Homebrew Khajahadan Species Details

 

"Upon crossing the nigh impenetrable Stonewall Mountains into the realm of Kajahad, I was rewarded with a sight unlike any I had witnessed before. Vast plains spread from the foot of the mountains like an ocean of grass, the wind swaying the blades like emerald-hued waves. the settlements were equally alluring, with vast, beautiful stone structures worthy of Stenngard's highest nobility occupying town squares and well renowned public acadeimes, and brightly colored adobe dwellings making up the more humble abodes. But the most amazing sight the Realm of Grass has to show is by far its natives. Built after the image of the most feral of wildcats, albeit standing on two hind legs just like any man, they sport a full coat of fur, whose lengths, patterns, and colors are as varied as our tones of skins. Claws, sharp as daggers, hide between every digit. Their feline visage is  complete with triangular ears and deadly fangs. All of these traits form a figure as majestic as it is terrifying. This first impression, however, is altogether paradoxical when compared to their culture and intellect. Wisdom and knowledge preside as the highest virtues in Khajahadan society, with governance and authority being assigned to the wise rather than inherited by caste, and academies and libraries that would be the envy of any human college dotting nearly every major city and humble village, available to any with a desire for knowledge. Alas, this by no means should deceive the reader into believing that the Khajahadan are a weak people, for just as their scholars and rulers are astoundingly wise, their soldiers and warriors are terrifyingly furious. They are a people who cherish peace and harmony amongst all, but woe be to the poor fool who ignites the rage of a trained warrior of the Grass Folk..."

— Elias Tomerin, The Realms and People of Talslind

Wielding the wisdom of the most erudite of scholars along with the raw power an apex predator, the Khajahadan are one of the seven humanoid races said to inhabit the fabled continent of Talslind, and a truly unique conjunction between man and beast. As the chosen people of Salaketh, the dual divinity of sun and moon and the Essence of Fire, the natives of the vast savannah known in their language as Khajahad are said to have been shaped in the image of their deity, bearing the appearance of humanoid felines of all shapes, sizes, and fur patterns. Despite their naturally sharp claws, long fangs and lightning-like reflexes, most of Khajahadan society has evolved from its war-clan origins into a sapiocracy, valuing the virtues of wisdom, knowledge, and constant learning above physical dominance and military strength. Most Khajahadan dedicate their lives towards study in one of the many public Academies spread throughout their native realm, becoming experts in their fields of work or erudite scholars that provide further enlightenment for their already advanced society. Some choose to enter into the service of their realm or of their religious beliefs, and enlist in the ranks of the Golden Army or join the monks of the Hands of Leo, honing their already superhuman phisique into a truly deadly weapon. A select few, however, yearn to see what lies beyond the mounatinous walls that encircle their homeland, and set out as adventurers to witness the world beyond the Stonewall with their own eyes. Armed with light gear, their natural weapons, their own brand of fire magic, and an insatiable curiosity, Khajahadan adventurers are a scarce but indomitable folk that will stop at nothing in order to witness the wonders of this vast world and expand their ever-growing knowledge with grand and perilous experiences.

Apex Predators

Although humanoid in appearance, Khajahadan are an entirely separate species, evolved from wildcats isolated for millenia in the nigh unreachable realm of Khajahad. They are naturally muscular, be it broad or wiry, a trait inherited from their primitive predatory ancestors. They have also kept the characteristic weapon of all felines: Razor-sharp claws hidden between their knuckles and powerful fangs capable of rending flesh straight off the bone. they have semi-prehensile tails stemming from their lower backs, a great tool for balance, if not for emotional subtlety. Their visage is almost identical to that of most large cats, with slit pupils, trianglular ears and long whiskers to each side of their snouts. However, being an advances species, they are perfectly capable of fluid and eloquent speech, as well as every other aspect of higher intelligence humans possess. their size, fur color and length, and build can vary greatly depending on their lineage, from medium-sized, wiry, and tabby-haired to large, broad, and striped-haired. In truth, their is likely to be a Khajahadan that resembles any type of feline that can be recalled. 

Wise and Proud

Khajahadans are curious and of great potential intellect by nature. They always strive for greater knowledge where there is some to be found, and value their discoveries as much as dwarves may value their mined gold, sesulting in many Khajahadans becoming scholars, scribes, phycisians, or even disciples of the Arcane Arts. This does not, however, mean that Khajahadans are envious with their wisdom. Quite the contrary, their entire society revolves aroud the concept that, upon sharing their knowledge amongst themselves and others, they will achieve even greater feats of discovery for the benefit of all. This makes them a very solidary community with their kin and companions. Khajahadans are almost always willing to help a fellow scholar out with his investigations, or willing to serve as sparring partners for comrades-in-arms so as for both of them to better their combat skills. When a Khajahadan sets out on an adventure, they will usually be motivated by their innate curiosity for the world, the promise of new knowledge as a reward, or as a favor or responsibility towards their loved ones or their people.

Kajahadans are also a very proud people. They strive for near exellence when understanding a new topic or combat style, and will not rest easy until they feel they have mastered their current labor. They take great pride in their achievements, and do not take challenges lightly. Contests of strength or wisdom are faced with the utmost determination to succeed. Should their skill be undermined por put into question, it is usually taken as a personal affront and handled as an insult. Most other races do not understand this aspect of the Grass Folk's culture, which tends to turn friendly jabs or professional debates into personal quarrels fairly easily.

Champions of the Fire

Being the chosen race of the Talslindian deity Salaketh, the Khajahadan are primordially linked to the essence of Fire. This elemantal bond tends to only have subtle effects in the lives of the average Khajahadan, defining certain traits of their "fiery" personality and proud demeanor. However, for a certain few, this bond may awaken an innate affinity towards the Arcane Arts, especially those linked to the powers of fire. Some orders of monks dedicate their lives to honing this arcane bond and mastering the control of fire, both as a spiritual and a martial tool.

There are some who believe in the ancient legends told since the history of Talslind began, legends of avatars of the divine powers of the elements born once every several generations into each of the seven races of the continent. These conduits of divine power, known byt the peoples of Talslind as Lionhearts, are supposedly imbued with a shard of their patron god's power in their very soul, giving them an affinity for said deity's element unlike anything any warlock or wizard could hope to achieve even with several lifetimes of study. When one Lionheart is born, they more often become heroes of legendary repute and herculean feats, true paragons of might and power that guide their people into an age of glory. Alas, if ever all seven folk were to have their Lionhearts incarnate all at once, legends foretell it will be with the purpose of summoning all Seven Realms to battle for the very essence of our world, a war to end all wars and unite all the Peoples against the One Shadow in order to protect and preseve the light that resides in our world, with the seven Champions of the Gods leading the fray with every fiber of their being until either only Light or Shadow stands in the end...

Khajahadan Names

Khajahadans have names comprised of three elements: a first name, a family name, and a bond name. The first two are provided to all Khajahadan upon birth, inheriting the family name of either the mother, the father, or both. The bond name is a symbol of adulthood, maturity and defined purpose, as it is only assigned once a Khajahadan has completed his studying and/or training and chooses the guild, academy, or organization whose path they hope to follow for life. Changing bond names is uncommon, but not unheard of, and comes with a certain social stigma of indecision and immaturity. A Khakahadan is not pressured to choose a bond name before any certain age, but once one is chosen, it is expected he or she will hold it for life.

Male Khajahadan Names: Vinaj, Dinesh, Akarem, Sheival, Inare, Omoret, Uvandir, Kashnim, Voleb, Mareth, Uminav, Ysandros

Female Khajahadan Names: Lenara, Shimri, Minare, Avela, Tomira, Ysandi, Lumira, Ajala, Oburi, Omaeri, Ekenne, Jinashi

Family Names: R'nar, K'challa, Y'nac, Tov'Ranaj, V'Nala, Roc'Lear, Vik'Shinot, Koz'Roval, In'Nalac, Aq'Onaj, Mir'Voret, Go'lavan

Bond Names: Leoviel, Khajoviel, Fisensiel, Scrivaniel, Miluriel, Govaniel, Haturviel, Stenariel, Vagondiel, Arcaniel, Lethaniel, Joraviel

Full Khajahadan Name Example: Dinesh Tov'Ranaj aq Leoviel (the aq article precedes the bond name, meaning "belonging to" or "a member of")

NATURAL SCHOLARS

Kahajahadan are naturally inclined to pursue new knowledge and persevere until understanding it, no matter how difficult. Whether it be a dusty scroll in a long forgotten tongue or a complex disarming mechanism for a spike trap in a dungeon, a Khajahadan will pour every bit of thought into finding a solution and solving the puzzle. This makes them great investigators and problem solvers, ideal for both an academic environment as well as out in the field.

 

Khajahadan Traits

The Khajahadan have a variety of unique traits, resulting from millenia of isolated cultural and biological evolution.

Scholarly Upbringing

Whenever you make an Intelligence check with a skill you are proficient with, you may add double your proficiency bonus to the check, instead of your normal proficiency bonus.

Feline Reflexes

You have advantage on all Dexterity saving throws.

Natural Stalker

You have proficiency in Stealth and Perception.

Soul of Fire

Due to your natural affinity towards the element of Fire, you are able to produce a much more powerful flame with your spells. Any attack of magical origin that deals fire damage does extra fire damage equal to your character's current level (a lvl 5 character casting Fireball will deal an extra 5 damage. If said damage is modified, such as being halved or doubled, the extra damage is unaffected).

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Intelligence and Wisdom scores increase by 1.

Age

Khajahadans live as long and age at the same rate as humans, but reach physical maturity slightly earlier (17 years of age).

Size

Khajahadans are about the same size and build as humans, though slightly more muscular. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 40 feet.

Darkvision

Thanks to your feline heritage, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. 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 Weapons

Khajahadans can use their claws (1d4 slashing) and fangs (1d4 piercing) as basic melee weapons. Your claws can be comnsidered as Daggers.

Educated Linguists

You can speak, read, and write Common, Khajahadan, and two other languages of your choice