Soulforged, Steelborn
The steelborn soulforged, along with their mirrors the shrine guardians, are the youngest lineage of Quartus. In the wake of the Fourth Wish approximately 50 years ago, metal clockwork labor constructs across Wyrmhold started to wake up, becoming ensouled living beings made of metal, stone, and crystal. Only a tiny fraction of all constructs awaken. No one knows why this is happening, or how long they will live. Or how to cause one to awaken. Unlike most, they do not visibly change over time. Their appearance at the time of their awakening is how they will look throughout their lives unless they modify their own appearance, something many steelborn engage in. It is rare for a non-humanoid-shaped construct to awaken, and this playable lineage presumes that you are humanoid in shape (bilateral symmetry with a distinct head and torso).
The steelborn are varied, but generally human-size or larger, but much heavier. The exact look is entirely arbitrary. Some have almost humanoid features; others just a plain metal mask. How they talk and why they need rest is entirely unknown. They are much stronger (due to their labor-construct nature) than the average human and have a lightning-infused core…although their souls are their real power source.
Lineage Traits
- Ability Score Increase. +1 Strength
- Age. Undefined. No soulforged is more than 40 years old, but adulthood is not defined nor is a maximum age known.
- Size. Medium. Usually 5′6″+, 200-400 lbs
- Speed. 30ft
- Status. regional (Western Noefra). Cannot be Touched.
- Lightning Core. As a bonus action, you can cause your weapon attacks (including unarmed strikes) to deal an additional 1d4 lightning damage on hit for one minute. You can use this a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, regaining expended uses when you finish a long rest.
- Living Construct. You are immune to disease and do not require food or air. You do sleep normally, however, and are affected by poisons, including conventionally-inhaled ones. No one knows why.