Base Arcosian (3.5e Race)
Arcosian[edit]
Personality[edit]
Base Arcosians are driven, motivated, and more focused on self-improvement than other forms of their kind. Unlike their Mutant or more advanced Variants, they aren't born with overwhelming power. Instead, they believe in hard work and perseverance, often dedicating themselves to intense training in order to grow stronger. They're not inherently evil, though they can be ruthless when needed.
They're more inclined to form alliances than their more aggressive counterparts, Though they lack the natural abilities of Any Other Arcosian Variant, they make up for it with determination.
Physical Description[edit]

By [1] |
Arcosians are a striking and unique species with a variety of physical features that set them apart. Their appearance is shaped by a combination of genetic traits and the powers they’ve honed through training, but one of the most noticeable features is the crystal-like protrusion on their foreheads. These crystals can come in any color, from deep reds to blues, purples, or even pure white, depending on the individual. While these crystals are common to all Arcosians, their size, shape, and color are highly customizable, varying greatly from one Arcosian to another. Some even lack them entirely, though that is quite rare and often seen as a mark of lesser potential.
Arcosians also have long, reptilian tails, a defining feature that sets them apart from many other humanoid races. The tail is often used for balance, and while it may seem like a simple appendage, it’s also part of their exoskeleton, which provides a form of natural armor. The scales covering their bodies can be any color from white, gray, and purple to pink, with some Arcosians even exhibiting completely unique hues that reflect their individual power or family heritage. The exoskeleton and natural armor often appear in a color contrasting their scales always unique to the individual. The armor provides them a degree of protection.
Their eyes are just as diverse as their scales, with shades of black, white, blue, crimson, or even purple being common, but their appearance isn’t limited to just these colors.
In terms of size, Arcosians tend to be medium-height humanoids. They usually stand between 5 to 7 feet tall (In Base Not Suppressed), with a lean but muscular build that highlights their physical prowess. This variation in height often depends on their lineage or specific training. Weights are typically in the range of 150 to 250 pounds (again In Base Not Suppressed), though it can vary based on their muscle density and natural build. Though not particularly bulky, their powerful physique is made up of muscle and armor-like exoskeletons, which provide durability without the need for excessive weight.
Arcosians, like all members of their kind, have four base forms that they can shift between as needed. These forms function as a kind of natural inhibitor that suppresses their power. While the forms may look slightly different depending on the Arcosian’s traits and evolutionary path, each form has a similar purpose—allowing the Arcosian to control their strength. For example, King Cold’s final form(Base form) looks very similar to Frieza’s second form, and vice versa. These changes, however, aren’t always aesthetic but are rather based on the power and energy the Arcosian is channeling.
Ultimately, an Arcosian's appearance is deeply tied to their genetic roots, or at least what the DM allows.
Relations[edit]
Base Arcosians are a rare but generally well-regarded race, often able to form alliances with a variety of other species. Unlike their more aggressive mutant or advanced variants they are not inherently hostile.
Alignment[edit]
Arcosians typically lean toward a neutral alignment. They are driven by personal goals and self-improvement, rarely choosing a side between good or evil. While not overly chaotic or lawful, they act based on their own principles, which often fall somewhere in between, depending on their individual circumstances and goals.
Lands[edit]
Arcosians are most comfortable in cold or temperate environments, where they thrive in lower temperatures. They are highly resistant to heat and immune to cold, but despite their resistance, they prefer cooler climates. Extremely hot areas make them uneasy, though they can survive them if necessary. Their ideal habitat is somewhere between chilly and warm, where they can be at ease without the extremes of either.
Religion[edit]
Arcosians typically don’t follow any particular religion, as they are generally neutral or self-centered in their beliefs. They have a strong sense of self and often place their trust in their own abilities or those of their closest allies. While some may occasionally pay homage to higher powers, their focus is primarily on personal growth and achievement rather than devotion to a deity or pantheon.
Language[edit]
Arcosians typically speak Arcosian and Common. They rarely learn additional languages unless there's something to gain—like earning an ally or securing a deal. Even then, they’d much rather others learn their language than bother learning someone else’s.
Names[edit]
Arcosian names are usually cold-themed. Names like Frost, Ice, Chilled, Cooler, orFreezer are pretty common. Either the parents pick a name early on, or the individual chooses one for themselves later.they don’t put much weight into names; it’s just a label. What matters more to them is strength And Legacy.
Racial Traits[edit]
- Ability Score Bonuses, +2 to Con +1 To Dex
- Arcosian base land speed is 30 feet: flight speed is 60 feet:
- Automatic Languages: Common,Arcosian Bonus Languages: Any 2 Languages there Around Often.
- Favored Class:
Arcosian Ki System (Ex)[edit]
Base Arcosians have a unique system for managing their Ki Points, reflecting their lower natural potential compared to other Arcosian variants.
""Ki Points Calculation"" Base Arcosians receive a number of Ki Points equal to half of their Constitution score (rounded down), plus their effective character level. For example, a Base Arcosian with a Constitution score of 20 would have 10 Ki Points (half of 20), plus their effective character level. So, at level 5, this Arcosian would have 15 Ki Points (10 from Constitution and 5 from character level). Mutants and evolved Arcosians receive more Ki Points, generally 2x their Constitution modifier, making them much more formidable in terms of Ki reserves.
""Ki Regeneration"" The only way for a Base Arcosian to regenerate Ki Points is either through suppression (from transforming into a suppressed form) or through a short rest. A short rest allows a Base Arcosian to recover all expended Ki Points, making it a critical part of their strategy in prolonged combat.
Base Arcosians lack the natural ability to regenerate Ki Points at a faster rate, which sets them apart from Mutants and evolved forms, who typically have much higher reserves and faster regeneration.
Arcosian Biology (Ex):[edit]
Arcosians possess a unique physiology adapted to extreme environments and intense combat.
""No Need for Air"" Arcosians can survive in a vacuum or underwater without breathing. They are immune to suffocation and any effects related to air deprivation.
""Cold Immunity"" They are completely immune to cold-based damage and effects.
""Heat Resistance"" They gain +2 Damage Reduction against Non Magical heat-based effects, including fire, lava, and other burning sources. This resistance Does Not Stack.
""Natural Armor"" Arcosians have a Damage Reduction of 5 against non-magical and non-psionic physical damage.
""Natural Flight"" Due to their internal Ki control, Arcosians can fly at a speed of 60 feet (average maneuverability). This flight is less advanced than that of their Mutant counterparts, but still highly functional.
""Ki Aptitude"" They gain access to 2 Ki Abilities from the Base Arcosian Racial Class Cannot Be Higher Then Third Level, chosen at character creation. These represent minor techniques developed through instinct and discipline.
""Tail Attack"" Arcosians can use their tail as a natural weapon, usable at will. It deals 1d6 bludgeoning damage and can also be used to initiate a grapple. However, attacks or grapple attempts using the tail take a -3 penalty to hit.
Transformative Forms (Ex)[edit]
Base Arcosians naturally possess four transformation forms, each serving as a limiter to their true power. These forms are part of their biology and can be shifted between freely during combat.
How Form Size/Weight Work[edit]
You Must Chose the Size and or Weight of all your forms including your base form at character Creation and or How They Look also at Character Creation
First Form[edit]
The most suppressed state. Must be "Small" or "Medium" in size. While in this form, the Arcosian suffers a ""-4 penalty to Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution"", and loses all benefits of their ""natural armor or damage reduction"". However, they ""regenerate 5 Ki Points per turn"".
Second Form[edit]
Slightly less restricted. May be ""Small, Medium, or Large"" in size. In this form, the Arcosian takes a ""-3 penalty to Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution"", and their ""natural armor/damage reduction is halved"". They ""regenerate 3 Ki Points per turn"".
Third Form[edit]
A near-final unleashing. May also be ""Small, Medium, or Large"" in size. The Arcosian suffers a ""-2 penalty to Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution"", ""retains full natural armor/damage reduction"", and ""regenerates 1 Ki Point per turn"".
Final Form[edit]
(Also known as their Base Form) This is their true state. It has no stat penalties, no regeneration of Ki per turn, and no restrictions on size or damage reduction.
Transformation Rules:[edit]
- ""Switching between adjacent forms (e.g., 1st to 2nd, or 2nd to 3rd)"" takes 1 Free Action.
- ""Jumping more than one form at a time (e.g., 1st to Final Form)"" takes 1 Full Round Action.
Vital Statistics[edit]
Adulthood | Simple | Moderate | Complex |
---|---|---|---|
15 years | +1d4 | +1d6 | +2d6 |
Middle Age1 | Old2 | Venerable3 | Maximum Age | |
---|---|---|---|---|
100 years | 500 years | 750 years | +1000 years | |
Gender | Base Height | Height Modifier | Base Weight | Weight Modifier |
---|---|---|---|---|
Male | 5,6,or 7 Foot’ 2 Inches” | +2d6 | 140 lb. | × (4d6) lb. |
Female | 5,6, or 7 Foot’ 2 Inches” | +2d6 | 140 lb. | × (4d6) lb. |
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