Homebrew Thanoi Species Details

Take care traveling these icy planes. There are tribes of thanoi flopping about, and they won't hesistate to skewer you with their harpoons should they spot you.

— Elvon Gorestriker, human barbarian and Icefolk nomad

Hailing from the frigid wastelands of Icereach, the thanoi are a race of walrus-like people that have laid claim to the icy terrain and all of its resources (what little there may be). Owing to their culture and heritage, the thanoi have garnered a reputation as cruel savages that kill for the sheer thrill of it. There is some truth to this, as the thanoi have been locked in constant combat with ice barbarians, and have allied with evil races in the past.

Nomads of Icereach

Thanoi are a nomadic race, often times creating camps near ocean shores or on top of drifting glaciers. They migrate with the patterns of fish and wild game, having no real permanent settlement. Very rarely, some thanoi have traveled out of the comfort of the ice and snow and traveled to relatively warmer climates, either by crossing ice bridges or through drifting glacial camps. Those that do find themselves in this new environment often have a difficult time adjusting, given their adaptation for the cold. But to them, this could be seen as a test of strength and an opportunity for better hunting.

The thanoi were built to survive in extremely cold environments. Their bodies consisted of a bulky build consisting of thick, cylindrical bodies, which were protected by thick layers of blubber and tough, leathery skin. Their blubber protects them from the cold wind and waters of the arctic region, granting immunity to all forms of cold. However, when the thanoi are introduced to warmer climates, the blubber ends up being a hinderance, leading to them being easily exhausted and prone to overheating.

While the thanoi maneuver surprisingly well on land, they are even better swimmers, thanks to their flipper-like feet. They can stay submerged in the arctic waters for long periods of time, coming up to the surface to draw breath. Given that clothes aren’t necessarily ideal for swimming, thanoi clothing was designed to be easily removed.

Territorial Isolationists

Its not controversial to say that thanoi aren’t necessarily known for their hospitality. Most thanoi are openly hostile and suspicious of outsiders, preferring to keep to themselves and other thanoi tribes. They would find themselves at odds with the Icefolk for territory, usually raiding their encampments for supplies such as weapons, food, and treasures. The Icefolk, in turn, will also hunt thanoi for their blubber (which they use for oil), leather (which they make warm clothing), and tusks (which they use to make weapons and fine jewelry).

A tribe of thanoi is made up of several families traveling together, usually consisting of about 20 members. The chieftain of the tribe is usually the strongest and most aggressive male of the tribe. They will often place relatives in places of power in the tribe, and will call upon them when another male challenges the chieftain for leadership. A challenger will usually rise up during times of scarcity within the tribe.

Because they don’t often come into contact with other races, they are not used to fighting other experienced combatants. Other races might find their tactics crude at best, with most thanoi warriors preferring to simply charge their enemies while swinging their weapons, usually hoping for the best. However, when fighting on ice and snow, thanoi have the tactical advantage, using the terrain to ambush and outmaneuver their opponents.

Thanoi have few allies in the desolate lands of Icereach, being too independent-minded to form lasting alliances. They do, however, have strong relationships with ice bears, which they use as hunting partners and fighting common enemies. The ice bears are sometimes used to pull massive sleds or used as mounts to traverse large drifts.

Kagogs

While not necessarily religious, the thanoi have spellcasters known as Kagogs, which are the eldest female members of thanoi tribes. The kagog is often adorned with a crown of bones or fish spines. Since the thanoi fear the unknown, the kagogs are given the upmost respect within the thanoi tribe. They might be clerics (most likely for Chislev or Sargonnas), mystics, sorcerers, or druids.

Thanoi Language

To any other race, thanoi speech sounds like a cacophony of grunts, snarls, and coughs to other races. However, its actually quite sophisticated. Their spoken words are supplemented by non-verbal signs, such as chest slaps and facial twitches. The language is so complex that only 5% of characters can understand them. The only other race that slightly understands them are minotaurs, which gives credence to the notion that minotaurs and thanoi are linked in some way. A small number of thanoi are also able to speak common.

Thanoi Traits

Your thanoi character has the following racial traits.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Thanoi reach maturity around age 20 and typically live as long as 60 years.

Size

Thanoi are typically between 6 to 8 feet, but since they usually walk in a hunch with bent knees, they look much shorter than they appear. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet, and you have a swimming speed of 40 feet. However, you cannot swim with armor or adventuring gear, as they will hinder you underwater.

Tusks

The most distinguishing features of thanoi are their tusks. The tusks are made of solid bone growing up to two feet in length. Thanoi use their tusks to make unarmed strikes, dealing piercing damage equal to 2d4 + your Strength modifier (1d4 for each tusk), instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Hold Breath

You can hold your breath for up to 15 minutes at a time. In some instances, there have been some thanoi that can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes at a time.

Natural Armor

You have a thick layer of blubber and tough, leathery skin, so armor is redundant, as well as uncomfortable. When you aren’t wearing armor, your AC is 13 + your Dexterity modifier and Constitution modifier. You can use your natural armor to determine your AC if the armor you wear would leave you with a lower AC. A shield’s benefits apply as normal while you use your natural armor.

Blubber

Because of your blubber, you are immune to all forms of cold, both natural and magical. However, once you enter a high-temperature environment, you end up having disadvantages on Saving Throws against exhaustion.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Thanoi.