Homebrew Xhakkum Species Details
Originating from a lush jungle region, the xhakkum carry a powerful link to the magic of the world which fuels their senses and drive to explore. Not only can they summon this might to accomplish great deeds, but it also makes them more resistant to magical misfortune. A xhakkum sees magic everywhere and they form communities near strong mountains and rushing rivers and waterfalls, in fertile valleys and farmlands and places where magnificent creatures roam, studying and caring for these things. Xhakkum communities often attract scholars of other races, for they are an intelligent people whose keen minds have unraveled deep mysteries of the arts and world.
Despite their intellect and general goodwill, xhakkum have long been targeted by others to make use of their magical and intellectual gifts. These periods of captivity have had a lasting impact on their culture, making many xhakkum surprisingly fierce and secretive. They value loyalty and strength in numbers, and while their modern communities are tight-knit, there's always a xhakkum who sets off in pursuit of magic.
Size
The xhakkum stand at around 4'10" tall, though males tend to be a little taller, and their weight is in the range of 90-130 lbs.
Appearance
Humanoid in silhouette, xhakkum have hide in what are generally muted earth tones like a sandy tan or dusty dirty brown, though some are known to be shades of blue or green, and even pink; they have darker freckles cast over their skin, and what seem to be sparse fine hairs that are actually a type of feather. On their heads are a crest of much longer feathers in a row down the middle of their scalps, which are sometimes loose enough to be styled. A xhakkum's nose is usually flatter than that of a human's or elves, being more snake-like with no defined bridge; their eyes(commonly a supernatural blue or purple) have vertical pupils and blink in a manner similar to crocodiles. Their hands and feet have sharp and durable nails which some claim are retractable but actually aren't. Male xhakkum will usually have larger noses, and female xhakkum larger eyes, but there are no other major differences in appearance between them.
Age
Xhakkum mature slower than humans, maturing at about 25 years and living to around 150, but most xhakkum are considered elderly at about 100.
Alignment
While known for their curiosity, xhakkum strive to stay in harmony with their culture and nature, and are normally Neutral in alignment. Their strong magical nature, however, means some are drawn strongly to magic and alignments that resonate with it.
Language
In addition to Common, most xhakkum speak their native language, Phelngas'a. It is known to have a complex system of tones which change not only the meaning of the word but also shift with the grammar, a few uncommon consonants, as well as a distinction between aspirated and un-aspirated consonants. It was mainly passed down orally, but in more modern times xhakkum have slightly modified the Espruar alphabet to fit it.
Names
Stereotypically known as being extremely long, but not all xhakkum names are. However, an unusual feature of the style is that names are sometimes not just a wish but a prophecy of sorts, detailing the child's future status or a deed they may accomplish: these are the names that tend to be long, and depending on the perceived importance of the prophecy, may lead to the child being given a completely different nickname. Xhakkum have no native family names due to how specific and varied their personal names are, but they may sometimes adopt one from another culture if they take up residence in it.
Some examples of feminine given names are: Klinnamankwangeixanlalukk, Chayyingdomai, Rachinisoo, Roon, Xhikka. Some examples of masculine given names are: Nakkamangon, Kwamkhayyelk, Cujinsukangkwammu, Hirotichakhunasimbatisuhhainp̣hukhealaxeachnaphumchaorayy, Yinggai.
Xhakkum Traits
The magical gifts of the xhakkum make them hard to spot and pin down.Ability Score Increase
The xhakkum's latent magic enhances their intellect and other abilities. You have +2 Intelligence, and +1 to another ability.
Darkvision
The biology and supernatural gifts of the xhakkum endow them with sharp sight. You have Darkvision to 60 feet.
Trance
The metaphorical tireless curiosity of the xhakkum is almost literal, as they don't need to rest in the same manner that other races do. You don't need to sleep. You can instead spend a long rest in a trance for four hours to gain the benefits of a long rest, remaining aware of your surroundings.
Magical Might
The xhakkum can periodically call on their arcane power to lend extra force to an attack. When you damage a creature with an attack or a spell, you can gain a bonus to a damage roll equal to your proficiency bonus. You can use this proficiency bonus times a long rest. You can use it no more than once per turn.
Spell Resistance
The magical nature of the xhakkum gives them advantage on saving throws against spells.
Arcane Camouflage
With a slight bit of focus, xhakkum can harness their magic to blend in with their surroundings, their skin changing color slightly. You can attempt to Hide even when only lightly obscured by vines, falling snow, leaves, and other similar phenomena.
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