Rephaim

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Bible5e custom species. Its special traits and setting lore are retained.

The Rephaim are an enigmatic race of extra-planar beings. Their appearances are scattered throughout the Bible, and their descriptions tend to be mysterious and inconsistent. The prophet Isaiah describes them as guardians of Sheol, yet they also appear to periodically show up on earth as though they can move back and forth between the Sheol and the world of the living.

Similar to the realm of Sheol itself, the Rephaim also seem to lack any clear alignment. They are neither creatures of pure good nor purely devoted to evil. Naturally suited to be hunters of the undead, these neutral beings stand in the gateway between life and death, ensuring that no shades escape back into the physical world.

Shades of Gray

These "six-fingered" beings are often described as being frightening in appearance. Overall, their appearance tends to resemble that of regular humans, but with a barely visible aura of darkness that hints at their otherworldly origin. Rephaim are accustomed to the darkness of the underworld, and possess preternaturally fast reflexes and superior darkvision.

This physical prowess is used for evil as often as it is used for good. Rephaim are just as likely to be remembered as evil warlords and assassins as they are noble protectors of the realm of the dead.

People of Two Realms

The Rephaim's ability to move between the realm of Sheol and the realm of the living is the reason that some translations of the Bible refer to them simply as "the Travelers." This ability comes in handy when Rephaim need to get somewhere that regular humans cannot, using their connection to the shadow world to pass through obstacles.

For a limited amount of time, a Rephaim can take the form of a shadow on the wall, slipping under locked doors or over creaky floorboards without making a sound.

Rephaim in the Bible

The Bible contains two conflicting descriptions of who the Rephaim are. Many passages seem to depict them as another race of giants that lived alongside the Anakim, while other passages describe them as ethereal guardians of Sheol. For this setting, the race is interpreted as guardians of Sheol.

Creating a Rephaim Character

Consider the history of your Rephaim. Why have they left Sheol? What do they hope to gain from venturing through the world of the living?

Rephaim Traits

Your Rephaim character has the following traits.

Creature Type. You are a Humanoid.

Ability Scores. Your background provides your ability-score increases; this species grants no additional increases.

Age. Rephaim reach adulthood at age 12 and live less than 100 years. The aging process is slowed, and sometimes paused, while a Rephaim inhabits Sheol as a guardian.

Size. Rephaim are usually about 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Superior Darkvision. You have Darkvision up to 120 feet.

Sheol Sight. You can cast the Detect Magic spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so after finishing a short or long rest. You may also cast this spell using any spell slots you have.

Guardian of Death. You are resistant to Necrotic damage.

Shade Magic. You know the Chill Touch cantrip. At 3rd level, you can cast the Walk in Shadow spell once with this trait and regain the ability after a Long Rest. At 5th level, you regain this use after a Short Rest. At 10th level, you can cast Etherealness once with this trait and regain the ability after a Long Rest. When cast with this feature, the duration of the spell is reduced to 1 turn.

Languages. You know Common and two other languages, chosen using the character-creation language rules.

Charisma, Intelligence, or Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for these spells (chosen when you take this lineage).