Homebrew Fox Mage Species Details

 

I came upon this strange little settlement when lost in a deep forest searching for the source of a magic surge I felt when walking by. A small person, the size of a young child, hid behind a tree as I passed- obviously, I was concerned, as there should be no such thing in such a remote place. It took a while for me to convince them to peek around the tree, and I was shocked by the fox ears and unnatural eyes. They were not a child as I previously thought, they seemed to be full grown, albeit genderless. They were probably the only reason I ever made it out of the forest, and the only reason I'm alive today.

— Unknown Traveller

Fox Mages, a magical people of otherworldly nature, living as a part of the most wild places. They live in places of ethereal beauty, in the midst of ancient forests or in silvery spires of ice that reflect the northern light, where soft music drifts through the air and gentle fragrances waft on the breeze. Fox Mages love nature and magic, art, music and poetry, and the good things of the world.

Petite and Graceful

With their natural grace and delicate features, Fox Mages appear both adorably soft and a creature of wild, fierce beauty to humans and members of many other races. They are slightly shorter than many species, only coming to 5'11 at the tallest recorded. They store a layer of fat for any emergecy, but remain lithe through their daily nature adventures, weighing between 100 to 145 pounds. Male and Female are not concepts that apply for these creatures.

Fox Mages’ coloration is usually tanned to fit into the forests they live in, with hair the color of their pelt and eyes like stars. Fox mages generally only have hair on their heads and animal aspects (ears, tail,etc.). They favor simple, yet naturally elegant clothing in muted colors, and they enjoy simple yet lovely jewelry.

A Phoenix's Cycle

Fox Mages do not live and die in the same way as many species do- when they are dealt damage that could kill them, they take their fox forms and are crystallized. Unfortunately, there are ways to keep them from ever waking up again- Very dark actions that only the truly demonic would commit. They are curious and can get very excited, matching their youthful appearance. They tend to be slow to trust, but quick to remove the placement of said trust when needed. They will be loyal, as long as they feel like you will do the same. When pursuing a goal, whether adventuring on a mission or learning a new skill or art, they can be focused to the point of ignoring other things. They are slow to make friends and enemies, and even slower to forget them. They reply to petty insults with sincerity and to serious insults with blacklisting.

Like the branches of a young tree, Fox Mages are flexible in the face of danger. They will use diplomacy and compromise to resolve differences, but they are willing to use violence to achieve their goal. They have been known to defend their woodland homes with mind games and magic, but when the need arises, they reveal a stern martial side, demonstrating skill with a wide range of weapons.

Hidden Woodland Realms

When they were more common, Fox Mages lived in hidden villages made from the terrain. Fox Mages keep egg laying birds, catch fish, gather food, and grow vegetables. Their skill and magic allows them to support themselves without the need for clearing and plowing land. They are talented artisans, crafting finely worked clothes and art objects. Their contact with outsiders is usually limited, though a few elves make a good living by trading crafted items for metals (which they have no interest in mining).

Fox Mages encountered outside their own lands are commonly traveling minstrels, artists, or sages, albeit in disguise. Human nobles compete for the services of instructors to teach various skills to their children.

Exploration and Adventure

Fox Mages take up adventuring out of wanderlust. Since they are so long-lived, they can enjoy centuries of exploration and discovery, often being able to meet some of the most interesting or dangerous characters unscathed. They dislike the pace of human society, being unable to fully understand how their social rules and morals work. Fox Mages also enjoy learning new skills, and adventuring allows them to do so. Some might join with rebels fighting against oppression, and others might become champions of moral causes.

CAUTIOUS APPROACH

Although they are extremely shy and naturally hesitant, Fox Mages have a special insight on many other species. 

Dwarves. “Dwarves can be a little bit scary sometimes, but they can be very interesting conversationalists, albeit quite brash and a little scary at times.”

Halflings. “Halflings are more in tune with nature than humans, but less haughty than elves, so they can be fun to camp with- but why must they be so loud?”

Humans. “They're not too terribly self aware, and I prefer to avoid their company when possible, although if you find one you can trust they are quite loyal.”

Elves. "They can be a little stuck up at times, but when they let loose they're really interesting to hang out with."

Fox Mage Names

Fox Mages have a unique name structure- Their individual name is only used by members of their skulk, their skulk name being used with other species, and a combination of their parents' names when at a meeting between skulks.

Names have meaning in the Fox languages, and most species can pronounce them- which is lucky, because meaning can be subjective if all you're paying attention to is the words.

 

 

Fox Mage Traits

Fox mages are very in tune with nature- a great asset for any adventuring party.

Natural Heritage

You have a kinship with even the smallest parts of nature- except fish. You don't know why.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2.

Age

Fox Mages have the cycle of statues. One was used to be considered an adult when they were able to complete a moonjourney alone- 3 nights of camping  alone in the part of the woods closest to a settlement of another species, interacting with them as if not a member of their pack. Once deemed capable, they are allowed more freedoms.

Size

Fox Mages range from under 5 to just barely 6 feet tall and have small builds. Your size is Medium/Small.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

Accustomed to twilit forests and the night sky, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Keen Senses

You have proficiency in the Perception skill.

Fox Ancestry

You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put you to sleep.

Trance

Fox Mages rarely need to sleep when in dangerous situations. Instead, they meditate deeply, remaining semiconscious, for 4 hours a day. (The Common word for such meditation is “trance.”) While meditating, you can dream after a fashion; such dreams are actually mental exercises that have become reflexive through years of practice. After resting in this way, you gain the same benefit that a human does from 8 hours of sleep.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Elvish, and the language of the Fox Mages. The language is largely comprised of not just words, but also twitches, sounds, and gestures that get the point across to others who understand the code.