Dhampir

Torn between two worlds, Dhampir are neither alive, but neither are they truly undead either. They exist in a twilight state, their soul forever tainted by the foul stain of vampircy, but they are not true vampire’s themselves. Dhampir are the result of a vampire taking thrall of a pregnant humanoid, and are forever twisted by the vampiric energy they were exposed to in their mother’s womb. However, most Dhampir are not inherently evil like their vampiric cousins, and many may come to resent their dark heritage, though some choose to embrace these powers. Dhampir are natural daywalkers, and are not weakened by sunlight or holy magic, as vampires are. It is theorized that Dhampir still possess a soul, or at least, enough of a soul to feel true regret or sadness at what they have become and what dark deeds they may or may not do.

Dhampir are strong and hardy, their bodies alive with a small bit of undead energy that allows them a small degree of superhumanoid stamina, though they are nowhere near as resilient as a full fledged vampire. They also possess a small smattering of dark influence and innate magical ability, as well as natural weapons in the form of claws or fangs. Dhampir do not need to feed on blood, though they can gain nourishment this way, Dhampir can also eat and process food like regular humanoids. Dhampir achieve maturity normally for their race, but they are functionally immortal. They cannot die of natural causes such as old age or sickness, but are still vulnerable to death by outside causes, such as wounds from weapons or magic. Assuming Dhampir’s eat regularly, either on a diet of blood (humanoid or beast) or regular food, they can live for centuries.

Dhampir are often pale completed, but not entirely white with undeath. Some color still yet remains in their cheeks. They often undergo subtle physical changes shortly after birth, such as bizarrely colored eyes, pure white or jet black hair, and larger than average canine teeth and fingernails sharp as iron.

As you create a Dhampir character, ask yourself how your character would respond to their life as neither a denizen of the mortal or undead world? What sort of changes might the potential social ostracizing have on them? How would they react to their undead heritage? Would they embrace their powers and use them for their own benefit, or would they instead balk at their undead sire and instead become a hunter of monsters? Or perhaps they would aim to avoid contact with other humanoids, fearful of their dark secret being revealed?

Dhampir Traits

Only Dwarves, Elves, Humans, Halflings, and Gnomes can become Dhampir. Due to the various forms of magical or otherworldly origins of other races like Dragonborn, Half-Orcs, and Tieflings, Dhampir cannot be formed from their races. Your DM may choose to waive this stipulation.

Replace your subrace stats and features with the following racial features.

Credit: theDurrrrian- https://thedurrrrian.deviantart.com/art/Shattered-Vampire-545617290

Ability Score Increase

Your Constitution score increases by 1.

Superior Darkvision

As a result of the vampiric essence flowing in your blood, you have little trouble seeing in even the darkest conditions. You can see in dim light within 120 feet of you as it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in the darkness, only shades of gray.

Sunlight Sensitivity

Though you can walk in sunlight without bursting into flames, you nevertheless suffer some drawbacks from the bright light. You have disadvantage on attack rolls and Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight when you, the target of your attack, or whatever you are trying to perceive is in direct sunlight.

Relentless Endurance

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.

Innate Casting