Homebrew Demi-Human (Tanuki) Species Details

Characteristics:

Tanuki are derived from various bloodlines, and in the broadest possible sense, they look human. However, their uncertain heritage has left a clear imprint on their appearance. The earliest Tanuki have ancestral blood linked to forest spirits. These bloodlines can be seen usually with racoon-like ears that take on various shapes: some have floppy ears similar to a dog, others have tall ears that come to a point for like a fox's, and some look similar to a tiger's rounder and smaller. They have thick fur covered tails, three to four feet long, which tend to stand on end when upset or nervous and sway back and forth when at ease or happy. Their canine teeth are sharply pointed, and their eyes are gentle colors—brown, green, orange, or a soft red. Their skin tones cover the full range of human coloration, but also may include a body covered in hair. Their hair, whether humanoid or covering their body, ranges from black or brown to dark red, grey, and even white.

Relations:

Tanuki, all though rare, like to mingle with other groups of people. Most friendly to them are the elves, with their respect for the forest, and the humans. However, in some circles, they are seen as rare and are often sold into slavery to become sought after servants or mere slaves. Many that you may encounter will have collars inscribed with the crest of the lord or lady who owns them. Due to this, Tanuki tend to live in small towns and stay with small groups as to not attract unwanted attention. Many will hide their tails and ears with cloaks to avoid sight. Lacking a known homeland, Tanuki know that they have to make their own way in the world and that they have to be strong to survive. Many find power in friendly relationships with those they live near, others within their own kind in small groups. They are not quick to trust, but once earned they are loyal companions and a firm friend and ally. 

Demi-Human (Tanuki) Traits

Tanuki share certain racial traits as a result of their bloodline.

Ability Score Increase.

Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and two other ability scores of your choice increase by 1.

Age.

Tanuki reach adulthood in their late teens and live less than a century. Similar lifespans as humans.

Alignment.

Tanuki are most often lawful good. Due to a will of survival they are good-hearted and kind, hate to see others in pain, and hate to see others oppressed and will often intervene. They are very orderly and traditional, leaning heavily on the support of their community and the comfort of their old ways. Very few turn to thieving and crime to make ends meet.

Size.

Tanuki range from under 5 feet to over 6 feet tall and have slender builds. Your size is Medium.

Speed.

Fleet of Foot. Your base walking speed increases to 35 feet.

Darkvision.

You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Natural Senses.

Due to the ears and nose aptitude of your ancestors, you can both smell and hear things much easier than most other humanoids can. Due to this you gain proficiency in the Perception and Survival skills.

Nature's agility.

Your reflexes and agility allow you to move with a burst of speed. As a bonus action, when you move on your turn in combat, you can double your speed until the end of the turn. Once you use this trait, you can't use it again until you move 0 feet on one of your turns.

Claws.

Because of your claws, you have a climbing speed of 20 feet. In addition, your claws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Languages.

Having ancestry among the Fey and forest spirits, Sylvan is the common language spoken amongst your kind. You also know common, however, spread as far as your kind is, you often will pick up another language besides the common tongue.