Homebrew Tarandus Species Details

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For millennia, the tarandus have been recognised as a society of scholars, who consider it their duty to witness and record the history of their world. Tarandus are often highly educated in multiple subjects and languages; however, their culture also appreciates that there are many ways an individual can contribute to the preservation of knowledge beyond simply sitting in a library or classroom.

Outward Presentation

Tarandus are stately beings, standing between 6 and 7 feet tall and weighing around 225 pounds. All tarandus have antlers, which extend 12 inches above their heads. Tarandus are long-limbed, with humanoid arms, dexterous five-fingered hands and muscular legs ending in fur-covered hooves. Each being also has a dark-red nose, which can shine a red light to illuminate dark areas. This ability is most often used for reading in dimly lit rooms or sending signals.

There is a wide variety of fur colour within the tarandus community, ranging from deep brown to bright white. Fur can also change colour due to climate, age, or even diet. Tarandus typically don simple clothing, although more elaborate robes, armour and weapons can be loaned from their herd’s historic collections.

Students of the Past

Tarandus are known for their dedication to the study of historical events. Huge libraries and universities containing well-archived academic documents dominate their settlements. The most scholarly tarandus spend their lives surrounded by books and parchment. However, some tarandus take a more practical path, such as guarding the precious contents of their campuses against theft, or venturing out into the world to record history as it happens. Tarandus are generally taught to be impartial observers, who avoid interfering in potentially historical events unless it is required in self-defence.

There is not one singular tarandus religion, however some spiritual individuals feel an affinity to a particular deity, often one associated with academia. Regardless of their personal faith,
evidence of the divine is recorded by the tarandus with respect and unbiased accuracy.

Herd Creatures

Tarandus tend to live in large, established herd communities. Tasks such as caring for infants and gathering of food are shared amongst all herd members. Herds exist in various environments, from arctic tundras to more temperate forests, each with their own rich and well-documented history. Academic and cultural exchange is common between herds. However, most tarandus will eventually return to their home herd to share what they have learned.

A lone tarandus is a rare sight, as they value the safety and security of communal life. If a tarandus does need to embark on a solo expedition, they will often seek out a surrogate herd with which to travel. Their strong protective instincts can be provoked if their companions are in danger.

Naming Conventions

Unsurprisingly, historical names are popular with tarandus parents, often chosen to honour an ancient individual. It is not uncommon for a tarandus to have three or four given names. Their libraries house detailed family trees, meaning every tarandus is brought up with a strong understanding of their ancestry. Names therefore also tend to reference an individual’s family, herd, or both.

As their full names can be long and somewhat unwieldy, most tarandus are happy for friends to use a shortened form of their name in casual conversation. For example, Rudolphus Alarik Sybillo the Fourth, Born of Krisanta of the Western Wood Wanderers, may also be known as Rudolph. It is normally considered polite to wait to be invited to adopt this informality, however.

Tarandus Given Names: Aphundantus, Adrasteia, Bjenedolch, Cornassium, Edbyn, Eibhlhinne, Fides, Highernmach, Melbonaqain, Osmind, Phydwenllis, Quennell, Rudolphus, Tercyvelle, Withberth, Yphos.

Herd Names: Bibliobranchers, Children of the Birch, Everglade Herd, Firstfauns, Great Oak Librarians, Thicket Dwellers, Western Wood Wanderers.

Tarandus Traits

Your tarandus character has a strong academic grounding. They are able to use their powerful antlers and hooves to defend themselves when necessary.

Ability Score Increase

Your Intelligence score increases by 2 and your Strength score increases by 1.

Age

Tarandus are considered mature around the age of 21, and can live to be 85 years of age.

Alignment

Tarandus live by the rules and customs implemented by their herd, and are obligated to archive historical events. They tend towards being lawful in their alignment, and avoid picking sides in conflicts that don’t involve them unless significantly provoked.

Size

An adult tarandus’ body is generally muscular and between 5 and 6 feet tall. All tarandus have antlers, regardless of gender, bringing their total height to between 6 and 7 feet tall. On average, a tarandus weighs 225 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 35 feet.

Guiding Light

As a bonus action, you can trigger bioluminescent blood vessels located in your nose to produce dim light in a 20-foot radius for 1 minute. You can end this effect early as a bonus action.

Hooves

Your hooves are natural melee weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal bludgeoning damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Antler Defence

Once per short rest as a bonus action, you may lower your antlers and enter a defensive stance. Until the start of your next turn, you have a +2 bonus to your AC against melee attacks, as your antlers take the force of the blows.

Student of History

You gain proficiency with one of the following skills of your choice: History or Investigation.

Master of Cadence

If you can see a creature’s mouth while it is speaking a language you understand, you can interpret what it’s saying by reading its lips.

Extra Languages

You can speak, read and write Common and two other languages of your choice.