Some areas have high levels of a strange magical byproduct known as Arcane Pollution.  Children who are exposed to Arcane Pollution before or closely following birth have a chance of being permanently infected by the arcane energy. Nearly any race can be afflicted, however races more apt in the arcane arts  such as Elves and Gnomes are more easily infected.  It is completely unheard of for a Dwarf to be an Arcane Plagueborn.  Although mostly harmless and completely non-contagious, many races look down on those with this disease due to the fact that they lose most of their racial abilities. Outwards signs of the plague are a constant cough, extremely pale skin, pronounced veins across the body, and a thin malnourished build. The Arcane Plague is a complete misnomer, it does not spread easily and has very little negative effect on the sufferers. The name stems from the fact that it became very common in large cities around high concentrations of inexperienced arcane casters. However it is almost completely incurable.  The only relief can come from a reincarnation or wish spell, however neither of these can guarantee  an end to the illness.

Arcane Plagueborn Racial Traits

+2 Wisdom, +2 Charisma, -2 Constitution: While benefiting from enhanced mental abilities, the Arcane Plague reduces their endurance.

Size: Varies depending on the base race.

Speed: Varies depending on the base race.

Darkvision: An Arcane Plagueborn can see int the dark up to 60 feet.

Potent Casting: Increase the DC of all spells cast by an Arcane Plagueborn by +1.

Spell Siphon: When an Arcane Plagueborn becomes the target of a spell cast by someone other than herself, they absorb any wasted magical energy.  They gain (1d6/spell level) temporary hit points, this happens before every effect of the spell including (but not limited to) damage, healing and saving throws.  These temporary hit points do NOT stack with any other temporary hit points, you instead keep the higher value.

True Race: An Arcane Plagueborn, despite any changes they undergo due to their ailment, are still part of their base race.  The illness wipes out most of the racial traits but some still remain as follows:

• Dwarves: 100% immune to the Arcane Plague.
• Elf: Medium Size, Normal Speed: 30 feet, Elven Immunities, Elven Magic
• Gnome: Small size, Slow Speed: 20 feet, Gnome Magic, Illusion Resistance
• Half-Elf: Medium Size, Normal Speed: 30 feet, Elf Blood, Elven Immunities, Multi talented
• Half-Orc: Medium Size, Normal Speed: 30 feet, Intimidating, Ferocity, Orc Blood
• Halfling: Small Size, Slow Speed: 20 feet, Fearless, Halfling Luck
• Human: Medium Size, Normal Speed: 30 feet, Bonus Feat, Skilled

Languages: Any languages of the base race.

Author's Note: Based off of something small from my favorite 3.5 book.  Arcane Pollution from the book Cityscape.  Basically they're super lepers.

Additional Ratings
Balance:	1 2 3 4 5 ( 11 Votes )
Utility:	1 2 3 4 5 ( 9 Votes )
Clarity:	1 2 3 4 5 ( 10 Votes )