Kisei-Kai - Symbiote/Parasite
Deep within the Astral Plane, the Kisei-kai exist as translucent, amorphous blobs, their existence only known to the travellers of the plane. These creatures hover aimlessly in the astral currents, waiting for unsuspecting travellers to approach. The Kisei-kai are divided into two distinct factions, each with its own unique approach to survival.
The Symbiotes, with their luminescent and soothing colors, extend offers of mutual aid. When a wanderer finds themselves lost in the Astral Plane, a Symbiote may approach, promising to guide them safely back to the Mortal Plane. In exchange, they form a symbiotic bond, offering the guidance and knowledge of the creature, along with a promise of survival in the treacherous astral sea.
Contrastingly, the Parasites, adorned in sinister shades of crimson and black, are far more aggressive. They manifest in clusters, ambushing passing astral ships with stealth and brutality. These predatory Kisei-kai forcibly attach to host creatures, seeking to commandeer the vessel and establish dominance over their hosts' abilities.
Kisei-kai, once detached from the Astral Plane, take on humanoid forms. Transparent and gel-like in nature, their colors are intrinsically connected to their alignment. Symbiotes are adorned in pastel hues, such as pure white, tranquil blue, or gentle orange, reflecting their benevolent nature. Parasites, on the other hand, manifest in dark, foreboding shades of blood-red, black, and deep purple, mirroring their predatory tendencies.
In their humanoid forms, Kisei-kai typically maintain an otherworldly, yet captivating allure. They adapt to the physical traits of their host, which can result in a blend of features. This appearance allows them to blend in with the Mortal Plane's inhabitants, though the translucent quality of their forms often hints at their extraplanar origins.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Size: Your size is Small
Speed: Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Host Adoption: Over the course of an hour, you can bond to a host. You require a host to live for long durations, you can still be away from your host as you are still connected via a silver thread within the Astral Plane but become weaker when far away. You gain the following features while within 120ft of your host:
- You gain the skill proficiencies of your host creature, the languages, as well as any climbing, flying, or swimming speeds your host may have.
- When your host benefits from a bonus to AC (from items, spells, or other effects), you both gain the AC bonus. If either you or your host are in the same space, you both share the higher AC between you or the host.
- While bonded and within the same space, your hosts body becomes surrounded by you as a form of living skin, you give a +1 bonus to AC to your host.
Kisei-Kai Variants
Choose 1 Variant
| Subrace | Features |
|---|---|
| Parasite | Parasite Kisei-kai often have a sinister and predatory appearance. Their bodies take on dark variations of color, such as deep blood reds, blacks, and dark purples. Their eyes may glow with an eerie, otherworldly light, and their claws often appear menacing and sharp. They typically have a more ruthless and survival-oriented outlook. They often value strength and power, sometimes at the expense of others. Many strive to find strong hosts to ensure their own continued existence. Consume Vitality: You can consume the hit dice of your host to augment your claw attacks. You have a natural attack that you can use to make simple melee weapon attacks. This attack deals 1d6 slashing damage, and it has a 10-foot range. You can expend one of your host's hit dice when you make this attack to deal an additional 1d6 damage. Life Link: You have a survival instinct unlike any other. When your host takes damage, you can use your reaction to take half of the damage they would have taken instead. However, this can only be used if the damage taken would not reduce your hit points to 0. |
| Symbiote | Symbiote Kisei-kai have a more harmonious and elegant appearance. They take on lighter, more soothing colors like whites, soft blues, and gentle oranges. Their eyes radiate warmth, and their forms exude a sense of tranquility and grace. They often seek out hosts for the purpose of healing and protection, aiming to create a mutually beneficial relationship where both parties thrive. Symbiotes prioritize cooperation and empathy, believing that their existence is enhanced when they support and protect their hosts. Life Empowerment: You can use the hit dice of your host to heal yourself and your host. On your turn as a bonus action, you can expend one of your host's hit dice to heal both you and your host for an amount equal to the result rolled on the hit die plus yours or your hosts constitution modifier (Whichever is higher). Symbiosis Protection: You can cast the Death Ward spell on your host once per long rest without expending a spell slot. The spell protects your host from certain death; if your host would drop to 0 hit points due to taking damage, they drop to 1 hit point instead. If you should separate your connection from your host, the spell instantly ends. |
Locations; The Astral Plane
Ability Score Options;
- Cha +3
- Any +1; Any +2
- Any +1; Any +1; Any +1
Lifespan
Kisei-kai share the same lifespan as their host. If they do not have a host, they have a natural lifespan of only 1 month.
Average Height
Between 1 and 3 ft tall
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