Homebrew Bolian Species Details

Physiology

Bolians are distinctively known for a bifurcating (cartilaginous) ridge running vertically along the center of the head and face, and partway down the chest. Skin color ranges from light green-blue to blue-gray to vivid blue and was occasionally accented with dark blue bands on the head.

Bolian males were completely bald, on average as tall as the average Human male, and are not known for their physical prowess. Male Bolians have been known to wear toupées on occasion. Bolian females are predominantly bald. However, there are the occasional few who have hair. In addition to the ridge on their heads, they are also noted for having cartilaginous lining on their tongues that allow them to consume foods not normally palatable by other races, including strong acids. One such example of traditional Bolian cuisine is the consumption of meat that had been allowed to partially decay. Bolian hearts are on the right side of their body. When removed from the body, Bolian blood is blue in color. The chemistry of their blood is very different from most humanoid races. If a blood transfusion was given from a humanoid to a Bolian it would result in the death of the Bolian. Intimate relations between Bolians and humanoids typically cause adverse effects to the latter, which might include fatigue, nausea, and joint inflammation.  Bolian internal chemistry is corrosive and exposure to bodily fluids can cause corrosive damage.

Society and culture

A Bolian medical philosophy on euthanasia was developed known as the "double effect" principle. This form of assisted suicide stated that "an action that has the principal effect of relieving suffering may be ethically justified even though the same action has the secondary effect of possibly causing death."

Bolian courtship initiation consisted of a male and female Bolian pressing foreheads with eyes closed, while both participants touched the neck of their partner with both hands, placing the fingers where one would check the pulse of a species with a circulatory system similar to that of Humans. Bolian marriages sometimes involved more than two members. Any additional spouse was referred to as a "co-husband" or "co-wife", respectively. During a pregnancy, they believe that if one gave birth near a strong concentration of magic, the experience improved the baby's disposition.

Bolian individuals tend to be highly outspoken, even when it was not requested. Due to the "good nature" personality types often perceived in Bolians, they are accustomed to working in various service professions. Bolian bards and adventurers are common. Bolian shop owners and restaurateurs can be commonly found in most cities. A form of greeting involved extending the hand as if for a Human handshake, but with the palm down and the fingers curved part way.  

Cuisine

Bolian food, to non-Bolians, sounds very unappetizing (although it is tasty), as in some dishes, preparation involved the use of aged meat. These foods can be commonly found in Bolian taverns / restaurants:

• Bolian soufflé - a traditional souffle using rotten or long aged meats to "enhance" flavor
• Bolian tomato soup - a thin soup using fermented tomatoes that gave been buried in the earth within clay pots for several months
• Bolian tonic water - is a soft drink made by the Bolians that has a calming effect

Bolian Names

Bolian names for males tend to contain a lot of hard sounds, but they're not limited to just hard sounds. Most names are 1-2 syllables long, but a 3 syllable name has also been used in canon. Female names tend to more a lot more melodic with a lot of softer sounds. Female names also seem to be either 2 or 3 syllables long. Surnames seem to mix the features of male and female names. Surnames are 1-3 syllables long, they can sound quite harsh, very melodic and pretty much anything in between.

Male Names: Shotix, Hage, Sraqar, Niwer, Riq'ta, Rage, Yadar, Dawer, Lik, Boq'ra

Female Names: Mynena, Yletia, Yleha, Cilaxena, Kisezia, Serilwat, Mynehya, Oshekia, Diwia, Yavil

Surnames: Tramin, Qirata, Sinata, Tragg, Ornaht, Krafit, Qof, Esrahar, Groht, Marira

Bolian Traits

Here are some racial traits for Bolians.

Ability Score Increase

Your Constitution score increases by 2, and your Charisma by 1.

Age

Bolians mature at the same rate as humans, but they’re considered young until they reach the age of 30. On average, they live about 125 years.

Alignment

Bolians tend toward chaotic alignments. Due to their desire to be helpful Bolians can be easily influenced by the company they keep.

Size

Bolians vary widely in height and build, from about 5.5 feet to a little over 7 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 35 feet.

Improved Toxicology

Because of the unique traits of the Bolian system all but the strongest acids and poisons pass through them with little to no effect. You have advantage on saving throws against poison and acid, and you have resistance against poison and acid damage (explained in the “Combat” section).

Battle Ready

You have proficiency with the dagger, handaxe, light crossbow, heavy crossbow, quarterstaff, mace, shortsword, rapier, and morningstar.

That Looks Delicious

Whenever you make an Intelligence (Nature) check related to the origin of poisons or acids, you are considered proficient in the Nature skill and add double your proficiency bonus to the check.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Bolian and Common. Bolians typically learn the languages of other peoples they deal with, including obscure dialects - if given enough time. They are fond of sprinkling their speech with words borrowed from other tongues: Orc curses, Elvish musical expressions, Dwarvish military phrases, and so on.