Varcolac D&D 5e Race

Varcolacs, the Waking of the Wicked:

Both blessed and cursed are those who become Varcolacs. Beings taking on a shape not too dissimilar to a werewolf. However, these wolf-like beasts maintain their humanoid intelligence and even morals. They wear armor and carry weapons, unlike their werewolf counterparts though are not as innately powerful nor do they have an aversion to silver. They also cannot spread their affliction as Varcolacs only become so from the act of godly beings.

Many Varcolocs believe that their monstrous form is actually a blessing in disguise or a curse to instill penitence and thus become religious, often serving as Clerics and Paladins to gods that reward their instinctual savagery and zealous fervor. Coincidentally, most times the god they choose to serve are the ones that gave them their blessed damnation.

Some Varcolacs will create religious orders and creeds that function as bestial crusaders. The last thing many would want to be are the targets of such crusades.

“The Dark. The Saints of Blood and Night. They heed the call when the moon shines Red. Blessed and Possessed. They are Sacred and Wild…” — Atilla Dorn, Scribe to the Ballad of the Army of the Night

AGE:

Once one becomes a Varcolac, their aging slows to a crawl. As a result they can live up to 500 years of age.

ALIGNMENTS:

Just because Varcolacs are typically religious does not make them “good” or even necessarily Lawful. They usually fall into Chaotic alignments, but can swing in either direction of morality.

SIZE:

Varcolacs average around 6 feet to 7 feet and weigh from 275 pounds to 325 pounds. They are considered Medium sized.

SPEED:

Varcolacs have a base speed of 40 feet.

DARKVISION:

Due to their form, as a beast of the night, Varcolacs see in dim light as bright light, and in darkness as dim light within 60 feet.

REVEL IN RED:

Varcolacs drink blood and eat flesh as opposed to normal food.

WE ALL HAVE SINNED:

Varcolacs have resistance to being Frightened.

LANGUAGES:

All Varcolacs can innately speak and understand: Common, Infernal, and Celestial

HOLY FANGS:

Varcolacs can make a bite attack as a bonus action with their viscous fangs, dealing 1d6 +STR modifier of Piercing damage

INCENSE AND IRON:

All Varcolacs are proficient in Athletics

There are three variants of Varcolacs:

CURSED:

These are Varcolocs whose forms are punishments from on high and are most often seeking to repent for their misdeeds. Thusly they, ironically, are more cautious and tempered than the other variants. Due to their penitent nature they are better attuned to Clerical magic.

Cursed Varcolacs gain +2 STR and +1 WIS.

Cursed Varcolacs are additionally proficient in Insight.

BLESSED:

Blessed Varcolacs perceive their form as a gift and thusly use it to its fullest in battle. They thusly are more prone to violence and zealotry, though are surprisingly silver tongued.

Blessed Varcolacs gain +2 STR and +1 CHA.

Blessed Varcolacs are additionally proficient in Religion.

FORSAKEN:

A Varcolac who becomes indifferent to their plight will mainly see it as a tool and will often act as lone wolves. Their isolation makes them hardy and durable, albeit less likely to engage with the arcane.

Forsaken Varcolacs gain +2 STR and +1 CON.

Forsaken Varcolacs are additionally proficient in Survival.