Homebrew Akyanka Species Details

The Akyanka were a powerful people. They were gifted with the crafts, much as the dwarves are. They took their physical instruments, combining them with the might of magic and the glory of gods to make their people the most powerful in Ocara. They made pacts with eldritch beings and gods alike, all to further their indomitable might. This whoring of self, and the clashing powers, destroyed the people. Their downfall was mighty, a clash of that too powerful for the world to see, and the gods backed by their worshipers. The aftermath of this duel left the gods devastated, and the people along with them. Thus, the Akyanka, the instigators, were exiled to the Underdark and the Shadowfell. 

Large but Stealthy

Many of the Akyanka retain their hulking frames from the deserts they inhabited, though they're much more slender due to malnutrition. Their dusky skin and pitch black eyes make hiding in places like the Underdark and Shadowfell much easier. While they are quite large, they are still within the range of a typical human or elf. Their weight scales with them, generally weighing from 150 to 200 pounds. Males stand a fair bit taller than females, and their weight is in a similar ratio. While they may be hulking figures, they are very quiet on their feet due to their time in the shadows.

Ancients Among the Living

What is considered young for the Akyanka is considered quite old for many races, save the elves. They reach physical maturity around age 75, and can live to be upward of 500 years old. This massive lifespan, while it causes the elves to be calm and aloof, causes them to take upon a deep ennui and hatred for the trifles of short lived men. They stay the course for their goals, and they will not let a simple accident or event keep them from it. They prefer to avoid violence and petty revenge, but should the needs meet the crime, an akyanka will meet it with lethal force.

Lost in the Dark

The akyanka live in wretched places, exiled by the people above for their instigation of a great cataclysm. Due to this, they are scattered amongst the Underdark with the drow, or the Shadowfell with the demons. They have no permanent residence, as residing in one place is suicide. They opt to move with their enemies, keeping distance but also proximity to steal food and other necessities. Due to their exile, akyanka seen above these places are generally shunned for being a taboo race, and regarded with great fear in places of high population. A few, however, are treated as typical people due to their similarity of some humans.

Akyanka Names

Akyanka are given a first name, and that is all. Family names would be foolish trifle, even a hinderance should they escape their dark prisons. Though a few retain their family names due to their age, the young know only their first.
Male Names: Akra, Al-kiin, Balhush, Bydur, Calikhan, Cyre, Dal-Rykan, Nakh, Miiran, Sel-Mak, Vashla, Zikuur
Female Names: Aila, An-Mir, Cyvra, Dolirya, Osh-Mel, Prysyin, Sosh-An, Ulreth, Xiryyn

Akyanka Traits

Your Akyanka will have many cunning abilities, the result of many years in exile.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2.

Age

Akyanka reach physical maturity around age 75 and can live to be 550 years old.

Alignment

Akyanka live in fear of the inhabitants of the places they live, so they tend toward lawful and neutral alignments. Due to their time in the soul-sucking Shadowfell and Underdark, they also tend to be more neutral.

Size

A typical akyanka ranges from around 6 feet to 7 feet tall and have bulkier builds. Your size is medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Ancient Artificers

You have a natural proficiency with the creation of mechanical contraptions and weaponry. You are proficient with smith's tools and tinker's tools.

Darkvision

Your time spent in the dark realms of your banishment have given you exceedingly good vision in the dark. 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 colors in darkness, only shades of grey.

Betrayed by the Gods

You harbor deep hatred with the gods, but favor with the alien deities of the far realms. You gain the cantrip eldritch blast, but you have disadvantage on Intelligence(Religion) checks. Eldritch blast does not behave the same for you, as it does not scale with your character level, even if you take it with your class.

Expert Vanisher

You have advantage on Dexterity(Stealth) checks made to take the Hide action on your turn.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Elvish. Elvish is fluid, with subtle intonations and intricate grammar. Elven literature is rich and varied, and their songs and poems are famous among other races. Many bards learn their language so they can add Elvish ballads to their repertoires.