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Although dozens of choices are available to the community, many inventive individuals have expanded this list offering endless possibilities. Everything, from homebrewed variants to races and subraces, is available to those seeking to make a distinct character. However, some creations exceed all others for their inventiveness, effectiveness, and roleplaying capabilities.
Updated December 4, 2021 by Christopher Julian Anaya: DnD homebrew races open up a whole new world of possibilities for players, and they highlight the community’s ability to expand upon this universe to create fantastic creations that feel consistent with the official material. There are plenty of great homebrew races that people can incorporate into their sessions, so much so, that this article has been expanded to highlight a few more notable options. These inventions are unique, complementary to the standard races, and a whole lot of fun to utilize.
12 Abomination
Size: Medium Alignment: Any, Evil Ability Score Bonus: Strength +1, Dexterity +1, Intelligence +1 Racial Traits: Shapechanger, Unholy Sight, Apex Predator, Eldritch Blood, Unnatural Movement Languages: Common, Any language of your choice Suitable Classes: Barbarian, Fighter, Ranger
Every race bears a weakness or flaw that adds depth to their character, however, Abominations are entirely imperfect. Once a simple humanoid, they are the product of an evil wizard’s desire to create the ultimate servant. By infusing a mortal being with desirable features such as that of a dragon, lycanthrope, etc. they can create a harrowing and deadly minion. The horrid experiment that brought an Abomination into being, grants it great power yet much hate.
The components used in its creation grant a variety of powerful abilities and traits. These characteristics, however, make an Abomination’s true form a terrifying and irredeemable sight. If players want to become a conflicted or downright malevolent monster, this is race is the best choice.
11 Aarakocra Penguin
Size: Medium Alignment: Any, Good Ability Score Bonus: Dexterity +2, Wisdom +1 Racial Traits: Icy Resilience, Waddles, Aquatic Languages: Common, Aarakocra, Aquan Suitable Classes: Monk, Ranger, Rogue
The Aarakocra are a bird-like race resembling avians like eagles, vultures, and - with this homebrew creation - penguins. Unlike other members of their race, Aarakocra Penguins reside in both frigid tundras and oceans. While many would suffer under these conditions, these Aarakocra not only live comfortably but prosper as well.
Aarakocra Penguins have adapted to their harsh and unforgiving environment granting them unique traits. Although they cannot fly, they are excellent swimmers capable of traveling fifty feet each turn. Additionally, Aarakocra Penguin’s time in the tundra has granted them incredible resistance against the cold. Those looking to play a versatile and fun variant of the Aarakocra should take this race.
10 Animated Armor
Size: Medium Alignment: Any. Ability Score Bonus: Constitution +1 Racial Traits: Antimagic Susceptibility, Blindsight, Construct, False Appearance, Mendable, Soul Transfer Languages: Common, Any language of your choice Subraces: Heavy Armor, Medium Armor, Light Armor Suitable Classes: Barbarian, Fighter, Rogue
Armor is an invaluable asset to nearly any adventurer, however, some sets can undergo journeys alone. Animated Armors are living individualistic sets of armor given life by magic. Typically, they carry out a specific task given to them, yet they will forgo their duties to carry on pressing matters, such as a world-saving adventure.
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Although Animated Armor possesses significant strengths it has equally as impactful weaknesses. It does not require necessities i.e., food or water, and gains traits depending on its armor type. Since Animated Armor relies on magic, however, dispelling its armor will render it useless. Players wanting a roleplaying challenge should try and bring life to this - literally and figuratively - empty being.
9 Mousefolk
Size: Small Alignment: Neutral, Good Ability Score Bonus: Dexterity +2 Racial Traits: Keen Senses, Mousefolk Weapon Training, Nimble Dodge Languages: Common, Squeak Speak Subraces: Meadowguard, Softpaw Suitable Classes: Monk, Ranger, Rogue
There are many animalistic humanoids in the Material Plane, however, none are quite like the homebrewed Mousefolk. While they are seemingly unimpressive, Mousefolks are an immensely proud and virtuous race. Their stalwart moral code and distinct characteristics shape them to become masterful warriors or knowledgeable scholars.
The Mousefolk are naturally dextrous and perceptive, although their backgrounds dictate their specialty. Meadowguard’s are formidable fighters with a deep connection to nature and its creatures. Softpaw’s, however, are studious intellectuals with mastery over tools or instruments. Those seeking to be small yet proficient adventurers should become Mousefolk.
8 Elf-Orc
Size: Medium Alignment: Chaotic, Good/Evil Ability Score Bonus: Strength +1, Dexterity +1, Constitution +1 Racial Traits: Darkvision, Elven Gift, Fey Ancestry, Aggression, Erratic Dodge, Languages: Common, Elvish, Orc Suitable Classes: Barbarian, Fighter, Ranger
Half-breeds are typically the product of a human player and another humanoid, however, combinations like Elf-Orcs are possible. These rare hybrids are the product of a taboo relationship that both races look down upon. This causes a great deal of internal conflict in Elf-Orcs and regardless of their efforts they may never truly find closure.
Elf-Orcs hold the strengths of each race making them an unpredictable and deadly adversary. Their elven blood grants them magical power - depending on the subrace - and dexterous movements. However, their orcish blood makes them durable and aggressive in their assaults. If players want to become an immensely conflicted half-breed, the Elf-Orc is their best choice.
7 Dryad
Size: Medium Alignment: Lawful or Chaotic, Neutral Ability Score Bonus: Charisma +2, Wisdom +1 Racial Traits: Darkvision, Speak With Beasts And Plants, Fey Blessing, Woodland Magic, Forest Step, Treebound Armor Languages: Common, Elvish, Sylvan Suitable Classes: Cleric, Druid, Warlock
Fey are among D&D’s most mystical creatures and the opportunity to play one is a magical experience. Of the numerous fey races, none spark as much wonder as the homebrewed Dryad. Born from a tree by a powerful fey, Dryads are the guardians of the forest and its inhabitants, yet they may leave their position to carry out a higher purpose.
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Being a fey and woodland protector grants it a unique bond with nature unlike any other. A Dryad’s ties allow it to control the environment around it chiefly to defend itself or others. In addition, they may commune with both plants and animals to gather information. Players looking for a deeper and more potent connection to nature should take on the Dryad.
6 Aab’Shagua
Size: Medium Alignment: Any Ability Score Bonus: Intelligence +2, Any ability of your choice +1 Racial Traits: Highsight, Strangers To Nowhere, Arcane Appraisal Languages: Primordial, Any three languages of your choice Suitable Classes: Fighter, Rogue, Wizard
Aab’Shagua is a peculiar race of humanoids native to the Ethereal Plane. They are nomadic peoples that travel throughout the Ethereal Plane, using it to visit the expanses of their respective universe. As such, the Aab’Shagua hold a greater understanding of the planes. They collect various wares and trinkets during their travels as well. Thus, making Aab’Shagua impressive merchants with goods valued throughout the universe.
The Aab’Shagua’s lives are full of excitement and peril. So much so that an adventurer’s lifestyle is considered tame. Regardless, Aab’Shagua makes for exceptional and legendary adventurers. Their superior sight and knowledge of obscure lore are beneficial in most quests. Overall, the Aab’Shagua race is perfect for players wishing to play an otherworldly being.
5 Demigod
Size: Medium Alignment: Lawful, Good Ability Score Bonus: Constitution +1 Racial Traits: Parent’s Assistance Languages: Common, Any language of your choice Subraces: Child of Apollo, Child of Ares, Child of Artemis, Child of Athena, Child of Demeter, Child of Dionysus, Child of Hades, Child of Hephaestus, Child of Hermes, Child of Poseidon, Child of Zeus Suitable Classes: Any
Throughout history there are many tales of mortals with divine powers, however, these Demigods do not exist in D&D. They are like any other half-breed, although, they receive more admiration than they do disdain. Demigod’s direct connection to divinity garners them fame and recognition, which can be rewarding yet dangerous.
Their abilities and traits depend greatly on the concentration of their divine parent. For instance, being the offspring of the god of war will grant a Demigod incredible fighting prowess. Regardless of their godly parent, they will always possess a fortitude, unlike that of any mere mortal. Players looking for a divine connection unlike any other should pick the Demigod.
4 Succubus
Size: Medium Alignment: Any, Evil Ability Score Bonus: Dexterity +1, Charisma +1 Racial Traits: Charm, Darkvision, Fiendish Nature, Shapechanger, Silver Tongue, Small Wings Languages: Common, Abyssal/Infernal Suitable Classes: Bard, Rogue, Warlock
Succubi are fiends that reside throughout the Lower Planes, chiefly the Nine Hells and the Abyss. These infernal beings live only to tempt mortals and lead them towards a path of evil. Although Succubi typically act under higher beings as seducers, they may forgo this role entirely to carry out personal goals or missions.
Their fiendish and lustful nature grants them many powers meant to fulfill their position as tempters. Succubi may shapeshift to conceal their true appearance or become alluring to a particular individual. Moreover, they bear an innate ability to sway others towards acts they would not normally do. Those seeking an infernal background with an interesting twist should try out the Succubus.
3 Aaefling
Size: Medium Alignment: Any Ability Score Bonus: Charisma +2, Constitution +1 Racial Traits: Darkvision, Resistance To Hellish And Celestial Energy, Hand Of Health, Hand Of Fire Languages: Common, Celestial/Infernal Suitable Classes: Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock
Aeflings are a seemingly impossible creation, bearing both Celestial and Infernal blood. The birth of these supernatural hybrids is exceptionally uncommon and taboo. As with most half-bloods, Aeflings endure hate from Celestials and Infernals alike. Their unique blood garners them unusual abilities beyond that of most mortals. As such, Aeflings are among the most dangerous creatures one could face.
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Typically, Aeflings keep to themselves, although a few admirable exceptions become adventurers. Those that follow this path are likely to become noteworthy heroes/villains. The duality of an Aefling’s bloodline is astoundingly useful in combat and when researching the occult. The Aefling race is a compelling choice for players looking to play something similar to Half-Elves.
2 Awakened Skeleton
Size: Medium Alignment: Lawful, Any Ability Score Bonus: Constitution +2 Racial Traits: Darkvision, Organless, Dead Resemblance, Undead Nature, Free Willed Languages: Common Subraces: Arcane Soul, Armored Soul, Shadow Soul Suitable Classes: Barbarian, Rogue, Warlock
Awakened Skeletons are undead servants made conscious through supernatural means, typically magic. Regardless of how it came into being, an Awakened Skeleton is always a remarkable creation. They renounce their servitude and pave their path, despite having no experience with individuality. So, Awakened Skeletons are among the most ambiguous creatures imaginable.
Awakened Skeletons take advantage of their newfound freedom by adventuring. Doing so allows them to act unhindered and discover who they are – or who they will be. Awakened Skeleton’s skillset depends on what their master intended them to be. They can be hearty warriors, knowledgeable mages, or masters of espionage. Players looking for a unique and adaptable race should look towards Awakened Skeletons.
1 Arachne
Size: Medium/Small
Alignment: True Neutral
Ability Score Bonus: Dexterity +1
Racial Traits: Darkvision, Claws, Spider Build, Hybrid Nature, Web Sense
Languages: Common, Undercommon
Subraces: Araneichne, Latrodachne, Lycachne, Saltichne, Sicarachne, Solifachne, Therachne
Suitable Classes: Any
Arachne is a race of humanoid spider hybrids similar to Centaurs. Despite their monstrous appearance, the Arachne are hospitable and accepting of others. Even so, other races view them with great disdain and even disgust. The contempt the Arachne endure inspires them to alter the perceptions of others, whether through gracious or heroic acts.
In their plight for commendation, an Arachne may take on the role of a righteous adventurer. Such a lifestyle is suitable for them, as they possess many beneficial skills. Moreover, the Arachne are versatile, making for imposing soldiers, studious magic-users, and cunning assassins. The vast number of subrace options allow for numerous builds. The Arachne race is an excellent choice for all players, especially those seeking to overcome.
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