Homebrew Gerudo Species Details

Physical Description

Gerudo bear a strong resemblance to the more abundant hylian race. Gerudo however are of a uniformly darker skin tone, and always have red hair. Their eyes are usually golden, but are occasionally more exotic colors such as blue-green or violet. A typical female Gerudo stands over 6 feet tall. They are particularly muscular, but this may be more of a cultural difference than a physiological one, as gerudo prize athletes and warrior elites.

Perhaps the most characteristic aspect of gerudo, however, is that they are almost universally female.

Gender and Reproduction

The basic physiology, lifespan, and reproduction of gerudo is almost identical to that of hylians, with one major exception. A gerudo is almost never born male. Such a child is said to be less than one in a thousand, at most. When a male is born, reactions to him vary wildly from one town of gerudo to the next. In some places, he is heralded as a god-king that is destined to rule. In others, he is treated as a woman, and dresses in traditional female garb. In a few, a male gerudo is seen as a curse—and in these instances, the child is seldom allowed to live.

Regardless of the circumstances, the entire race does not depend on these few sparse males for reproduction. Rather, the gerudo race as a whole has become dependent on the males of the hylian race, as the two are capable of interbreeding. In these instances, little if any of the male's genetic material is incorporated into the child the gerudo herself births.

The exact circumstances of the father vary widely. It is often the result of unwilling copulation, but other times the result of a more traditional union and partnership. In any case, the child is considered gerudo herself by wider society, and usually raised as such. The tan skin, red hair, and golden eyes make it difficult for a gerudo child to fit in as if she were a hylian.

History and Society

It is widely believed that gerudo were once a race as widespread and prosperous as hylians, if not more so. Ruins of their kingdom are spread widely throughout the Gerudo Desert, named after them. Although gerudo persevere, their numbers have been gradually declining for millennia. This is believed to be the result of the race's odd gender imbalance, which makes procreation for them even more difficult.

All that remains today are a few small outposts of gerudo, most of whom live traditional gerudo lives in the shadows of their ancestors. Many of these outposts survive as organized thieves or pirates. A sparse few have interwoven themselves in the societies of other races. The eponymous Gerudo Town, a village built on an oasis in the depths of the Gerudo Province in Hyrule, is perhaps the last upstanding bastion of traditional gerudo culture.

The proudest of gerudo believe that an unjust curse befell their race in an age long past—that this curse is the reason their race is so imbalanced, and the cause behind their dwindling numbers. The purported reasoning, cause, effects, and origin of this supposed curse vary. Belief in this curse is somewhat controversial, as even though there are historical references to it, there is little solid evidence to support it.

Ganon, in his humanoid form, was said to take the form of a male gerudo. Whereas most moblins praise what little connection to Ganon they have, this attitude is rare among gerudo. For them, the creature's wanton evil and spreading of chaos is usually seen as shameful. Most gerudo, but not all, prefer to distance themselves from such a beast.

Gerudo Names

Female: Ardin, Aveil, Barta, Dalia, Danda, Deltan, Dorrah, Essa, Fegran, Frelly, Furosa, Isha, Kalani, Lashley, Lorn, Malena, Maku, Merina, Nabooru, Nali, Olu, Pearle, Pokki, Risa, Riju, Ripp, Rotana, Saula, Spera, Urbosa

Gerudo Traits

Tall, beautiful, powerful, and brutal, the race of almost nothing but women is both coveted and feared.

Ganon's Blessing

You have advantage on all Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution saving throws against magic.

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength score increases by 2, your Dexterity score increases by 2, or both scores increase by 1 each.

Age

Gerudo reach adulthood in their mid-teens, and rarely can live over a century.

Size

The average height of a gerudo is about 6' 6". Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 35 feet.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write both Common and Gerudo.