Homebrew Daal Species Details

The Daal

(Pronounced: dahl)

"The sun had just set as we were all sitting by the campfire for a long awaited meal. The trek through the thick forest had been more taxing than we had anticipated. That's when we saw them. At first just a small dull red glow that would slowly fade. Initially I had thought it to be spark flies, but it was much to early in the season for them. Then the glow got brighter into a flash of orange and yellow. Terrified as it moved closer to us. We stumbled for our weapons. "We hadn't prepared for a fight" I thought. Emerging from the trees two large man-like figures stood before us, with horns ablaze on their heads. In their outstretched hands were four coneys, a much better meal than the rations that we had. Also they came with a warning of evil lurking in the woods ahead. They spoke but few words and asked even less questions while we ate together. We offered them drink and a fire to set by for the night, but in a glance they were gone. It is only then i had realised that these were the Daal.  - Rodrer Hinskuf , master guide of the Dales

 

Captivating & Extraordinary

To see The Daal for the first time, one must think they have seen a demon (though that couldn't be farther from the truth). They stand about 6 to 7 feet in height, have large bovine-like eyes that are either red or gold. Their green/grey skin is dappled with dark spots and patterns that are symmetrical on their head and bodies. With their ability to change the shade of these spots to match the shadows coming through the trees, they are near impossible to see. Whether moving or not. They do, however have the uncanny ability to stay absolutely motionless for hours at a time. Their large odd shaped eyes seem to almost work independently and can almost see behind them without the turn of the head. These two attributes combine to make them excellent hunters. Almost invisible if it were not for the brightly coloured horns on the crown of their heads. It seems they can change the colour of these as well, but only to make them brighter and more conspicuous. They seem to change them in a rhythmic pattern, which is also beautiful and unnerving.

Reticent & Content

The Daal have lived among the forests for as long as there has been a forest to dwell. The have lived in relative peace with the other species of forest dweller, such as the Wood Elves, and Firbolg. Trading with them from time to time, but mainly keeping themselves to themselves. Living in large communities of 100 or more, they find a way to live comfortably, if not sometimes lavishly, within their wooded homes. 

Reverent & Relic

An ancient people, they have learned to take only what is necessary to live, and not to waste what is given them. They do not live as long as their forest neighbors. A mere 200 years. The Daal live by codes set down on scrolls many millennia ago. These scrolls are a set of rules to live by, but only the Daal can read them. They are written in a glyph and cipher that only they understand. They are naturally ambidextrous, and write with both hands in opposite directions alternating the glyph almost randomly. To watch an acolyte copy scripture is something to behold.

 

Daal Traits

advantage on two weapon fighting, advantage on stealth in forest terrain, hide in plain sight

Hypnotic Stare (concentration)

When you stare into a creatures eyes, your horns start flashing colours in unison. A creature becomes enthralled in the flashing of the colours and the deepness of your eyes. It must succeed on a 12+ your intelligence modifier or becomes paralyzed by your stare. It cannot take action and has disadvantage on saving throws. 

Dual Wielder

Your ability to be ambidextrous has given you the following benefits:

-You gain a +1 to your AC while you are wielding a separate melee weapon in both hands-You can use two weapon fighting even when the one handed  melee weapons you are wielding aren't light-  You can draw or stow  two one-handed weapons when you would normally be able to draw or stow one.

Ability score improvement

+2 to Dexterity or Intelligence, or + 1 to both.

Mask of the wood

You have advantage on checks when it come to hiding when there is any foliage around.