The Lightborn

Courageous. Bold. Selfless. The Lightborn are not heroes made by circumstance, but the small few gifted with heroism from birth. They are stalwart protectors, able to stand against the darkness as a glowing beacon of light and inspiring those around them to fight against the more terrible of foes.

Lightborn are a rare miracle but their kind hearts are easily abused or manipulated by those with dark intentions. Even without the influence of wicked outsiders, a Lightborn’s dedication to do good can spur them to furious anger, arrogance or fanaticism that can lead them to ignore the wider consequences of their actions.

Unlike the Aasimar a Lightborn is not tied to a Celestial plane, a specific deity or Celestial being, though many do choose to become Clerics or Paladins. A Lightborn is simply a manifestation of heroism, their powers stem from their natural leadership & confidence.

At their best, Lightborn are legendary heroes who can rally the downtrodden and give hope to the hopeless. At their worst, Lightborn are devoted and self-righteous zealots who might take drastic steps for the “greater good” or to protect the innocent.

Beacons of Light

Lightborn are the product of Radiant Energy seeping into the mortal world from the Celestial Planes. In some Campaigns they might be tied to the realm of a particular Good Deity, such as Amauntor in the Forgotten Realms, however whilst their power may seem similar to a Cleric or Paladin, the Lightborn feels no specific inclination to serve any particular god or goddess. Their power and desire to change the world for good stems from the Radiant Energy infused into their very being.

Lightborn are naturally heroic in personality. They are selfless and courageous, the first to stand against tyrants or bullies. They encourage the best in those around them and give selflessly to those who need their aid. They have a strong love of life, finding it easy to laugh and cry, embracing even simple joys to their fullest.

Their naturally heroic traits can lead a Lightborn astray however. Many feel an incredible sense of self-worth, believing themselves destined for greatness. This can lead some Lightborn to become arrogant or stubborn, refusing to believe they are not important in the great plan of the universe. Lightborn also often feel a great responsibility for those around them, this can make them seem patronising or overly-protective, as well as leaving them with deep regret or guilt if misfortune befalls those they seek to protect.

Death has a strong significance to a Lightborn. A well lived life is one to be celebrate. This could be a glorious death in battle or a long & happy life ending in a peaceful death. But a life taken too early, through misfortune, illness, or worse, is difficult to accept. Many Lightborn will fall into a dark and long mourning for lost friends or allies, others are driven to furious vengeance.

Bold and Bright

Born to Human parents, Lightborn at first seem indistinguishable from normal children. Any human, of any background, can be a Lightborn, though most have lighter-coloured hair than the norm for their culture. Lightborn are as complex and varied as Humans in terms of appearance or identity. However, it is common for Lightborn to have exceptionally vibrant eyes, almost seeming to contain a swirl of energy.

When they reach adulthood, Lightborn begin to display more of their mystical nature as their spell-like abilities manifest. When an adult Lightborn feels a strong emotion, their hair begins to softly glow with a golden light, radiating outwards and casting a gentle light around them.

Lightborn are natural leaders, and often prove to be popular and well-liked by those who know them well. They find it easy to inspire those around them with a joke, a heartfelt speech, or a rallying battlecry. Many Lightborn find themselves in positions of local power, serving as a well-loved politician, a heroic Guard Captain, or servant to a Good-aligned Deity.

Why only Human? It is still unclear why only Human parents give birth to Lightborn, some scholars believe it is because the Human body is more susceptible to Planar magic thus allowing the slow infusion process that gives way for the Lightborn to exist. Religious leaders may claim it is because Humanity has a closer connection to the Celestial Planes or homes of linked Deities, whilst local sages or folklore experts simply believe it is because “Humanity needs an extra helping hand to set it on the right path now and then”.

There have not been any reported cases of Lightborn from other races so far, which is not to say that none have existed but that any such individual would be very rare..

If you wish to play a Lightborn from a different race, speak with your DM to discuss how they fit into the world and any necessary racial adjustments that would be required.

Trusting and Zealous

Whilst Lightborn showcase wholesome and heroic traits, they often fall prey to those with malicious intents or their own driving desire to protect.

As Lightborn are driven by a desire to do good, they often find their help is misused or abused. Whilst a Lightborn may not be foolish enough to fall for every charlatan or enemy appealing to their good nature, they find it hard not to see the best in people and give them a chance to change their ways.