Homebrew Ailurus (PL. Ailuri) Species Details

Ailuri are small humanoids, resembling red pandas. While they mostly walk on their hind legs, they occasionally use all four of their paws to get an edge when evading danger. Most Ailuri live in the alpine forests of the Beastlands, where they act as guardians who protect local beastkin from the evil beings that haunt these lands. Ailuri societies usually center themselves around big monastries, where they train, meditate and farm. 

 

Ailuri have a relatively short livespan, often living for a mere 50 years and reach adulthood at the age of 10 years. Through generations of detailed recordings stored in great libraries, they've managed to overcome the limits induced by their short lifespan. Because of their appearance, Ailuri are often mistaken for familiars or pets if they travel to other planes of existence. Their inability to speak common further provokes such misunderstandings. 

 

Ailuri names: 

Ailuri names are typically two syllables at least. Males often receive the same names as females, though there are exceptions. 

Male names: Gyatso, Gyaltsen, Tashi, Delek, Deleh. 

Female names: Nyima, Medo, Lhamo, Dolma, Dawa, Yeshe. 

Neutral names: Tenzin, Kelsang, Dorji, Dhondhop, Pema, Tsering, Sonam, Diki, Rinchen, Wangmo, Dechen. 

Ailurus (PL. Ailuri) Traits

As an Ailurus, you have these special traits.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2 and your Wisdom increases by 1.

Creator note: this trait is replaced by the ability score increase from your background if you are playing the 2024 version of D&D. 

Age

Ailuri reach adulthood after 10 years and live about 50 years. 

Size

Ailuri average about 3 feet tall and weigh 40 pounds. Your size is Small.

Speed

You have a base walking speed of 30 feet. Additionally, you have a climbing speed equal to your walking speed. 

Languages

You can speak, read and write Celestial and Beast Speech. While speaking Beast Speech, you can communicate with animals as if you cast the speak with animals spell. 

Darkvision

You have Darkvision with a range of 60 feet. 

Escapist

Your beastlike instincts kick in in times of danger, allowing you to dodge attacks even when your back is turned. 

Whenever a creature attempts an opportunity attack against you, you can use your reaction to add your proficiency bonus to your AC until the end of your turn. You can use this trait a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest. 

Powerful Mind

Ailuri culture is centered not only on fortifying the body, but also on fortifying the mind. 

You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened. 

Ailuri Weapon Training

You have proficiency with quarterstaffs, blowguns, darts and rope darts.