Undead Origin

Origins vs. Backgrounds

The origin described below applies to characters in modern, super-heroic settings.

Deviants are the result of a variety of different events. While the Rise is responsible for bringing deviants to the forefront, there are a multitude of other reasons why people gained these powers.

This takes on the form of The Rise speeding up evolution in some, changing and mutating a creature on a molecular level, or supercharging someone during an accident that would otherwise be a mundane issue. Because of this, they come from a multitude of different origins. Some may gain the powers from being bitten by a radioactive insect, their keen intellect and wealth may allow them to create powerful suits of armor, or they are the result of laboratory experiments to create the ultimate soldier. The origins of heroes are nearly endless. Thus, it makes for an opportunity to build on your character’s story and powers.

It’s important to note that while the origin of your character’s powers grants them extraordinary gifts, it’s not the only thing that defines them.

Undead

Death is an ever-present threat that looms over all mortal creatures. Fortunately for some, it is only the beginning. The events of “The Rise” have not only impacted much of the living, but seemingly also the dead. The undead are those whom “The Rise” has chosen to awaken from the eternal sleep of death to walk amongst the living once again. Often considered to be cursed, these individuals live in a state of suspended decay, with their bodies perpetually frozen in the same condition from the moment they were reanimated. Though their flesh may be cold, grey, or non-existent, they are quite active and rather resilient. Scientists have only begun to research this phenomenon, though from a safe distance. They have still yet to make any conclusions concerning the reanimation, and that’s to say nothing of theorizing how those undead skeletons are able to move without any corresponding muscles.

Undead Traits

While the undead aren’t the most attractive group to grace the eyes, they certainly are one of the most resilient. With undeath comes a unique fortitude against returning to the grave once more. This isn’t their first rodeo, and their experience alone is often a force to be reckoned with. Though they retain the memories of their past, they are emotionally disconnected and distant from them, almost as if they were disassociated dreams rather than memories. The undeads’ tough bodies and disconnected emotions make them dangerous and powerfully capable threats to those stoking their ire. Additionally, their cold veins ensure that poisons and diseases are unable to harm them in any significant way. Whatever effect of “The Rise” that revivified the undead must still somehow be maintaining them, as their bodies have no inherent need for sustenance or even air.

Regardless of the decomposing state of their eyes, the undead have an innate connection to the dark depths of the grave, inherently revealing to them that which is obscured by darkness.

Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increase by 2, and one other ability score of your choice increases by 1.

Size. Medium.

Speed. 30 feet.

Languages. Common

Darkvision. You perceive the world differently than humans. You can see in dim light within 60 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.

Undead Fortitude. Your body has returned to the living after death. This feature makes you extraordinarily resilient, represented by the following benefits:

• 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.
• You have advantage on saving throws against being poisoned and you are immune to disease.
• You don’t need to eat, drink, or breathe.
• While you don’t need sleep, you must spend at least six hours in an inactive state reliving your memories. In this state, you are unconscious.