Asura (5e Race)
Asura
A storied race in many senses, asura are an ancient race that are said to be lacking in the self control their human descendants have. There are many stories of their origins and motivations - who they answer to or why they do what they do - but all of them point back to the gods, and a divine purpose for their existence.
Physical Description
 |
|---|
| A sculpture of an asura |
The asura take many forms, all of them humanoid, and their most distinct feature is their six arms. The stories, and the cultures that birthed them, believed that this was due to their greater power when compared to humans - more arms, more overall strength of body or spirit. Whatever the case may be, it is evident from afar that an asura is no ordinary humanoid. There are many recorded instances of asura having three faces, or wearing three masks despite having just one face. They are often vaguely human sized, if slightly larger, and most often have hair on the short side that billows up or stands on end.
History
It is said that asura were created to be servants to the gods, and gifted power and knowledge to carry out this task. Unfortunately, their wild personalities gave rise to many wars and conflict, resulting in various splits in their race that would eventually cement them in history as "lesser creatures." Given distinctions based on which god they served, or reviled for their strange powers and disturbing figures, asura were perpetually divided and used by those more composed than they.
Most asura are long since gone, having died, been transformed into another race, or wiped from existence by an angry god. The few that remain seclude themselves in temples, some seeking to control the wild energy within and others seeking to hone it as a weapon. Ultimately, an asura will always be an incredible sight to behold.
Society
Asura society was once exactly as human society is today. Over the ages, however, after constant upheaval, they now sequester themselves away to be among one another. Mountain and desert temples are their homes, and they live among other asura just as prone to outburst as they. In an environment where they can be understood, and avoid being used, they thrive in seclusion from the rest of the world.
Asura Names
Asura use names based on Hindu tradition, and their system of writing is said to have birthed Sanskrit.
Male: Shukra, Vritra, Sambara, Madhu, Kaitabha
Female: Holika, Durga, Simhika, Diti, Mandodari
Asura Traits
Multi-armed demi-gods prone to wild emotions
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 2, and your Dexterity score increases by 1.
Age. Asura lifespan is mostly a mystery, but it can be assumed that they mature at the same rate as humans and live much longer.
Alignment. An asura is almost always chaotic.
Size. Asura tend to be slightly taller than humans with more powerful builds. You range from 5 to 7 feet tall. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Six Arms. You have a total of six arms granting you several benefits. You have a climbing speed equal to your walking speed and armor must be tailored to fit you due to your unique frame. Due to the proximity of your arms, you cannot wield more than two weapons at a time that do not have the light property.
Ceramic Skin. While unarmored, your Armor Class is equal to 13 + your Dexterity modifier.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice.
Subrace. Your subrace is determined by your sex, and is detailed below.
Asura
Male asura are depicted as warriors both fearsome and vicious. Rarely do they reign themselves in and show their wisdom.
Undying Rage. When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can drop to 1 hit point instead. You can’t use this feature again until you finish a long rest.
Asuri
Female asura are more often written off as knowledgeable healers and herbalists. They are warriors, just as fearsome, but history has kept better records of their benevolent moments.
Ancestral Knowledge. You know the druidcraft cantrip.
Sculptor's Skill
Prerequisites: Asura race
When you would break, keep going. You learn to mend your ceramic skin.
- Your Constitution score increases by 1, to a maximum of 20.
- As a bonus action, you may expend a hit die to regain hit points as if you had taken a short rest. Once you do this you cannot do so again until you complete a short rest.
Random Height and Weight
| Base Height | Height Modifier* | Base Weight | Weight Modifier** |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5′ 10″ | +2d12 | 200 lb. | × (2d6) lb. |
|
*Height = base height + height modifier | |||
Back to Main Page → 5e Homebrew → Races