Homebrew Zyl Species Details

Today I went to the marketplace in search of some pastries. It was a pleasant surprise to find that a new bakery stall arrived. As I walked up to it, I saw a small creature managing the wares- a zyl, to my surprise. Though not a complete rarity, they are difficult to happen upon. I happily tipped the zyl as I received some of their pastries. They supplied the best service I've had in the market; their willingness to help and optimistic attitude was pleasant.

Some may say that they are like their cruel cousins, the goblins, but I find this to be incorrect. Sure, some can be aggressive, but they are generally civilized folk. I'd mistake them for halflings if they didn't look so different! All in all, I'm sure the majority of people would welcome any zyl into their city!

 

— Navilog Pyrebow, Daily Journal of my Experiences in Grymdill

Jack of all trades, a zyl can be your friendly shopkeeper or a thief in the night. Talented climbers and skilled scouts, they can be experts at navigating the wilderness due to their ties to nature. Despite their unique and ever-changing goals, one thing is for sure: their undying loyalty for those that they care about can turn them into almost anything.

Goblinoid Features

Zyl can be mistaken for goblins from a distance. They have long ears and small bodies of gray, brown, white, or black. Thick fur of similar coloration covers their lower arms, lower legs, backs, and chests, with a small tuft at the end of their 2-3 foot long tails. Sometimes, fur can grow on the sides of their faces. Additionally, they have three fingers on each hand and a thumb, as well as three toes with a thumb-like appendage on each foot. Claws grow at the ends of their hands and feet instead of nails.

Their heads have round, spike-like bumps around the edges of their faces due to the shape of their skulls. The eyes of a zyl have completely white pupils and irises, while the sclera can be practically any color. Zyl noses are snake-like slits.

Preferring simple and comfortable clothing over finer attire, zyl blend in amongst the common folk quite easily with no care for current styles or social class.

Community Creatures

It is unlikely to find a zyl alone. They crave a community to be a part of, whether it be in a crowded town or amongst pack animals in the woods. As such, they can be seen doing work that involves interacting with others on a daily basis; shop keeping, sending messages, treating the sick, and the like are jobs that a zyl will thoroughly enjoy. Similarly, they are eager to live with another being, whether it be with friends or a romantic partner.

Communicating with a zyl is entertaining to some. They talk with light, goblin-like voices. When speaking, they aren't afraid to express how they feel or comfort others. To a zyl, pretending to be someone you're not is a waste of time.

Unwavering Loyalty

A zyl will protect their friend(s) in almost any situation. They have little regard for their own safety when it comes to defending those that they care about, even going as far as sacrificing their own lives if it means that their loved ones will stay safe. As such, they are often more calm about death than most.

Their strong bonds are practically unbreakable. No matter how good or evil someone is, as long as they maintain a strong and healthy friendship with a zyl then the zyl will pick them over any morality. Physical or mental mistreatment is the only way in which a zyl will disconnect from a relationship.

Zyl Names

Zyl like names that sound whimsical and fun. They typically will use the letters y, x, z, and s in their names. as parents, zyl are open to having their children change their names when they reach maturity, as it is a sign of independence and knowledge of one's self. Gendered names confuse zyl, as femininity and masculinity are not implemented into their naming system.

Family names are also chosen. This is usually when a zyl ties themselves to a romantic partner or has children. They are often simple words that describe the zyl parent(s). These family names are only used by those who choose it and their children (until those children have tied themselves to a romantic partner or have had children themselves).

Zyl Names: Styx, Zinq, Yawk, Xire, Gyrs, Relz, Seza, Wurz, Syno, Voni

Family Names: Quick, Wise, Sly, Strong, Brave, Scary, Joyous, Anxious, Tall, Short

Friendship Upholders

Two ideals motivate a zyl to go out on an adventure. One is to befriend others for the sheer love of friendship, as one might find their home to be too lonely for them to feel comfortable. Another is to support the friends they already have, whether it means protecting them or setting out on a quest because of their friend's desires. Their friends could travel with them or they could be sent by them, though a zyl will usually insist on company.

SACRIFICE

When a zyl sets out on a journey for their friend, they will complete their goal as best they can. The possibility of death won't stop a zyl. The bond of friendship strengthens zyl and gives them the courage to do almost anything. No money, threats, or the loss of innocent lives can stop them.

 

Zyl Traits

Zyl have their own unique characteristics.

Ability Score Increase

Your Charisma score increases by 2, and your Dexterity score increases by 1.

Age

Zyl mature at 50 years old, living as long as 300 years old.

Size

Zyl are between 3 and 4 feet tall and average about 60 pounds. Your size is Small.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet. You have a base climbing speed of 20 feet.

Darkvision

Your distant relation to goblinoids has allowed you to see in the darkness far more than average. 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.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and one additional language.

Courage of Friendship

When you are within 30 feet of an ally you can see or hear, you are immune to the frightened condition.