Homebrew Finkie Species Details

 Finkies were prey for most races for millennia. They were considered evil beasts of dark magic. Wholly misunderstood and hunted to near-extermination. Yet while other races have perished, they remain. They eventually found solace on a peninsula in a land so dangerous that their would-be attackers dare not follow. Here they established a settlement that has flourished. From small village to a large merchant city, the Finkie race has risen to great heights despite their fox-like stature.  

From Forest to Seas

Finkies are in tune with nature in a way few other races are. Their ancestors lived in and nourished forests and as such they continue to nourish the most beautiful trees. Stories of their beautiful city have spread throughout Amrielle. Few outside people are allowed to enter the city beyond the docks, which adds to their legend.

Since being forced to build a new life in such a remote place, Finkies have become experts at sailing. From an early age all Finkies learn to sail as part of their education. They have built a reputation as honest and trustworthy merchants with a talent for negotiation. In fact, they are the only ones who are allowed to trade with the people of the Lanthan Plains. Their ships are typically the fastest on the seas. They are smaller and sleeker than most ships, carrying fewer goods perhaps but making up for it with time spent in transit.

However, merchants need goods and there are goods a-plenty to be found in their city of Ephoy. Many Finkies become skilled artisans. Their carved good are especially popular across the world for their ingenuity and detail. They have the ability to mix different woods into a single wooden statue so as to breath more life into the figure. They are often commissioned to build statues for various nations to honor their heroes or fallen. 

Society of One

Finkies are led by a Chieftain. Each Chief chooses 5 advisors, a position of high responsibility and thus a well-respected position. The advicors help run the day-to-day in Ephoy while the Chief focuses on larger concerns and makes the important decisions. Each Chief holds their position for 10 years. In their 8th year they begin to find their successor. Each Chief chooses a successor differently. Some hold large competitions while others ask the people to weigh-in. Once their are just a few candidates, they begin to work under the Chief directly for the next 2 years. It is then that the Chief will choose his true successor. Usually the final candidates end up becoming advisors to the new Chief.

One famous Chief was named Linius. He helped establish the Finkie people as leaders in trade and crafting by visiting foreign lands to bargain with them. He is the most well-known Finkie in history. However, among his own people he was known for something entirely different. He spent time moving about Ephoy in disguise for most of the time he was Chief. He worked directly with his people and got to know them directly. It was rumored that he did this but few people put stock in that idea. Given that Finkies would often take on a variety of tasks each day it was easy for the Chief to go unnoticed while doing work.

Linius thus found his successor at the docks. He spent his days moving crates and aspired to little else. Among his friends, this worker was known for his wisdom and enjoyable presence. He later became known as Akede the Gentle. He was a beloved Chief who inspired his people.

Dangers of the Mists

Living so close to the Mists has it challenges. Primarily the deadly foes that occasionally wander out of the Mists. These occurrences happen once or twice per month. These creatures are so deadly that the Finkie population spends their formative years training in a specific martial discipline. Many prefer to become archers given their stature. But their are a few legendary Finkies who became great swordsman despite the danger of close combat.

Their athleticism lends greatly to their combat abilities. This aspect of their culture has made them a people that few would ever want to trifle with. Though only a few know the extent to which they train. From the ages of 4-7 they train their bodies without ever handling a weapon. In this time they build a foundation and find what they are best at. Then they spend on year training with a variety of weapons. They will spend at least one month on each weapon. At the end of that year, they choose the weapon they are to become experts with.

From the time they reach 8 years old until they have become adults at age 10 they spend 6 hours daily training with their weapon. There is a celebration each year when a new group of Finkies reach adulthood, during which they are able to show their prowess with their chosen weapon.

The Wanderers

Some Finkies do choose to wander the outside world for a time. Rarely does this last for more than 3-4 years though. They find great comfort in being among their kin and only a few have built that same comfort with others once they left Ephoy.

 

Finkie Traits

Your Finkie has a few traits in common with races of similar size.

Weapon Proficiency

Choose the weapons you are proficient with.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 4. Your Constitution and Strength decrease by 3 total.

Age

A Finkie reaches adulthood at the age of 10 and generally live 90 years.

Alignment

Most Finkies are lawful good. As a rule, they are good-hearted and kind,  and have no tolerance for oppression. They also lean heavily on the support of their community and the comfort of their old ways for safety.

Size

Finkies are around 4 feet tall and approximately 50 pounds. Your size is Small.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 40 feet.

Challenging Prey

Gain the innate ability to cast a spell at will. Choose between Mage Armor or Misty Step.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Winter Wolf. The language of the Winter Wolf has been used in their race since before their written history. Finkies speak Winter Wolf to each other and never teach this language to outsiders.