Homebrew Xiang (Pandaborn) Species Details

Long forgotten citizens of this world, the Pandaborn (Xiang in their dialect of Druidic) were the first victims of the Dragons. Born not of the God-Dragons' Will but Nature's inherent power, the Pandaborn were an unexpected challenge to the God-Dragons. Though a thriving egalitarian society, they were struck down by Asgorath while he still ruled.

Not Children of Gods, But Children of Earth

The Gods did not create the Xiang, as they did most of the other Material races. Rather, on a small continent many leagues from Uroko, the same forces that gave birth to the many beasts of the land brought forth intelligent beings. A deeply spiritual and druidic people, the Pandaborn population was nearly removed from the world by Asgorath. But rather than extinction, the remaining dregs of the Pandaborn were brought to Uroko to live as exiles from Gods-Created society. In the modern age, Pandaborn number less than 5000, spread across traditional tribes and smaller roaming caravans.

Pandaborn are treated similarly to the "untouchables" caste in real world Caste-era India. There exists little outward hostility towards Pandaborn. Rather they are ignored completely or treated as nuisances by most, with only snide remarks spoken of them in private. Fey tend to be more kind towards Pandaborn, but even the Fey were created by the Gods. Modern sensibilities do trend towards a kinder approach though, with some progressive groups in the Freelands and Tandeki actively sponsoring villages and caravans.

Gender norms are fluid within most communities, with individuals not being limited by sex or identity. Communities with more rigid hierarchies tend to be matriarchal. The family unit is often rejected in favor of the community as a whole. Your duties to your mother are no more important than those due to another of the same age and status.

Pandaborn cannot gain their class powers through religious means, as they are not recognized by the Gods. For classes such as Clerics and Paladin, or subclass options like Path of the Zealot or Divine Soul, consult your Game Master.

Downtrodden Druids

Now generations removed from their near genocide, the Pandaborn have settled in on Uroko. They exist outside of society, forming small hidden communities in the forests of the continent. These communities are never particularly large, the largest among them totaling less than 400 individuals. The Pandaborn are often led by an archdruid and raised based on the traditions of old; simple lives sustained by the land in which all members are equal. In addition to druidic practices, monasteries are also built to practice spiritual arts. The mood among those who live in these villages is often quite sullen, a fog of "what used to be" hanging over the whole town. But seclusion breeds darkness. And adventure calls those kept in seclusion far louder than any others.

Villages are difficult to find, often hidden in deep forests, among patches of bamboo. These villages are mostly concentrated in Baohu, where they live undisturbed because the government stance is that they don't exist at all.

Traditionalist Pandaborn adventurers tend to be Druids, Monks, Rangers and Clerics (consult your GM)

Jesters and *****s

Not all pandaborn are sullen and desperate to hold on to their old ways. Some travel the world in small caravans of craft artisans and performers, putting on performances and selling various baubles and such. These caravans may be as small as a dozen people, with the largest troupe (Cirque de Mirare) being about 100 members. Storytellers, acrobats, woodcarvers, jewelers, and all who love life and seek fun adventures are welcome in their caravans, unlimited by race. No matter their size, a troupe is a family, committed to the love and protection of everyone in it. Though few caravans travel these days, whispers of wonderful performers like no one has ever seen can be heard in classrooms all around Uroko. Behind it all, dark secrets may twist in the shadows of the big-top, but are seldom seen through the flash of entertainment.

Most caravans travel in the Freelands and Tandeki, with the noted exception of Cirque de Mirare, who travel around southern Baohu. Additionally, nomadic Pandaborn tend to not discuss what happened to their people at the hands of the dragons, choosing to focus on the moment and creating a better future.

Pandaborn Adventurers in this subculture tend towards Bards, Monks, Rogues, and Fighters.

Physiology

Pandaborn stand on two legs, but not tall. Often compared to dwarves in stature, Pandaborn are solidly built, standing never more than 5 feet tall but ranging from 160-280 pounds. They are covered head to toe with white and black fur that seldom shares pattern with another. Their clawed hands and sharp teeth are the only aspects that betray their otherwise soft appearance. Pandaborn are resilient people, with fast and powerful metabolisms, leaving them insatiable but resistant to most poisons. Despite their constant hunger, most Pandaborn live for over 100 years and often well into their 200s.

Names

Pandaborn follow two distinct naming conventions. Those who identify more with the natural root of their species typically have names consistent with Mandarin Chinese. Pandaborn that cast away their roots in favor of the more fun and nomadic faction often follow Romani naming conventions. Individuals who are born into one lifestyle but later join the other would typically keep both names and, in less accepting company, go by their old name. Rather than a shared family surname, Pandaborn only have individual names. In formal conversation or in the instance of two individuals sharing a name, Pandaborn will refer to themselves as being "of" their village or troupe. ie, Yin Chen of FengMa or Stefan of Mirare.

Traditional name examples: Yin Chen, Mo Hua, Xing Liang, Tian Xieren, Geng Huo, Gu Guanting, Jiang Bai, Sun Guiying, He Jun, Liu Cheng, Su Yazhu, Tao Kun, Mao Shuren, Dai Liuxian, Zhuan Jian, Zhao An, Cui Ming, Geng Zhihao, Xiang Huan, Gu Xinya

Nomadic name examples: Stefan, Boldo, Durril , Zindelo, Walther, Cappi, Mestipen, Yanko, Zache, Shandor,Dooriya Damara, Shimza, Dika, Mala, Minditsi, Luminitsa, Zujenia, Aishe, Monisha

Xiang Traits

You have a number of inherent traits based on your physiology and the culture you were raised in.

Ability Score Increase

Your Wisdom score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1.

Age

As humanoids born of nature's staying power, Pandaborn usually live long lives. A Pandaborn reaches adulthood around 20, and the oldest of them can live for nearly 300 years.

Alignment

Born of nature, destruction has little to no home within the hearts of most Pandaborn. Pandaborn tend towards Good, with members of their traditional and nomadic subcultures tending towards lawful or chaotic respectively.

Size

Pandaborn are compact people, standing between 3 and 5 feet tall and weighing between 160 and 280 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 25 feet. You also have an inherent climbing speed of 25 feet.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common.

Lesser Druidic

You know Pandaren, a unique dialect of Druidic, the secret language of druids. You can speak the language and use it to leave messages. Anyone can see this script, but only those who know Druidic or Pandaren can understand it. Others are unable to understand the language without magic. You have advantage on perception checks made to spot Druidic messages and can decipher it without magic, at GM's discretion.

Claws

Pandaborn are naturally armed with claws. As such, your unarmed attacks deal 1d4 slashing damage.

Insatiable hunger

You have a constant hunger. If you do not consume some form of sustenance for 2 hours while you are awake, you suffer disadvantage on ability checks (not attacks or saving throws) until you eat. This effect is removed immediately after eating at least a small stack, such as a foot of bamboo shoot.

Your race's constant need to eat has caused them to become resilient against the dangers of natural poisons. You have resistance to poison damage, immunity to the poisoned condition, and advantage on Constitution saving throws made to resist the effects of a poison.

Born of Nature

Pandaborn are innately connected to nature, granting them innate knowledge.

You gain have proficiency in the Nature skill.

Furthermore, you have an innate connection to the flora and fauna of the world and have learned to communicate with it. Pandaborn may choose either Speak with Plants or Speak with Animals to know innately. You may cast your chosen spell without using a spell slot a number of times equal to your Wisdom modifier (Minimum once). You regain all uses at the end of a long rest. If you have a spellcasting ability, this spell is considered known by you and is always prepared.

Xiang (Pandaborn) Traits

Pandaborn are many things, resilient, adorable and clumsy.

Ability Score Increase

Pandaborn receive 2 points in Wisdom, linked to their cultural heritage and spiritual connections. They also receive 1 point in constitution due to their sdtrong metabolism and perpensity to be curiously indestructable.

Claws

They seem harmless, but Pandaborn can defend themselves.

Your unarmed attacks deal 1d4 slashing damage.

Insatiable Hunger

You have a constant hunger. If you do not consume some form of sustenance every two(2) hours while you are awake, you suffer disadvantage on ability checks (not attacks or saving throws) until you eat. This effect is removed immediately after eating at least a small snack, such as a foot of bamboo shoot.

Your race's constant need to eat has caused them to become resilient against the dangers of natural poisons. You have resistance to poison damage, immunity to the poisoned condition, and advantage on Constitution saving throws made to resist the effects of a poison.

Born of Nature

Pandaborn are innately connected to nature, granting them innate knowledge.

You gain have proficiency in the Nature skill.

Furthermore, you have an innate connection to the flora and fauna of the world and have learned to communicate with it. Pandaborn may choose either Speak with Plants or Speak with Animals to know innately. You may cast your chosen spell without using a spell slot a number of times equal to your Wisdom modifier (Minimum once). You regain all uses at the end of a long rest. If you have a spellcasting ability, this spell is considered known by you and is always prepared.

Lesser Druidic

You know Pandaren, a unique dialect of Druidic, the secret language of druids. You can speak the language and use it to leave messages. Anyone can see this script, but only those who know Druidic or Pandaren can understand it. Others are unable to understand the language without magic. You have advantage on perception checks made to spot Druidic messages and can decipher it without magic, at GM's discretion.