Homebrew Foxkin Species Details
Foxkin are a mythic people known for their kenning and cunning in equal measure. While the worst of foxes are brigands and bandits who profit off the labor of others, in more recent years the foxclans have begun to rehabilitate their image by settling in small villages and doing their best to ignore their latent wanderlust. While there are few scholars among their ranks, to some foxes any knowledge is good knowledge and they seek it out with as much hunger as their more avaricious kindred do tangible treasures. Far more have learned to engage in craftsman skills and artisanal goods; from leatherwork and stone-setting, to the more delicate art of tailoring and embellishment of their sturdy, plainly made clothing.
Lithe & Swift
With their swift feet and enviable stealth, Foxkin appear strange to humans and members of many other races. They are slightly taller than humans on average, ranging from just over 5 feet tall to 6 and 1/2. They are more slender than humans, weighing only 125 to 175 pounds. Males and females are about the same height, and males are only marginally heavier than females.
Foxkin coloration encompasses the normal beastfolk range of natural fur patterns, and also includes skin in shades of copper, bronze, and dusty rose, and hair and eyes of any human shade, as well as bronze, gold, or silver. Foxkin cannot grow beards, but their chest ruff may grow long enough to braid or adorn. They favor sturdy clothing in natural colors due to their outdoor lifestyle and nomadic ways.
Short, Hard Lives
While other races are near-immortals, Foxkin can live to just over 200 years, giving them a less broad perspective on events that might trouble the longer-lived races more deeply. Their emotions run hot and cold, but few can hold grudges like the Foxkin Clans. The events of their day to day are as likely to be shrugged off with casual indifference as they are to ignite a generations-long feud, for few are as changeable as the Fox. When pursuing a goal, however, whether adventuring on a mission or learning a new skill or art, Foxkin can be focused and relentless. They are slow to make friends and are quick enemies... but a sincere apology and a drink or bauble will likely turn their head and heart. They reply to petty insults with disdain and to serious insults with vengeance; to jokes with swift laughter, and to good humor with more of the same.
Like the ever-yielding Willows, Foxes are as changeable as the breeze... with roots firmly buried in traditions that often make little sense to outsiders.
Secret Woodland Villages
Most Foxkin dwell singularly, or with their Dens until they reach their majority. In recent years however, their kindred have begun to congregate together, forming small enclaves of up to a dozen or so families before the new Adults are pushed to find their own homes. Foxkin hunt game, gather food, and grow vegetables, and their skill and minor magic allow them to support themselves without the need for clearing and plowing land... though they have been known to steal the work of other hands that do. They are talented artisans, crafting finely worked Leather and art objects. Their contact with outsiders is usually limited, though a few Foxkin make a good living by trading crafted items for metals (which they have no interest in mining) or gems and fine threads for their jewelry and embroidery.
Foxkin encountered outside their own villages are commonly traveling minstrels, cartographers, scholars, or bandits.
Exploration and Adventure
Foxkin take up adventuring out of wanderlust. Their feet seem destined to travel, and they go where the wind blows them until a spot settles their heart and calls them to settle in.
Foxkin Names
Foxes are considered Kits until they declare themselves adults, usually around 20 years of age; though they reach their full physical maturity at 18. Before this time, they will use childhood names; usually the first thing their mother saw after their birth, and always something Nature-themed.
On declaring adulthood, a Fox selects an adult name, although those who knew them as a youngster might continue to use the child name; much to a fox's chagrin. Each Fox’s adult name is a unique creation, though it might reflect the names of respected individuals or other family members. Little distinction exists between male names and female names; the groupings here reflect only general tendencies. In addition, every Fox bears a Clan name that has something to do with where they were raised or some significant feature near their resting place. Some Foxkin traveling among humans translate their family names into Common.
Child Names: Flora, Amaranth, Aspen, Basil, Birch, Bramble, Ciceley, Fern, Hazel, Heath, Fern, Savannah, Sky, Terra, Wilder, Yarrow
Subrace
Nomad: Your wanderlust knows no bounds, and you have mingled with many races the world over. Add 1 language, and Proficiency in Perception, and Survival.
Homesteader: The dappled shade of the Forest holds no terror for you, as you are one with the land and the earth that surrounds you. You have proficiency in Athletics, Animal Handling, and Insight.
City-Dweller: You have travelled far from your natural habitats, and have forged a name for yourself among strangers. You have Proficiency in History, and Performance.
Foxkin Traits
All Foxkin are born proficient in Deception, Persuasion, and Sleight of Hand. All Foxkin take +2 CHA, and +1 INT