of strange mutations. Mostly found deep in the wilderness or Underdark, amongst the ruins of their previous empires.
Seen as pathetic by other species, they eke out an existence as best they could with many following many forgotten, dead or unnamed gods. A number has fallen under the sway of the Star Gods & their minions who find them perfect subjects and cannon fodder when battles take place. They do trade and interact with other species in the Underdark when not in the sway of the Star Gods, and act as mercenaries, scouts, menial labourers. This allows them to get some coin and other general goods to help their own communities.
Once in a while, one of the First Men will have the ability & build to interact with surface dwellers and Underdark inhabitants in such a way that they are accepted in general society. They become adventurers, mercenaries for hire, and even scholars. Never becoming powerful enough to lead a nation they fulfil roles that can still be of use to a leader of an empire or powerful organisation.
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