Noxian (5e Race)

Noxians

“

One morning a young boy was scolded by his mother for his socks going missing. His explanation? Rats. He sought out to try to capture them to prove to his parents he was innocent. Upon acquiring some pastries to lure them out he waits until nightfall- He's ready to capture whatever is there and nothing will stop him otherwise. Hearing some crunching from the sweets, looking over the side of his bed to find that there are some bites taken out of the snare he left. Then he finds out he is the one who has been caught. Being found out by a dark-skinned female figure behind him, hissing at him, and then trying to restrain him. However, little does he know that this noxian is just as afraid of him as he is of her.

”

Physical Description

The Monster Under The Bed, Brandon Shane 2014

Noxians are similar in appearance to tieflings, minus the horns. They come in many colors; the most common colors are dark colors. Not to say that bright colors aren't possible however, colors like white have been seen before. Noxians are fitted out with tails, of which the ends of the tails have a shape usually outlined in a color that contrasts or compliments their skin color. Shape examples being: Diamonds, Hearts, Triangles, and Spades. The noxians often have a sort of pattern on their bodies, not exactly like a zebra pattern since it's more scarcely spread around. The two most common are lines and a form of freckles. These semi-patterns can be shown in many places; The arms, face, tails, legs, and etcetera. Their eyes are like how goblins are- Slits for pupils, a small iris surrounding the pupil, and the sclera being a lighter color than the iris. Their ears are a weird hybrid between how an Elf's ears look and a bat's wings. The main supporting backbone of the cartilage being at the tops of the ears, while the soft skin underneath is that same contrasting skin like on their tails. Their fingers and toes are claw-like, being curved and having a sharp point at the end.

History

From the dawn of sentient races, noxians have existed. They are the monsters that children fear are hiding under their beds at night. They wait till night to frighten their prey. However, instead of killing like savages- they frighten the creatures that sleep at night. There have been little to no sightings of noxians, they are one of the most elusive night-crawlers unknown to man, or when seen just cast off as some sort of demon.

“But where did they come from?” Nobody really knows, however, due to having their own plane of existence sister to the Material Plane there are a few ideas that can spring about. For example, one could think that maybe the gods created them as equals to humans or other races of the Material Plane.

Their plane is known as Nox, hence how these monsters got their name- Their land is a labyrinth of sorts, though there is a method to the madness. It's much like how a beehive or ant colony would work, but on a much vaster and wider scale. The Axis or Axes are what is known as the large amounts of tunnels linking the various areas of Nox together- Much like the dwarves or the kobolds. There is only one way to get into and out of Nox.

A singular diamond-shaped silver clasp that can be attached to clothing. The Aegis a noxian piece of technology that acts as a gateway between The Material Plane and Nox.. The aegises are said to enchanted with a form of magic allowing said teleportation between the two planes. Each aegis is different, depending on what Faction you are in, you're able to teleport to and from an out-of-the-way location. This location is usually obscured and has a lack of light underneath or inside, such as; The underside of a bed, from within a closet, large cabinets or cubby holes, and trash disposals. Respectively these are four factions, in order from before they are known as; The Bed Bugs (All Females), The Cloth Moths (All Males), The Mice N' Maidens (All Females), and The Gnat Pack (All Males). These names came way after the factions' individual creations.

The most important thing to know about one's aegis is that it leads to a certain sector in the Axis- Once getting along the inside of Nox there is a climbable wall that leads up to that specific gateway, and going down and up is quite an easy task due to the divots in the wall allowing for easy access upward. Not to mention their claw-like fingers and toes help keep their grip a lot easier.

All the history known about Nox is shrouded in mystery for the most part, even to its own indigenous people. But that doesn't mean they don't have room to learn more. The other plane is a grand and beautiful world out there to explore.

Society

The noxian society is a confusing one, based on the actions of scaring the people of the other world. Defined by one thing, the aegis. Like mentioned before the aegis is a piece of noxian technology- It defines how many frights a noxian has caused, of course along with being the portal between their Nox and The Material Plane. The numerical value of Frights can affect how people are placed in society in relation to the highest-ranking officials.

During the ages of 10-13, you're able to be put into a faction. While technically you don't have to work for a faction, you still must go through the process of getting into one at said age, and after "leaving" said faction you still must answer to the leader of that specific faction. There are businesses you can work at in Nox depending on what you wish to do. There are plenty of businesses like the ones in the other world, so don't be scared if you want to go into another field. They mostly use barter for these businesses, but money from the Material Plane is commonly used as their own currency.

Depending on your gender you either answer to The High Mothers (For Female) or The High Fathers (For Male). There is usually a singular Mother or Father, however, it is noted that there is the potential to be more than one at one time, if very rarely. They act as a sort of monarch to the various factions. The Mothers and Fathers are not married like their titles imply to some people. They're separate entities who occasionally work together. They act as a powerhouse that can strike fear into any other noxian based upon the whim of their tongues. While this is quite unknown to most, they do possess magic and can use that to note their high power and status. In fact, this leads to the next position of power-

Their second in command is the First Reaver. The First Reaver is basically like the heir to the metaphorical noxian throne. They're chosen by the numerical value of scares, once reaching a certain capacity, The Mother/Father can choose if they're suited for the job. Again- there can be more than one First Reaver however, I suppose we'll have to call number two and three the Second and Third Reavers. These ladies and gentlemen are trained, like the many before them, how to wield and use the magic the Mothers and Fathers use. Despite not having any actual power over the other noxians, the First Reavers have quite a powerful presence. They're the ones the lower classes envy the most.

The Umbra Travelers are a select group of Noxian's selected by The High Mothers/Fathers to allow the travel between the two planes- The High Mothers/Fathers are able to preform this ability of travel as well, yet they use it rarely themselves. They know whenever someone exits and enters. They more specifically recognize when someone enters, due to them allowing their entrance. The aegis is able to act as a device to sort of communicate data (Vital information, identification, and other slight details about the aegis' bonded user. This means if someone were to steal an aegis they'd be shown as the noxian, but slight differences in data.) outside of Nox- It alerts The Umbra Travelers when someone needs to get back into Nox, they activating the noxian's respective portal when they're with in it's reach. They are also able to grant a brief bit of an escape plan if a noxian is in trouble. Pressing on one's aegis a certain way allows up for a brief 'teleport' away, they don't give it out too much. The reason they don't give it out too much is due to some naughty person, who shall not be named, abusing it far too often. A classic crying wolf story. To other levels in noxian society, these few are often seen as just normal citizens of Nox.

The Higher Classes in noxian society are high up there. They're about at that level to be a First Reaver, but not quite. They've gained many an experience of frightening ones from the other world. Sometimes these upperclassmen can seem rude and stuck up, although, it's mostly done to discourage and pick on the underclassmen below them. It potentially discourages them and puts them out of their running- And of course, when their High Mother/Father comes around they're just a pristine little angel. Yet, their superiors know all. The higher-class status doesn't truly mean anything, it's mainly to separate the more successful from the less. What most of them don't know is that their title can get decked out if their Mother or Father wished.

The Lower Classes in noxian society are highly determined their worth by what they can do, the number of frights they've gained, and their personality. Let's be honest, if you're always visibly angry that'll show to people that you're not a person to be around. But, with the number of frights one of these members of the Lower Class can exponentially rise. Leading them to be a potential First Reaver, or if not that, a member of the Higher Class. The lower classes seem to be favorites of the High Mothers and Fathers. They just love watching little noxians grow into something special and unique! Sometimes they even make up little nicknames for their little babies. But, going back on track- These noxians have practically no power, however, they do have one thing. A new mind. The lowest class is usually the youngest, so their minds are open to learning.

Noxian Names

Most names that noxians have, are elegant sounding or based upon dark subject matter, and things related to the night. Although, human names can be commonplace among noxians as well. Some names also may have roots from other languages, Latin being most common.

Male: Mortis, Pax, Terminus, Mortem, Tenebris, Obscuris

Female: Shadow, Midnight, Nightmare, Moonlight, Gloom, Dusk

Noxian Traits

Monsters of the Night that scare and cause fright. Ooga Booga!
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 2, and your Dexterity score increases by 1.
Age. Noxians live around the same lifespan as humans and mature at age 18.
Alignment. Noxians mostly dwell on the extremes of chaos and law.
Size. Noxians much like humans, vary widely in height and build, from barely 5 feet to well over 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Superior Darkvision. You can see in dim light within 120 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.
Fearmonger. As an action, you can attempt to instil fear in a creature you can see within 30 feet. The target must make a Wisdom saving throw. The DC is 8 + your Charisma modifier + your proficiency bonus. On a failed save, the target is frightened of you until the end of its next turn. You must finish a short or long rest before you can use this feature again. This trait does not work on undead or constructs.
Noxian Sensitivity. As an action, you can press your tail against a solid surface such as a wall or the ground. Until the end of your next turn, you have tremorsense to a distance of 30 feet and advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks to sense vibrations in the area. You may do this once per long rest.
Aegis. As a bonus action, you can magically teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space of dim light or darkness you can see. Once you use this trait, you can't do so again until you finish a long rest. Alternatively, a noxian can use this trait to travel between The Material Plane and Nox, provided the Umbra Travelers allow it.
Noxian Scent. Noxians have an acute sense of smell that grants them advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell. Additionally, noxians don't have scents of their own, unless given one by outside means.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Undercommon.

Random Height and Weight

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
4′ 8″	+2d10	110 lb.	× (2d4) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

Suggested Characteristics

When creating a noxian character, you can use the following table of traits, ideals, bonds and flaws to help flesh out your character. Use these tables in addition to or in place of your background's characteristics.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I wish to know more about the planes adjacent to this one, there is always more to learn and understand about our interwoven worlds.
2	I'm a silent stalker, I'll learn my victim's every move and then strike fear into their heart.
3	I enjoy following the rules that The High Mother/Father sets in place for us. I wish to honor said rules to the fullest to prove my worth.
4	I will believe that, sometimes, the strictest of rules are meant to be broken.
5	Flattery is enjoyable to use on other people. It's simple and gets me what I want.
6	Getting reactions from others is what I do best. I like having fun with people!
7	I love helping others grow, to not only benefit them, but also myself.
8	I enjoy the little things in my life, going outside is nice every once in a while.

d6	Ideal
1	Power. I want, and I'm going to be The First Reaver. I'll be second only to The High Mother/Father. That. Is. Final. (Evil)
2	Compassion The people of the other world can be bad- but I feel that everyone has a little good in them, somewhere. Maybe I can bring it out of them? (Good)
3	Dedication I was told once by The High Mother/Father, “You can achieve great things, I believe in you.” I want to live up to their expectations. (Any)
4	Acceptance Just because someone does a certain thing, acts a certain way, or does something different, doesn't mean they should instantly be treated differently. (Neutral)
5	Balance One day, I hope the creatures of the other plane can live peacefully with us. Just maybe... things will feel more complete then. (Good)
6	Genuinity Putting on a mask is not something I want to be known for. What you see is what you get. (Neutral)

d6	Bond
1	I wish to protect the people of my plane and the other planes like this one. Even strangers deserve hospitality.
2	I love the people of the other plane. I could see myself falling in love with someone up there.
3	I someday hope to be a leader of some kind. It'd make me feel dependable to my people.
4	I would risk anything and everything, to achieve my true goals.
5	The High Mother/Father taught me everything I know. I owe them everything.
6	I'm afraid of hurting the ones I love with my actions. I don't want to see them hurt or burdened by me.

d6	Flaw
1	I think too highly of myself. The pride I have in my work is my solace.
2	I have sticky fingers- I like stealing things from the ones of the other world. Sometimes while they're awake too, just for the thrill!
3	My impulses take control of me sometimes. I might do something irrational if I don't sate my lust.
4	If I seem lost in thought, I'm really not. Just trying to think of a reason to try harder today.
5	I've isolated myself for far too long. I know little about people and the world around me.
6	I degrade myself too often. Other's that have the slightest skills are definitely more suited for the job than I.

---

Back to Main Page → 5e Homebrew → Races