Beta-Humans


"In a world driven by survival and ambition, the Beta thrive in the shadows, mastering manipulation and cruelty to claim what they believe is rightfully theirs."

The Beta are the antithesis of the noble Alpha. Where the Alpha uphold humanity’s greatest virtues, the Beta embrace its darkest instincts: greed, ambition, and ruthlessness. They are cunning and pragmatic, willing to exploit any weakness to gain power and control. Their ultimate goal is domination, whether through subtle manipulation, brute force, or technological superiority.

While the Alpha strive for balance and harmony, the Beta see such ideals as weaknesses. To them, survival is the only law, and morality is a tool for the naive. Their societies are often fractured, with individuals and factions vying for dominance, but this infighting serves as a crucible, ensuring that only the strongest and most cunning rise to the top.

Born of Humanity’s Shadow

The Beta emerged alongside the Alpha during humanity’s evolutionary split. While the Alpha sought purity of heart and unity, the Beta embraced a darker path. Their evolution was marked by an innate cunning and willingness to sacrifice ethics for power. As humanity’s technological and social structures advanced, the Beta thrived in the gaps, using manipulation and deceit to climb to positions of influence.

The environments that shaped the Beta were harsh and unforgiving. Overpopulated cities, polluted wastelands, and lawless territories became their crucibles. These conditions forged a breed of humans who relied on adaptability and cunning rather than strength or morality. Their physical appearances are as varied as their personalities; some Beta adopt stylish and ostentatious appearances to flaunt their power, while others prefer an unassuming guise to operate unnoticed.

The Beta’s adaptability extends beyond their physical forms—they are master innovators, using technology and subterfuge to gain the upper hand. While they lack the raw physical or spiritual power of the Alpha, their ingenuity and lack of scruples make them formidable foes.

Beta in the Material Plane

The Beta are deeply entrenched in the material plane, where they wield power through influence, wealth, and technology. Their presence can be felt in corporate boardrooms, crime syndicates, and even positions of political authority. Wherever there is an opportunity to exploit, the Beta are there, pulling strings from the shadows.

Mortals often fear the Beta, recognizing them as opportunistic and untrustworthy. However, their skills and resources can make them valuable allies—for a price. The Beta rarely act out of altruism; every deal they make has an angle, every favor a hidden cost.

Despite their fractured nature, the Beta are unified in one belief: survival and success are reserved for the ruthless. This creed often puts them at odds with the Alpha, whom they see as naive idealists clinging to outdated notions of morality. Conflicts between the two factions are inevitable, with the Beta using every underhanded tactic at their disposal to undermine their noble counterparts.

Culture of the Beta

The Beta do not have a unified culture or government. Instead, their society is a web of shifting alliances, rivalries, and power struggles. They thrive in chaos, using it as a tool to advance their agendas.

  • Survival of the Fittest: The Beta value cunning and strength above all else. Weakness is not tolerated, and those who cannot adapt are left behind.
  • Manipulation as an Art: Deception is second nature to the Beta. Lies, bribes, and betrayals are seen as valid strategies in their pursuit of power.
  • Individualism Above All: Unlike the communal ideals of the Alpha, the Beta prize individual achievement. Loyalty is temporary, and alliances are forged only when mutually beneficial.

Despite their selfish tendencies, the Beta respect those who succeed, even if it’s at their own expense. Their social hierarchy is fluid, with power and influence constantly shifting hands.

Playing a Beta

As a Beta, you are a master of intrigue and manipulation. Your character may revel in their cunning, exploiting others to achieve their goals, or struggle with the moral compromises required to thrive in their ruthless society. Playing a Beta allows you to explore themes of ambition, betrayal, and the cost of power.

Questions for Roleplaying

  • What drives your ambition? Do you seek power for its own sake, or do you have a greater goal in mind?
  • How do you justify your actions? Do you see morality as a weakness, or do you believe your ends justify the means?
  • What is your relationship with the Alpha? Are they noble fools to be exploited, or do they represent something you secretly admire?
  • How far are you willing to go to achieve your goals, and what lines will you refuse to cross?

Traits

Ability Score Increase: Your Charisma score increases by +2, and your Dexterity or Intelligence score increases by +1.

Age: Beta humans age similarly to standard humans, typically living up to 80 years, though their ruthless lifestyles often lead to shorter lifespans.

Alignment: Betas tend toward neutral or evil alignments, driven by self-interest and ambition. However, a rare few may act out of a warped sense of justice or loyalty.

Size: Beta humans are similar in size to other humans, standing between 5 and 6.5 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

Speed: Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Cunning Tactician: You gain proficiency in Deception and Persuasion.

Shadow Operative: You have advantage on checks to hide in urban environments or crowds.

Adaptive Mind: Once per long rest, you can reroll a failed Intelligence or Charisma check.

Underhanded Strike: When attacking a creature that is unaware of your presence or distracted (e.g., under an effect like frightened or charmed), you can add an extra 2d6 damage. You can use this ability once per long rest.

Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common and one additional language of your choice.

Subraces: Beta Variants

The Beta’s adaptability leads to specialized roles within their society. Choose one of the following subraces:

Silver-Tongued Manipulators

  • Master Negotiator: You can cast Charm Person once per long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for this spell.
  • Silver Tongue: When you make a Charisma (Deception) or Charisma (Persuasion) check, you can add double your proficiency bonus instead of your normal bonus.

Cyber Punks

  • Augmented Reflexes: Your movement speed increases to 35 feet.
  • Hacker’s Intuition: You gain proficiency in Technology and can use it to bypass simple locks or disable security systems.

Ruthless Enforcers

  • Intimidating Presence: You can use a bonus action to force a creature within 10 feet to make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier). On a failure, they are frightened until the end of their next turn.
  • Unyielding Strike: Once per short rest, when you reduce a creature to 0 hit points, you gain temporary hit points equal to your level.

Names

Beta names reflect their individuality, ambition, and sometimes their calculated ruthlessness. Many adopt names that exude power or mystery, while others choose monikers that conceal their true identity. Their names can be sleek and modern or intimidating and bold, depending on their persona and goals.

Masculine Names

  • Kael, Ryvax, Drestan, Xalric, Vorath, Meryn.

Feminine Names

  • Syra, Valen, Krysha, Thalyn, Nyxara, Vayra.

Neutral Names

  • Zyn, Liora, Krynn, Solis, Vektra, Arin.

Beta often use aliases or titles to enhance their mystique or reputation, such as “The Widowmaker,” “Shadowlord,” or “Lady Whisper.” These names serve as symbols of their power and instill fear or respect in others.

Playing a Beta

Playing a Beta allows you to embrace a character driven by ambition and cunning. You are not bound by traditional notions of morality or loyalty, giving you the freedom to act as a manipulator, opportunist, or pragmatist. However, this freedom comes with the challenge of balancing personal gain against the trust and goals of your allies.

Example Beta Characters

  • "Krysha Thalyn, a Silver-Tongued Manipulator, uses her charm and wit to maintain control over a sprawling criminal empire. Beneath her elegant facade lies a ruthless tactician willing to do whatever it takes to stay on top."
  • "Xalric Ryvax, a Cyber Punk hacker and saboteur, specializes in dismantling rival factions’ technological infrastructure. Though he thrives in chaos, he secretly wonders if there is more to life than power and sabotage."
  • "Drestan Vorath, a Ruthless Enforcer, serves as the right hand of a corrupt corporate magnate, enforcing their will with brutal efficiency. His loyalty is unwavering, as long as the rewards keep flowing."

Roleplaying Hooks

  • What drives your ambition—power, wealth, revenge, or something more personal?
  • How do you justify your actions to yourself and others? Do you believe you are doing what is necessary, or do you revel in your ruthlessness?
  • What is your relationship with other factions, particularly the Alpha? Do you see them as obstacles, rivals, or potential allies?
  • Are you a lone wolf, or do you use alliances as stepping stones to your ultimate goal?

DM’s Toolbox: Beta in the World

The Beta are perfect antagonists, allies of convenience, or morally complex NPCs. Their ambition and ruthlessness create opportunities for intrigue, betrayal, and high-stakes conflict.

As Allies

  • Information Brokers: A Beta character offers the party critical intelligence or resources, but only for a steep price.
  • Temporary Allies: A Beta temporarily joins the party to achieve a mutual goal, but their loyalty is always in question.
  • Hidden Agendas: A Beta ally may manipulate the party into furthering their own ambitions, leaving them with unexpected consequences.

As Antagonists

  • Shadow Puppeteer: A powerful Beta manipulates events from behind the scenes, orchestrating conflicts to gain control over the region.
  • Crime Lord: A Beta crime syndicate threatens the safety of a city, using fear and violence to maintain their grip on power.
  • Corporate Tyrant: A Beta CEO exploits workers, resources, and the environment, prompting the party to take action against their unethical practices.

Campaign Hooks

  • The Betrayer: A trusted Beta ally betrays the party, revealing their true motives and setting up a confrontation.
  • The Rise of Shadows: A Beta faction begins consolidating power, threatening to destabilize the region unless the party intervenes.
  • The Double Cross: The party must navigate a web of lies and manipulation as two Beta factions vie for dominance, each offering rewards for the party’s assistance.

Beta in Combat

Betas are versatile combatants who use cunning, speed, and deception to gain the upper hand. Their abilities make them effective in roles that require precision and manipulation, whether in direct combat or as strategists.

Combat Roles

  • Rogue-Like Striker: Silver-Tongued Manipulators excel at exploiting weaknesses and delivering devastating attacks to unsuspecting foes.
  • Tech Specialist: Cyber Punks use their technological expertise to disable enemies’ defenses or create distractions in the heat of battle.
  • Brutal Enforcer: Ruthless Enforcers dominate close-quarters combat, using intimidation and overwhelming strength to control the battlefield.

Strengths

  • High Charisma and Intelligence make them exceptional leaders and tacticians.
  • Access to specialized abilities, such as hacking or fear effects, provides versatility in combat and roleplaying scenarios.
  • Their adaptability allows them to counter a variety of threats.

Weaknesses

  • Their selfish nature and willingness to betray allies can lead to isolation.
  • Relatively low resilience compared to more physically oriented factions, relying on cunning and speed to survive.
  • Their lack of magical abilities limits their effectiveness against heavily magic-dependent enemies.

Optional Details

  • Visual Representation: Artwork of Beta characters could depict stylish and intimidating individuals, blending cyberpunk aesthetics with modern elegance. Dark cityscapes, neon lights, and shadowy meeting rooms serve as ideal backdrops for their stories.
  • Faction Symbol: A dagger crossed with a shattered halo, symbolizing their ruthless ambition and rejection of idealism.