Homebrew Akasi Species Details

Deeply reverent of the land and its sacred sites, the nomadic Akasi live a sparse existence defined by their constant travels. Masters of ropes and hooks, they scale sheer cliffs and cross yawning chasms with such skill and agility that they sometimes seem almost to take flight. Perhaps because of their chaotic lifestyle, Akasi society places value on order and community. They emphasize a structured, harmonious community with strong traditions binding its members together.

Akasi are tall, slender humanoids with light hair and gray, blue-gray, or ivory skin. All Akasi have slightly pointed ears, and males have short, fleshy barbels on their chins. They paint softly glowing geometric patterns on their faces and bodies, suggestive of the shapes and design of the hedrons that appear across Zendikar. Their clothing tends to leave their arms and shoulders free to facilitate climbing, and they keep most of their gear in pouches and slings at their waists.

The Akasi have a nonverbal language of hand signs and gestures that allows communication despite significant distance (particularly when augmented with whirling ropes) or howling winds. They also use this sign language among themselves when they wish to avoid being overheard, giving rise to misguided rumors that they are incapable of speech. When they do speak, they typically use as few words as possible to convey their meaning.

Akasi Traits

Akasi are athletic climbers, known for their use of rope to swing and climb through the dizzying vertical terrain of Zendikar. Your Akasi character has these traits.

Akasi Luck

When you roll a 1 on the d20 for an attack roll, ability check, or saving throw, you can reroll the die and can use the new roll.

Brave

You have advantage on saving throws against being frightened.

 

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

 Akasi mature at the same rate as humans and live about as long.

 

Alignment

Most Akasi are lawful good, with a strong dedication to community and the traditions of their ancestors.

 

Size

Akasi average nearly 6 feet tall, but are much lighter and more slender than humans. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet. You also have a climbing speed of 30 feet as long as you are not encumbered or wearing heavy armor.

 

Darkvision

Thanks to your Akasi blood, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. 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.

Akasi Climbing

You have proficiency with whips, and in the Athletics and Acrobatics skills.

 

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, and communicate in the silent speech of the Akasi. The Akasi language is a sign language that can be used to clearly and easily communicate across great distances, and is rarely taught to outsiders.