Homebrew Cornel Species Details

Hailing from sequestered farmlands in the south,  the cornel, sometimes called cornpeople or cornfolk, evoke a sense of connection to the earth, and sometimes hunger. How the cornel came to be, or what drives their life force is a mystery lost to time, and they are reticent to share their secrets.

They are immigrants, refugees, scouts, and explorers, their outposts functioning as footholds in a world both strange and alien.

Corn!

The cornel appear much as you would expect. Large corncob-like bodies, but with humanoid appendages of legs and arms. They are covered in kernels, which can store excess energy for them to use later.

They are typically shades of strong yellow, although discoloration in their kernals to brown or red is not uncommon. They occasionally retain small roots on their lower halves from their time spent growing in the earth.

Tenders of the Earth

The cornel are most comfortable in agriculture, tending to the earth and growing their nutritious foods for themselves, others, and the further growth of their people. In combat, they are especially hardy, having learned to protect themselves from would be predators.

Once a reclusive people, the cornel have begun to branch out, expanding their trade routes and culture to the far reaches of the realms, and learning new agricultural techniques in return. As of late, their people have been struggling to reproduce, and this is a welcome avenue to a remedy.

Husking

Each cornel typically retains some husk, as protection from the elements and to absorb potential toxins that might impede their growth. They will often spend time styling these husks, in the same way a human would style their hair.

They speak slowly, but not as slowly as the average tortle. They are a deliberate people, and typically waste little time on unnecessary conversations. They like to regale each other, in their limited social adventures, with stories of excellent harvests and good trade deals.

Cornel find little pleasure in anything that does not directly benefit their chosen trade. They will often become immediately hostile to any creature or being that might inhibit their or their crop's growth.

While wary of fire especially due to millennia of survival instincts, they have also learned to use it as a tool, and understand that the energy they charge their kernels with is not dissimilar to the fire they once feared.

Origin of the Crop

Most cornel live on farmland, separating themselves into groups they call "Fields". These groups are more for community support, with smaller units of families, or "Crops" comprising their day to day activities.

Once a Field has taken root somewhere, they will defend that land relentlessly, as they know that their harvests are their best bet at continued survival and growth.

A typical Field consists of less than 100 cornel. The eldest acts as leader with the support of a shaman. 

Cornel Traits

+2 Constitution, +1 to One Other Ability Score, Pop, Shed Husk

Earthborn Hardiness

The Cornel gain +2 Constitution from Earthborn Hardiness, owing to their tougher upbringing and generations of survival, despite their entire race being viewed mostly as food by other species.

Pop

Once per long rest, and with exposure to sunlight or similar magic, as a bonus action, you can fire a kernel from your body, dealing 1d8 bludgeoning damage on a DEX saving throw. You can fire additional kernels at higher levels, either all at once as part of the same bonus action, or separately. This uses your Constitution modifier.

Shed Husk

Once per long rest, as an action, you can shed your husk and remove any diseases or poisons affecting you. Additionally, you are resistant to poisons, due to your experience in identifying them and reacting to them.

Unmitigated Growth

You can add +1 to an ability of your choosing.