Delta-Humans


"Forged in the crucible of genetic perfection, the Delta are humanity's vision of the ultimate warrior—unmatched in strength, precision, and discipline. Yet, their brilliance comes at the cost of their humanity."

The Delta Humans are the result of humanity’s ambitious foray into genetic engineering. Designed for excellence in the arts of war, they embody the pinnacle of physical and mental prowess. Their flawless bodies, sharp intellects, and preternatural combat instincts make them the ideal warriors, but their perfection has alienated them from the humanity they once served.

Rejected as “impure” by the very species that created them, the Delta now walk a lonely path. Despite their ostracism, their numbers continue to grow, as the traits engineered into their DNA are hereditary, passed down and enhanced with each new generation. Combining their innate abilities with an obsessive fascination for classic military weaponry, they blend ancient tools of war with their near-magical combat skills to dominate any battlefield.

Born of Genetic Engineering

The Delta were born in laboratories and research facilities, the products of humanity’s relentless quest to overcome its own limitations. The project’s original aim was to create soldiers capable of adapting to any battlefield, thriving where ordinary humans would perish. By manipulating the human genome, scientists eradicated flaws, enhanced physical attributes, and instilled a natural aptitude for strategy and combat.

However, as the Delta’s numbers grew, so did fear and resentment among ordinary humans. Their creators began to see them not as saviors, but as potential conquerors. Declared “inhuman” and cast out from society, the Delta forged their own path, building communities in the fringes of the material plane where they could thrive without interference.

The Delta's genetic makeup continues to evolve autonomously, amplifying their abilities with each generation. This genetic self-enhancement ensures that no two Delta are the same, as their traits adapt to their environment and individual experiences.

Delta in the Material Plane

In the material plane, the Delta occupy a precarious position. Feared and revered in equal measure, they are both envied for their abilities and despised for their perceived superiority. Mortals often view them with suspicion, seeing their flawless forms as unnatural and their combat prowess as a threat.

Some Delta operate as mercenaries or soldiers of fortune, lending their unparalleled skills to the highest bidder. Others dedicate themselves to preserving their heritage, forming enclaves where they can live and train without interference. Still, a growing faction within the Delta seeks to reclaim their place in society, proving that their genetic perfection does not make them monsters.

Despite their rejection, the Delta hold a deep connection to humanity’s martial traditions. Their fascination with classic military weaponry is both a homage to their origins and a statement of defiance. They collect and master the use of rifles, swords, and other traditional armaments, blending them seamlessly with their superhuman abilities to create a uniquely deadly fighting style.

Culture of the Delta

The Delta are a proud and disciplined people, their culture shaped by the dual influences of military tradition and genetic perfection.

  • Discipline and Mastery: Delta communities place a high value on training and self-improvement. Every Delta is expected to master both their natural abilities and their chosen weapons.
  • Legacy of Perfection: They revere their genetic heritage, viewing their bodies as sacred vessels of humanity’s potential. To alter or degrade their genetic integrity is considered a grave offense.
  • Martial Collectors: Delta warriors take pride in their extensive collections of military weapons, often treating them as extensions of their identity. These collections are passed down through generations, becoming symbols of lineage and honor.
  • Unity Through Exile: While Delta society is highly individualistic, their shared experience of rejection binds them together. They maintain a strong sense of camaraderie, particularly in the face of external threats.

Playing a Delta

As a Delta, you are a living weapon—a testament to humanity’s ambition and its folly. Your journey may involve seeking acceptance, grappling with the cost of your perfection, or embracing your role as a warrior without equal.

Questions for Roleplaying

  • How do you feel about humanity’s rejection? Do you seek reconciliation, or do you view mortals as unworthy of your loyalty?
  • What drives your fascination with military weaponry? Is it a connection to your origins, or a desire to master every tool of war?
  • Do you take pride in your genetic perfection, or do you question whether it has cost you something essential?
  • How do you view other genetically enhanced beings, such as the Cyber or Beta?

Traits

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

Age: Delta humans age similarly to regular humans but remain in peak physical condition for most of their lives. Their average lifespan is around 120 years.

Alignment: Delta alignments vary widely. Many lean toward lawful alignments, reflecting their disciplined upbringing, but their exile has also fostered resentment that can lead to more chaotic tendencies.

Size: Delta humans are tall and physically imposing, standing between 6 and 7 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

Speed: Your base walking speed is 35 feet.

Enhanced Physiology:

  • You have advantage on Strength and Dexterity saving throws against effects that would knock you prone or restrain you.
  • Your jump distance is doubled.

Battlefield Adaptation: You gain proficiency in two of the following: Athletics, Perception, History, or Survival.

Weapon Mastery: You gain proficiency with all martial weapons.

Adrenal Surge: Once per long rest, when you take damage that reduces you to less than half your hit points, you can gain a surge of energy. For 1 minute, your speed increases by 10 feet, and you can make one additional weapon attack as a bonus action on each of your turns.

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

Subraces: Delta Variants

The Delta’s adaptive genetics give rise to distinct subgroups, each specializing in unique aspects of combat and survival.

Pathfinders

Masters of mobility and survival, Pathfinders excel in navigating hostile terrain and outmaneuvering enemies.

  • Trailblazer’s Instinct: You gain proficiency in Stealth and Survival.
  • Evasive Movement: Opportunity attacks against you are made with disadvantage.

Shock Troopers

Built for close-quarters combat, Shock Troopers are relentless and unyielding.

  • Unstoppable Force: When you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack, you can push it 5 feet away from you.
  • Iron Will: You have advantage on saving throws against being frightened or charmed.

Tacticians

Strategic geniuses, Tacticians excel at leading others and exploiting enemy weaknesses.

  • Commanding Presence: You can use the Help action as a bonus action.
  • Battle Insight: Once per short rest, you can grant an ally within 30 feet advantage on an attack roll or saving throw.

Names

Delta names are often chosen to reflect strength, precision, and lineage. Many Delta adopt names inspired by military traditions, honorifics, or titles that reflect their combat prowess. Their names can be both practical and symbolic, emphasizing their pride in their heritage.

Masculine Names

  • Kaelus, Thorne, Darian, Vayrin, Lancer, Orin.

Feminine Names

  • Syra, Valora, Kylen, Aris, Rylith, Mara.

Neutral Names

  • Dray, Zeth, Korra, Nyx, Ardan, Lynx.

Delta often include honorifics or titles, such as “Commander Kaelus,” “Pathfinder Aris,” or “Thorne the Unyielding,” emphasizing their achievements and combat roles within their communities.

Playing a Delta

Playing a Delta allows you to embody the ideal of a warrior perfected through genetic engineering. Your character might struggle with their exile from humanity, seek to build a legacy worthy of their heritage, or embrace their role as a living weapon.

Example Delta Characters

  • "Kaelus Thorne, a Shock Trooper with a commanding presence and a collection of vintage firearms, fights to protect his enclave from those who would exploit their kind. Though proud of his heritage, he longs for acceptance among mortals."
  • "Valora Lynx, a Pathfinder who blends agility and precision, is a master at navigating treacherous terrain and striking enemies from unexpected angles. She harbors resentment for the humanity that cast her kind aside."
  • "Tactician Aris Vayrin uses her unmatched intellect to lead a squad of Delta mercenaries. Though she values discipline, she is haunted by the ethical implications of her own creation."

Roleplaying Hooks

  • How do you feel about humanity’s rejection? Are you driven to prove your worth, or do you believe their fear is justified?
  • What role does military tradition play in your identity? Do you embrace it as a connection to your origins, or do you seek to redefine it?
  • How do you reconcile your perfection with the flaws of those around you?
  • Do you see your genetic enhancements as a gift, a burden, or both?

DM’s Toolbox: Delta in the World

The Delta bring a unique mix of martial discipline and genetic perfection to any campaign. Their combination of military expertise and superhuman abilities makes them compelling allies, adversaries, or morally complex NPCs.

As Allies

  • Mercenaries for Hire: A squad of Delta warriors offers their services to the party, but their motivations and loyalty may vary.
  • Lost Enclave: The players discover a hidden Delta settlement and must decide whether to aid them or expose them to the outside world.
  • Tactical Advisors: A Delta tactician aids the party in planning a large-scale battle, providing valuable insight and support.

As Antagonists

  • Rogue Generals: A Delta leader seeks revenge against humanity for their rejection, rallying other outcasts to their cause.
  • Gene War: A faction of Delta sees themselves as the rightful rulers of the material plane and launches a campaign to assert their dominance.
  • Hunted Perfection: A powerful organization targets the Delta, seeking to exploit their genetics for their own gain. The players may be tasked with capturing or protecting them.

Campaign Hooks

  • The Legacy Codex: The players uncover a genetic database containing the original blueprints for the Delta project. Both Delta enclaves and shadowy factions race to control its secrets.
  • Exile’s Rebellion: A Delta faction rises against humanity, declaring themselves the next step in evolution. The players must navigate the moral complexities of the conflict.
  • The Lost Generation: A new group of Delta emerges, genetically distinct and possessing unknown abilities. Their presence threatens to upset the balance of power among existing factions.

Delta in Combat

Delta are unparalleled combatants, blending their genetic enhancements with disciplined tactics and a mastery of weaponry. Their ability to adapt to any battlefield makes them a versatile and dangerous presence in combat.

Combat Roles

  • Frontline Juggernaut: Shock Troopers excel in close-quarters combat, overpowering enemies with raw strength and relentless attacks.
  • Agile Striker: Pathfinders use their speed and evasive abilities to outmaneuver foes, striking with precision and retreating to safety.
  • Battlefield Commander: Tacticians provide strategic support, coordinating allies and exploiting enemy weaknesses to turn the tide of battle.

Strengths

  • High physical and mental attributes make them formidable in both combat and strategy.
  • Enhanced Physiology and Adrenal Surge provide significant advantages in high-stakes situations.
  • Weapon Mastery allows them to wield a wide range of armaments with unparalleled skill.

Weaknesses

  • Their pride and individualism can make them difficult to integrate into traditional groups.
  • Limited magical abilities compared to more mystically inclined factions.
  • Their reliance on physical combat leaves them vulnerable to enemies with strong magical defenses or long-range attacks.

Optional Details

  • Visual Representation: Delta characters can be depicted as physically flawless individuals with chiseled features and athletic builds. Their aesthetic often combines military practicality with subtle hints of their enhanced nature, such as glowing veins or unique genetic patterns.
  • Faction Symbol: A crossed sword and double helix, symbolizing the fusion of martial prowess and genetic perfection.