Homebrew Yeren (By DelverofDungeons) Species Details

Ape-like humanoids that share an ancestry with giant apes and yetis, the Yeren are reclusive and shy preferring to hide rather than fight. This attitude changes if their sacred territory or family groups are threatened, at which point they will fight with reckless abandon.

Living Mysteries

The Yeren or "Ape-Men" are a reclusive group of simple humanoids that live in deep in the misty forests and temperate jungle mountains of the world. They are reclusive and shy, preferring to keep to themselves and avoiding conflict with other species. With the exception of Firbolgs whom they share many traits with. They are so shy that most humans and elves believe them to be nothing but a myth. In reality, the Yeren simply lack ambition. They do not built impressive empires or massive monuments, and instead are content to live peaceful lives in their secluded family groups, traveling and telling stories.

Curious Storytellers

While lacking the opulent relics of many other species, Yeren have a rich oral tradition. They love to tell stories, gathering together in large groups to exchange tales of all kinds. Myths, legends, even lived experiences are shared in these gatherings and serve as a means for the group to grow closer together and enjoy life. This desire to for stories is driven by their innate curiosity. They often skirt the edges of their misty mountains to spy on other beings, hoping to see something new and exciting to share with their families. Yeren are not opposed to writing things down, but their history is long and rich, and carrying around that much history in the form of books and scrolls would weigh them down.

Migrating Pilgrims

Yeren are migratory, never settling in one place for longer than a single season. They may stay in one area longer if times are plentiful, but ultimately always move on. Driven by their curiosity and desire for new stories. These migrations are the main point of contact between Yeren and other species, and it is where legends of them peering at travelers through the trees. Often they migrate to a select few sacred sights, natural locations with strong connections to their mysterious "Ape-God". This is only kind of place they will protect with their lives.

Gentle Giants

While not the largest of humanoids, the Yeren are impressively built. Standing between 6ft to just over 7ft tall with heavy simian features and dense, muscled bodies. They have broad shoulders and no visible neck arms and fingers are slightly longer than a humans, with their hands easily reaching their knees. Their feet can grip as easily as their hands, making them exceptional climbers and their powerful bodies deliver devastating blows. They are covered in thick, shaggy hair that comes in a variety of colors. Including black, brown, red, and even blonde. With only their faces, hands and feet being hairless. They possess human and ape like features, most often resembling orangutangs, gorillas and gibbons. Their eyes are their most striking feature, described as "bright", "piercing" and even "unsettling".

Though the Yeren are largely peaceful and prefer to avoid a fight, they are fiercely protective of their families. The biggest of their kind will fight ferociously until a threat is driven off or killed. 

Yeren (By DelverofDungeons) Traits

As a Yeren, you will have these special traits

Silent Strider

You can cast the spell pass without trace on yourself once per long or short rest without consuming a spell slot.

Powerful Build

You have Advantage on any ability checks you make to end the Grappled condition. You also count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity.

Long Limbed

When you make a melee attack on your turn, your reach for it is 5 feet greater than normal.

Crushing Arms

You have advantage on strength checks and strength saving throws. Additionally, when you make an unarmed strike, you deal 1d8 damage.

Fearsome Guardian

When you or an ally receives damage, you can use your reaction to make a weapon attack or unarmed strike against any hostile creature you can see within range.