Homebrew Hou-Zi Species Details

Hou-Zi are a secretive race, rarely leaving their forest homes. Because of this, many people do not know of their existence, and know of them as the stuff of legends. Hou-Zi who do leave their forest villages are often seen as crazy, unless they do so for a good cause. Hou-Zi are also suspicious of outsiders, and often send tracking parties to follow people who come near their homes. 

 

Loyal Friends

Although Hou-Zi are often seen by outsiders as playful and carefree, they form strong bonds with close friends and family. The hunting and tracking parties that they send are always the exact same group. These groups are made up of very close friend and family groups. The members of these groups aways have each others back. Because of these ties, if a Hou-Zi comes to befriend an outsider, they will make an extremely loyal friend. If a Hou-Zi is betrayed by a close friend or ally, they might go into a state of shock, as they have grown up in a society where betrayal is unheard of. 

Playful Yet Imposing

Although Hou-Zi might seem playful at first, they can be extremely strong and imposing when they want to. One moment, they might be playful and carefree, and the next, after they feel threatened, they straighten their backs and pull back their lips, showing their powerful muscles and sharp teeth. They can fend for themselves, and many unsuspecting poachers think they have found easy prey, when suddenly a single Hou-Zi takes on 2 or 3 human poachers. 

Worship of the One True Deity

To Hou-Zi, the only true god is Sun Wukong, the Monkey King. All other gods and deities are lesser beings, serving the great Monkey King. To worship Sun Wukong, many Hou-Zi train in martial arts, as Sun Wukong was renowned for his skills in martial arts. In their forests, many Hou-Zi train in isolated monasteries, training one another in martial arts. 

Hou-Zi Names

Hou-Zi have a variety of different names, and it is impossible to choose common names. They can be named anything, and it often depends on where they live. They might be named after a personality or physical trait of theirs, but it could be anything.

Hou-Zi Traits

Your Hou-Zi character has the following racial traits.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Hou-Zi live longer than humans, but shorter than elves. They reach adulthood at age 25, and live until they are about 150.

Alignment

Hou-Zi don't care much for societies other than their own. They tend to be Chaotic Neutral or Neutral Good.

Size

Hou-Zi are between 5 and 7 feet tall and weigh between 100 and 200 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet. Your base climbing speed is 30 feet.

Long-Limbed

When you make a melee attack on your turn, your reach for it is 5 feet greater than normal.

Natural Stealth

You have had to live your life avoiding predators in the forest. You gain proficiency with the Stealth skill.

Bite

During battle, you can forgo using a weapon attack and bite an opponent. On a hit, this will deal 1d4 + your Strength modifier piercing damage.

At Home in the Wild

Due to your forest home, you gain proficiency with the Nature skill.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Hou-Zi, and one other language of your choice.