Vanliorn

Owing their origins to the latent transmutation energies that swirl through the endless black of The Other, Vanliorn are pale, intelligent reptilian humanoids.
One of the Vanliorns' most shocking traits is their unbridled wickedness. Devoid of empathy, Vanliorns view all lives other than their own as a wretched mistake that should be erased, manipulated, or extorted. Shadow goblins, in particular, fear the Vanliorns, as the Vanliorns often capture and enslave them.

Vanliorn Traits

You share the following characteristics with other vanliorn.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Intelligence score increases by 1.

Alignment

Vanliorns are often selfish and cruel creatures whose only interests lie only in self-preservation and the accumulation of material wealth. As such, most lean towards evil. Still, there are some vanliorns that have broken the mold. Even then, neutral good vanliorns are almost totally unheard of.

Size

Vanliorns are smaller than humans, standing between 4 to 5 feet tall and weighing 80 to 100 lbs. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet. In addition, your hands are textured which makes climbing easier for you. You have a climbing speed of 20 feet.

Shadow Touch

Before you make a weapon attack against a creature, you can choose to imbue the weapon or ammunition with psychic energy. If the attack hits, the creature takes an additional 2d6 psychic damage. Furthermore, the target must make a Wisdom saving throw with a DC equal to 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Intelligence modifier. On a failed saving throw, the target is unable to see anything farther than 5 feet away until the start of its next turn. Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until you complete a short or long rest.

Basic Information

Growth Rate & Stages

Vanliorn mature quickly, reaching adulthood within the first 10 years of their lives. They live to be around 70, although a few rare vanliorn called shadowscales have been known to live for many hundreds of years.

Additional Information

Average Intelligence

Slightly above-average, median IQ 110.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Darkvision

As a creature from The Other, 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.

Sunlight Sensitivity

While in sunlight, you have disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.

Civilization and Culture

Major Language Groups and Dialects

You can speak, read, and write Common and Beste. Beste is the language of The Other, characterized by harmonic hums and whispers. Additionally, you can speak Kwak, a language that only you, other vanliorns, and creatures that can speak and understand all languages (such as celestials or fiends) understand. Even creatures under the effects of a comprehend languages or tongues spell cannot understand or speak Kwak. Kwak has no known written language.

Scientific Name

Bestis vanliornis

Lifespan

70 years

Average Physique

Slender, slightly taller than average humanoids

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Greyish scales