Homebrew Faun Species Details

“I have many names, names which only the trees can pronounce. I am the trees. I am the earth, the rock, the stone. I am the wind, I am the breeze. I am a faun, your servant-my dear."

"I am not born by man, it was the earth that bore me."

"If the door is locked, well in that case, create your own door."

"To obey-just like that-for obedience's sake... without questioning... that is something only people like me do."

"But for only the beat of a heart, I offer a kingdom."

-Pan's Labrynth

2006 Movie

 

To be greeted with smiling faces and a warm heart, to help those on the street, to see mistrust and fear in every eye, and to eliminate those who have those negative feelings with a positive one: this is the duty of the faun. 

Earthly Heritage

Fauns are derived from human bloodlines, and in the broadest possible sense, they still look human. However, their earthly heritage has left a clear imprint on their appearance. Fauns have large horns that take any of a variety of shapes: some have curling horns like a ram, others have straight and tall horns like a gazelle’s, and some spiral upward like an antelopes’ horns. Their teeth are moderately clean and well kept, and their eyes are colors of those who are human—blue, green, brown, hazel, or amber—with the visible pupil. Their skin tones cover the full range of human coloration. Their hair, cascading down from behind their horns, is usually dark, from black or brown to dark blond, white, or grey.

Helpful and Extroverted

Fauns subsist in large minorities found mostly in human cities or towns, often in the roughest quarters of those places, where they grow up to be heroines and heroes, merchants, musicians, authors, or soldiers for the army. Sometimes they live among other minority populations in enclaves where they are treated with higher responsibilities like governmental careers. With the main homeland, fauns know that they have to make their own way in the world and that they have to be strong to survive. They are quick to trust anyone who proves to be a friend, but when a faun’s companions demonstrate that they distrust him or her, the faun learns to extend the will of rage towards them. And once a faun gives someone loyalty, the faun is a firm friend or ally for life.

Faun Names

Faun names fall into three broad categories. Fauns born into another culture typically have names reflective of that culture. Some have names derived from the human language, passed down through generations, that reflect their fiendish heritage. And some younger fauns, striving to find peace in the world, adopt a name that signifies a virtue or other concept and then try to embody that concept. For some, the chosen name is a noble quest. For others, it’s a grim destiny.

Male Infernal Names: Amin, Ghazalos, Khon, Vroth, Thakal, Amer, Olrun, Daelvund, Taf'ra, Omradoth, etc

Female Infernal Names: Nerzel, Sadin, Lenresh, Myzralath, Bilvan, Silvis, Selnir, etc

“Virtue” Names: Accord, Amity, Truce, Mercy, Armistice, Justice, Harmony, Melody, Sympathy, Repose, etc

A MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING

People tend to be thoughtful of fauns, assuming that their earthly heritage has left its mark on their personality and morality, not just their appearance. Shopkeepers usually ask for meitanence or merchandise help when fauns enter their stores, the town might follow a faun around for a while, asking questions about its moral, duty, and past journeys. Years of dealing with these distractons and nuisances does leave its mark on most fauns, and they respond to it in different ways. Some choose to live up to the heroic stereotype, but others are turned bitter. Most are simply very aware of what people expect and ask of them. After dealing with this bore throughout youth, a faun often develops the ability to overcome loquacious people through charm or intimidation.

Faun Traits

Fauns share certain racial traits as a result of their earthly descent.

Darkvision

The ability to see in the dark.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Fauns mature at the same rate as humans but live a few years longer.

Alignment

Fauns might not have an innate tendency toward evil, but some of them end up there. Evil or not, an independent nature inclines many fauns toward a lawful alignment.

Size

Fauns are about the same size and build as humans. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 40 feet.

Darkvision

Thanks to your earthly heritage, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were a bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Earthbound Resistance

You have resistance to an earthly damage.

Earth Legacy

You know the [Tooltip Not Found] cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the [Tooltip Not Found] spell as a 2nd-level spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the [Tooltip Not Found] spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Strength is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Celestial.