Homebrew Bako (Tigerfolk) Species Details

The Bako or as they are commonly known as - Tigerfolk, tend to be ascetic warriors, eclectic philosophers and reclusive mystics.  They live simply but comfortably in a progressive feudal, agrarian and theological society.  Often described as warrior-poets they value hunting, fine art, the thrill of battle, leisure and scholarly learning.  

They dress simply; the Khan usually are in loose finery of simple colors and textures while the Shijin dress more reserved and in tunics, trousers and perhaps wide-brimmed hats.  Both are often adorned by exuberant tattoo's and battle scars they wear proudly delineating their accomplishments and Clan.  They may wear their hair in braids, grow beards and stylized into mohawk manes.  Rarely will they wear foot coverings and generally rely on their survival abilities for more extreme weather when it comes to clothing.  Their are two lineages of Bako - Tigerfolk; the Shijin or 'white tigers' and the Khan or 'orange tigers'.  Both tend to be of fairly large size ranging all the way up to 7-8' and as much as 350-400lb.  Besides being white-furred, the Shijin tend to have green eyes and prefer to adorn themselves with tattoo's.  The Khan usually have yellow eyes and prefer scarification and brands.  Their main focus of religion is a devotion to Durge and other Lawful gods but also Dragons, holding them in very high regard. Bako names can be complex and reflect their feeling of superiority and grandeur.  Usually hyphenated describing certain aspects of their character but never name themselves, in addition a color or characteristic of one of the chromatic or metallic dragons may often be included to honor them.   Their Surname is actually their first name followed by their hyphenated descriptive name and followed by Clan name. Some example names may be, "Bao Spins-the-Black-Circle of Devil-Tiger Clan" or "Draygon White-Mourning-War of Firebird Clan" as a few.  All Bako believe they are reincarnated as a dragon thus the honorific in their names though this is relative to karma so only those that have lived an honorable and just life, deserve so.  The Tigerfolk generally speaking have the same lifespans as humans.  

The Bako are progeny of the Bakkovals and their god,  being divine in nature, these Guardinals lent aid for those who would pray for their help or as intervention and to directly battle agents of chaos and destruction.  Bako claim Durge, the Lawful Neutral dragon Goddess of death, magic and the hunt as their people's patron.  She appears as a tiger-dragon with orange and black stripes, feathered wings and great antlers.  She mated with their name-sake creating the mortal progeny, the Bako.  True Tigerfolk are actually considered dual-natured both celestial and draconic, even their native languages are both celestial and draconic.  

The two species of the Bako; Shijin and Khan, also have diverse outlooks and demeanor.  The Shijin are described as more scholarly warriors and poets with a pension for being less tactful or polite than their cousins. They speak Celestial and Common with a strong affinity to water, earth and metal.  The Khan on the other hand are considered more hunters and aristocrats with a tendency of being aloof and pensive.  They speak Draconic and Common as well but they relate strongly to animals, wind and fire.  While neither prefers any one Class to choose from, both their natural abilities lend to more martial ones.  

Their society is derived of city-states in fiercely guarded lands but the two sub-species co-exist seamlessly and respect other nations borders even if they are a militant society at its core.  They remain quite insular and do not suffer incursions or trespassers lightly.  Some of these city-states can be immense and sophisticated and other villages or even tribal communes can be quite mundane or even primitive with variations in degree as most other civilized species.  In regards to how others view the Bako; it is usually with trepidation or even fear.  They are not easily confused with Tabaxi due too their sheer size, distinct tiger-like features and demeanor.  Unfortunately, their likeness to the Rakshasa is uncanny though there are certainly some differences; ironically the Bako despise demons and devils in general for this reason and also because they are the mortal enemies of the dragons they venerate.   

Bako (Tigerfolk) Traits

Tigerfolk are warriors first of celestial nature and scholarly asceticism with a pension for the mystical arts -- but by nature are predatory combatants of honorable accord.

Predatory Talents

When you choose your variant Boko, choose one of the following Natural Talents.

The Shijin are more adept at cold weather and water allowing them a freedom of movement when in their natural environment. Gain a fixed 30' movement speed swimming. 

Khan are skilled stalkers and gain a fixed 30' movement speed when climbing. 

Survival Instincts

When you choose your variant Boko choose one of these Survival Instincts: 

The Shijin gain Resistance to cold conditions and damage. 

The Khan gain the ability to attempt to hide even when only lightly obscured by natural phenomena, such as fog or foliage, enhancing their ability to blend into their environment. 

Feline Acuity

You gain proficiency in the following Skills: Nature and Perception. 

Natural Weaponry

You can use your claws and fangs to make unarmed strikes. When you hit with them, the strike deals 1d6 + your Strength modifier slashing damage with claws or 1d4 + your Strength piercing damage with your bite, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.  

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 discern colors in that darkness only as shades of gray.

Size

You are Medium sized.

Humanoid

You are Humanoid

Speed

Your walking speed is 30 feet.