Homebrew Folumax (Leaf Sheep) Species Details

"And there, leanin' against the brittle skin of a palm tree, a ghostly figure sat a-dozin'. Its skin, pale and white, seemed to glow in the blazing tropical Sun, and two dark purple antennae from its forehead droop'd idly over its thin eyelids. Fiery bright green hair, with each strand seemin' more like a shrunk Kraken's tentacle, stood waving gently in the breeze, like seaweed in a soft ocean current. In its left hand it clutch'd a clump-a fresh leaves, which it appeared to have been munchin' on recently. A silken tunic made from overlappin' palm branches cover'd its small body. Simple woolen trousers guarded its stubby legs from the Sun's harsh rays, and its bare feet shone like silver pearls. I tentatively start'd creepin' forward, in order to get myself a closer look... and its eyes flash'd open! It's eyes were incredible; two cosmic emerald pools that peered back with an odd intensity. It sat still for too long, sizin' me up, and I dread'd its intentions to possibly be hostile. I had left my cutlass back on the boat, and upon closer inspection, the little feller look'd quite th' brawler. We froze there, starin' at each other for what felt like a slice o' forever, neither of us even blinkin' for fear o' the other gettin' the upper hand in a fight... when the ship fire'd its dinner cannons and scared the livin' daylights outta both of us. Musta spooked the thing more though, cause it just took off runnin' faster than a chicken in a fox den. Little bugger ran so fast, its shadow was racin' to catch up with it! Hoo-wee! I do tell you, it was one of the freakiest encounters I ever did have.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       - Diary of Jeradiah "Canopy" Graven, Desperate Bard Pirate

A Bizarre Look

Standing a mere 4 feet and rarely exceeding 100 lbs, the presence of a Folumax in a settled land often invokes an air of wonder and intrigue among outsiders. Their pure white skin is coated in thin sheets of sticky mucus that guard the creatures against drying out while on land, and their webbed feet help propel them forward when diving through the water. Mesmerizing emerald eyes lay in a seemingly featureless face, and two purple antennae stand out from the tops of their forehead. The ends of the antennae, which can detect subtle chemical changes in air and water, are utilized by Folumax both as a method to avoid danger (such as those that come from the jaws of a hungry Hunter Shark or Bulette) and to forage for food.

Their standout feature is their thick tendrils of neon green hair, a glowing feature that often draws more attention than is bargained for. The shade and length of the hair are unique to the individual Folumax in a similar fashion to fingerprints on humans. The hair grants the Folumax two distinct abilities: the production of bright iridescent light, and a magical form of a plant's photosynthesis. Due to some Feywild trickery, every Folumax is born with the inherent ability to steal a plant's power to obtain its energy. This power can only be used by Folumax who have eaten enough plants to fill their hair with enough chloroplasts; malnourished Folumax often have ghostly translucent hair and take on an undead appearance.

Limited Contact

While the Folumax cultivate a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, they prefer to exist within their independent colonies on secluded islands located far away from any settled land. Most colonies are found on large islands with watery caves surrounded by acres of dense foliage for them to live and work. Homes consist of small stone "bubbles" built into cave ceilings and walls, loosely connected by rickety wooden bridges. Farms, schools, temples, and businesses are settled outside cavern walls, often on sandy beaches or dense forests. Due to the Feywild magic in their hair, fewer lives are required to spend their days toiling to sustain the population, as a fresh salad at the start of the week can maintain a Folumax for several days. This factor has largely contributed to the improvement of education and advancements in technology and magic. The formation of an amphibious druidic circle called the Circle of the Surf, the weaving of leaves in a way that mimics the properties of silk, and the cultivation of a unique beast known as the flernd, who serve the Folumax both as a source of nourishment (through the berries that its leafy wool produces) and protection, are all technological achievements performed by the Folumax kin. 

While Folumax societies exude the ideals of humility, harmony, and concord, these sentiments are not often shared by the rest of the plane. Unfortunately, their wonderous appearance attracts any manner of bad company. Poachers looking for a new trophy, traffickers perusing a fresh exotic "commodity", and pirates on a bloodthirsty rampage have all made the Material Plane a very hostile land for this species. In retaliation against these incursions, a few vengeful Folumax risk the voyage to the mainland to avenge their fallen friends and family. Some return to their homes, ridden with guilt for their sin, and swear never again to harm another creature. Just as many, however, become enticed by the prospect of glittery coin and a sense of wayward accomplishment, and join an Adventurer's (or Assassin's) Guild and forever forgo the easygoing tropical lifestyle for one of danger, excitement, and violence.

Heaven Agape

Located hundreds of miles out within the endless oceans, a Folumax city has cultivated itself as a haven for the wandering, the lost, the outcast, and the fool. The Cavern City, or Heaven Agape, is built within a gargantuan watery cave system where lost ships can stop for a refreshment on supplies and morale. At the front, stone huts of varying sizes lay nestled high above the cavern walls, and sturdy wooden walkways link the various businesses and homes that reside above the entrance. Further inwards, ports and docks await to receive vessels of all shapes and sizes. Heaven Agape is fully a self-sufficient and autonomous municipality, though exotic wares and curious trinkets are still very much welcome within the city's gargantuan market square. Lovingly named the Slug Stalls, this colossal pentagon in the middle of the city is lined with overflowing stalls, bustling stores, charismatic performers, vibrant taverns, and even a lost secret or two for those daring enough to look for it. 

The city is guarded by an elderly dragon turtle named Malbur the Kindly, one of the few benevolent specimens of the commonly fierce sea tyrants. It lazily patrols the Cavern City's perimeter, often stopping to chat with various ships coming in and out of the city. This gentle giant will not, however, hesitate to decimate the ships of any pirates, warlords, navies, or interlopers that stray too close to the watery haven.

Altora, the Cavern's Light

The abandoned daughter of the unholy consummation between a malformed Triton and a Dryad, Altora is widely recognized to have been the first true Folumax. She was found and ascended to godhood by Oberon, Lord of Beasts, to preside over the families of the planes, and granted her several magical items to assist in her endeavors. She used these powers and items to create more of her kind, dispersing them evenly across the many islands across the Material Plane. She appears to her Folumax kin often, especially to save those escaping unwanted pursuers (this behavior has earned her the nickname of "The Prime Viridian" among superstitious mariners). Her appearance is that of a large young Folumax woman with a stocky, muscular frame, thick green hair tied back into a bun, and a small emerald ivy tiara. 

While she rarely dispatches her clergy into the world, they may still be deployed either as escorts or rescuers. As per her portfolio of family, clerics of Altora are chosen for their kindness and compassion, their empathy for the suffering of others, and their eagerness to help no matter the personal cost. These warriors can be seen on their tiny heavily armed skiffs (affectionately called blooms), where they courageously venture into the thick of marine combat to rescue trapped children or dispense holy retribution to cruel warlords and pirates. 

Folumaxian Names

Folumax are only assigned a first name at birth, as middle names are speculated to give a Folumax a "second soul" or "irrational personality." Family names, another source of pride for the Folumax, are passed down by mixing the husband's and wife's surnames. The husband's surname will make up for the first half, and the wife's surname will contribute the rest. 

Male Names: Agimax, Bortrium, Furcimac, Condtriti, Kyrust, Tonítrum, Vindico

Female Names: Aragorra, Corraya, Eologa, Gragnis, Princia, Undra, Vena 

Folumax (Leaf Sheep) Traits

The Folumax race is geared towards self-sufficient leaders and open-sea explorers.

Ability Score Increase

You can increase one Score by 2, and another by 1. Alternatively, you can increase three by 1.

Age

Shigemi mature around 10, and usually live for around 50 years.

Alignment

Most Folumax are kind-hearted and good-natured, and tend to lean towards lawful or good alignments.

Size

Folumax are rather small when compared to the average human, with most not even reaching 4 feet tall. Your Size is Small.

Speed

While you adapted to have the option to live on land, the water is where you belong. Your base walking speed is 30 feet, and you have a swimming speed of 35 feet.

Kleptoplasty

Your body can steal a plant's ability to make its own food by absorbing the ability to create energy through water and sunlight. By eating the equivalent of two rations of fresh vegetation, you can survive for up to 7 days without normal food as long as you still consume at least one ration of water and get three hours of sunlight each day.

Bioluminescence

You know a special version of the cantrip light. The changes are noted below:

• The range is changed to Self (20 ft sphere), and the light comes from your hair.
• You do not need verbal or material components to cast this spell.
• The light can only be the same shade of green as your hair.
• As long as you are not frightened, any ally that can see you while the spell is active gains Advantage on their next saving throw against being frightened.

Other than those changes, the spell's other aspects (Casting Time, Duration, etc.) remain the same.

Herbivore

Your body can easily process any and all kinds of vegetation. You are Immune to all types of ingested poisons that are derived from natural ingredients. However, your body cannot digest meat, and eating any meat will leave you poisoned on a failed Constitution saving throw (DC 15). You can repeat the saving throw every hour, and the effects will wear off after a long rest. 

Rhinophores

Your antennae have greatly heightened your senses' by allowing you to sense chemical signals in the air. You have proficiency in Perception.

Starting at 3rd level, these antennae can detect subtle changes in and around your environment, preventing you from being surprised by Beasts, Plants, or Undead as long as you are not incapacitated.

Starting at 5th level, you gain blindsight out to 30 ft. Your DM can apply bonuses or penalties to this sense depending on how the wind or weather is behaving, etc.

Languages

You can read, write, and understand Aquan and Common. 

Amphibious

You have both lungs and gills. You can breathe underwater.