Homebrew Alka v3 Species Details

Relatives of Satyrs, The Alka are a race of deer-like people. Thought to be the fathers of druidic magic, the Alka have an incredibly strong connection to the earth and nature. Living In secluded and hard to reach places, atop high mountains and deep within dark forests where they are least likely to be disturbed. Alka are drawn to create art, music, and poetry. Often the sound of ancient songs and tales of their people can be heard whispered on the wind. 

Haunting Grace

With their near-white coats, long dark manes, and lithe stature, Alka appear to resemble that of a ghost to many other races. They stand just below goliaths, ranging from the smallest being just below 6 feet to the tallest standing above 7 feet. Often, Alka are compared to Satyr similarly to how elves are compared to humans. Often seen as more elegant and closed off, with an air of timelessness to them.

Unlike Satyr, Alka have fur that encompasses their entire bodies ranging from a dusty grey to pure white while their hair is typically black or dark brown. Instead of hands, the Alka have modified hooves with two center claws acting as fingers and two outer claws on either side acting like thumbs. Their eyes appear pitch black with irises ranging in all different colors. instead of goat horns and tails, Alka have small antlers and long, lion-like tails with a large tuff at the end.

Since the Alka have fur that covers their bodies, they do not feel the need for clothes. however, this does not stop them from wearing elegant scarves and intricate jewelry. the Alka also can be seen dying their fur bright and vibrant colors and wearing long robes during festivals and celebrations.

A Timeless Perspective

Similarly to elves, Alka can live well over 700 years, giving them a broad perspective on events that might trouble the shorter-lived races more deeply. They are more often amused than excited, and more likely to be curious than greedy. They tend to remain aloof and unfazed by petty happenstance. When pursuing a goal, however, whether learning a new skill or art, Alka can be focused and relentless. They are slow to make friends and enemies, and even slower to forget them.

Like the branches of a young tree, Akla are flexible in the face of danger. They trust in diplomacy and compromise to resolve differences before they escalate to violence. They have been known to retreat from intrusions into their Highland homes, confident that they can simply wait the invaders out. But when the need arises, Alka reveal a terrifying martial side, demonstrating skill with spears, druidic magic, and strategy.

Alka Names

Unlike most races, young Alka don't have their own individual names. It isn't until they find their purpose or commit a great act that a name is given to them. until that point, however, they are formally called "Yeshba", which translates to "Blank Slate", however many have nicknames that pertain to certain attributes of their character.

Upon finding their purpose or committing their great act, Alka are granted a name that consists of a first, middle, and last name that encompasses their being, who they were, are, and will be. It is a rare moment that all Alka celebrate with songs and plays about the newly named. there is no distinction between male and female names since Alkan names are about the individuals' stories, rather than the individual themselves. During the union of two Alka, they create a new last name for themselves as an expression of the start of their shared future together.

Child Names: Yeshba

Child Nicknames: Elmali, Helshrow, Domlan, Grevenr, Mujini

Adult Names: Fewn Yinbad Malqari, Fokwa Byqleli Venga, Meloweih Wuovanai Aknle, Nuinan Sangi Heveran 

The Shape of Spirits

The reason many believe them to be the Fathers of Druidic magic is because of their ability to use spirit metamorphose, an ability similar to wild shape. This innate ability grants Alka to become like that of a singular animal which is believed to be the true shape of their spirit. Because this form is so closely related to the deepest part of themselves, it is very rare for an Alka to use spirit metamorphose outside of rituals and rites.

Alka v3 Traits

Your Alka character has a variety of natural abilities, the result of being intune with the earth.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2.

Age

Although Alka reach physical maturity at about the same age as humans, the Alkan understanding of adulthood goes beyond physical growth to encompass experience and knowledge. An Alka typically claims adulthood and an adult name around the age of 100 and typically live to be around 700-800 years old. However, some do claim that they have met Alka that have lived well over 1000 years old, but these are just rumors.

Size

Alka range from just under 6 feet to over 7 feet tall and have slender builds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 40 feet due to your long, spring-like legs.

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.

Spirit Metamorphose

Spirit Metamorphose is the innate ability all Alkan have that allows them to change their bodies into that of the beast that best resembles their spirit. Wise Alkans usually become owls, giant elk, and ravens while more headstrong Alkans become bears, dire wolves, and eagles. Unlike wild shape, The bestial form has the same hp as the Alkan themself, as it is the Alkan in spirit form. If the Alkan reaches 0hp while using Spirit Metamorphose, they cannot revert back and continue the fight, instead, they must roll their death saving throws as their animal. If they fail all three death saves then they die, if they succeed, they revert back to their Alkan form with 1hp.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Alki. Alki is sharp, with clicks and whooping. Alkan literature is emotional and powerful. While many never hear their music due to their reclusive nature, it is said that Alkan music and poems can even bring gods to tears with their powerful harmonies and haunting melodies.