Homebrew Aikona Species Details

In the great jungle Kingdom of Korin, one tribe remains and flourishes in the wild. One of the races that coexist among others in the tribe are the Aikona. They are large humanoid animal folk, resembling Felines, Canines (This includes foxes), and a ferocious type of Hares, though the Hare population is the most prevalent. There may be more varieties, but these are the most common. 

Aikona are defined by their shared connection to magic of the forest that created them. A preordained spiritual form is given to them in the shape of the animal their special traits and personalities most resemble.

All of these subraces are very agile, though they have different skills depending on their spiritual form. They are great hunters and explorers, their outposts functioning as footholds in a world both strange and alien.

Teeth and Claws

Stalking their prey from above or in the brush is how they most like to hunt. They are often mistaken for natural predators when humans go hunting, but their quicker reflexes than their animal counterparts may surprise the unsuspecting human if they are less than careful. Adult Aikona generally range from 6 to 7 feet tall (Hare types 5-7) when standing upright. They tend to have sharp claws and teeth, meant for consuming meat.

Thick fur covers their bodies. Their patterning generally revealing what branch of ancestry they hail from. Both males and females have similar colouring, so their skull shape, height, and body structure are what differentiate them most.  Their heads complete the avian appearance, being something like a parrot or eagle with distinct tribal variations.

Grounded Warriors

The Aikona rule over the terra they inhabit. With impressive hunting prowess, that skill transfers over well in battle. Their quick reflexes and wild grace enable them to become champions among men, opponents torn in their wake.

Though most Aikona are very accustomed to the ground, they also spend much time hunting from above. This race loves climbing and does so with great skill, though the Feline subrace is arguably the most talented at it. Some even make their homes in trees, entire villages spanning part of the canopy of a forest.

Surprisingly Neat

Because of their thick fur, they learn from a young age how to clean and keep it from matting. Fur on their head tends to grow longer than the rest of their body. Humans may mistake it for hair at first, but it is simply long fur. Unfortunately, that means it is much more difficult to maintain, so many Aikona choose to trim back their longer hair. As they are also strong swimmers, they love bathing in and exploring the streams and mini lakes that dot the landscape.

Many Aikona use growls, howls, or "hwahh" sounds in their speech, depending on their region and subrace. The elder generation of Aikona generally dislike the idea of pets and see other animals only as food or competition. The younger Aikona, however, have begun to find companionship with their animal counterparts. They usually stick to animals that look or act like derivatives of their own kind. (A feline with a feline, a canine with a canine, etc.)

To an Aikona, likening them to pets is quite the insult. If an Aikona is captured, they see it as either an attempt on their life or domestication. If somehow, they are bonded in service to someone not of their kind, they become unwelcome within their tribe and are told to go back to their "master".

Ever on alert, these hunters are a mix of nocturnal and diurnal. This is because the hares and canines tend to hunt during the day, while the felines hunt primarily at night, though hunting parties involving all three types are common.

 

Aikona Names

Aikona names are very descriptive of one's personality and occupation. They have a distinct identifying first name and 1-2 word last names that they are usually given at ages 5-10 by the elders of whatever village they reside in.

A male Aikona may have one of these names: Rivay Rainfall, Cassius Ironclaw, Lios Tomb Seeker, Dunay Smokefire, Reen Ghost Walker, Zeed Cloud Jumper

A female Aikona may have one of these names: Joyasa Wandermist, Asha Soft Step, Kaida Swift, Gaza Stone Blood, Brai Deep Water, Myreen Strongshield

 

Aikona Traits

Being an Aikona, you have special abilities in digging, hunting, and swimming. Exceptional walking speed gives you an edge when it comes to fleeing... Or running towards battle.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.

Age

Aikona reach maturity by age 10. They usually live to about 60 years, kept lively by the magic in their veins.

Alignment

Aikona can be any alignment, as their magic is of a wild nature. Tribal leaders and warriors might be lawful, while explorers and adventurers might tend toward chaotic.

Size

Size and weight of Aikona vary greatly depending on their spiritual form, but most are 5-7 feet. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Talons

Your talons are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Aikoni, Druidic, and Sylvan.