Homebrew Yasharaaj (Mirthfolk) Species Details

What astounded us most in the caves of the Baron, more than the Drow citadel of Yalare, more than all its great spires and roads of silk and gem, was what lay at the bottom of it. We saw the start of it all, the Penumbra of Val’Thrazhaar. From there we saw holes, openings in the air into a strange reflection of the world, a shadow of our world. Folk living in fear and sadness, yet with smiles on their faces… It was here the Penumbra came from, but was it here these smiling folk lived too? Saint Karoline reached out to greet them through the openings and lost her hand.
We thought they were truly evil, until we realized these people…
They were the elusive and kind Yasharaaj.

— Saint Abdal, The New Archive; Dark Stones.

The Yasharaaj (Yah-Sha-Raj) are not quite a part of the world, and many see them as outsiders and foreigners even though some of them live and grow their entire lives in the material plane. They may seem dark and gloomy from some angles, but in reality, they are mirthful folk given rough lives. Scholars know them as “The folk of Mirth and Shade” or simply “Mirthfolk”.

Unearthly and Colorful

With their strange and intriguing complexions, Yasharaaj appear unearthly and intriguing to humans and members of many other races. They are as tall as humans on average, ranging from 5 feet tall to over 7 feet. They are slenderer than humans, weighing only 100 to 160 pounds. They grow facial and body hair very slowly, at a rate ten times slower than humans, and their ears are sharp like those of elves and halflings. They have small tusks or fangs, and some of them have sizable tusks, though they are a bit rare.

Their skin color ranges from deep periwinkle to Alice blue, and sometimes they are a pale shade of white or green. They often have simplistic tattoos or marks from shadow energies. Their hair ranges from white to black, and sometimes even green, it naturally forms dreadlocks quite fast. Their eyes assume burgundy or yellow colors, and often have the characteristics of creepy creatures such as octopi or insects.
They prefer colorful clothing and extravagant jewelry and headpieces. Yasharaaj with exotic and beautiful clothes are seen as adventurous, courageous, and fashionable by other Yasharaaj.

A Fleeing Lifestyle

Unlike some folk, the Yasharaaj live fleeing lives, owning little possessions other than heirlooms and what is completely necessary. They naturally live up to 100 years but often only get to half of that, because of their lifestyles. They appreciate every good moment and every stroke of luck. They prefer to see the grandness of the world before they die, and fear death immensely as they have seen firsthand what happens to the undead souls and unnatural deaths in the Shadowfell.
Many towns of the Yasharaaj never live in one place for more than a few years.

Living Shadows

The Yasharaaj have shadows independent of themselves, their shadows are more part of their souls and conscience rather than places where light is lacking. They do actions of their own, and sometimes have personalities and act on their own, though they can never leave their owners. They sometimes wave their hands or communicate simple concepts through gestures to their owners, others just don't move at all while their owner moves their hands and legs around. Your shadows have no impact on the world, though can be seen in the ethereal plane.

Escapism and Exploration

Many Yasharaaj adventure to escape their lives of sorrow and slowness, often leaving behind their families and keepers with promises of greatness and expensive treasure. Others explore the world to see what it has to offer and to see what they can give it in return. They are curious and to them, many things are alien and beautiful. Many Yasharaaj artists live to collect pieces of magic and capture emotions that they can’t quite feel in the slums and in the Shadowfell.
They are rarely conquerors or dominators of realms and don’t take up those tasks unless forced into them.

MYSTERIOUS YET MIRTHFUL

The Yasharaaj are mysterious and unknown, but have no trouble making kind allies in a whim. They can experience happiness and joy - even in dark situations.

Dwarves. “Yasharaaj are fine folk, they take an interest in everything we do. If you ever need a lad to spread your craft or buy from you a Yasharaaj is always a good candidate. Though be careful what you say to them, they always want to share what they have heard!”

Elves. “They are like humans, caught up in haste and frantic adventures. They are all welcome at our fests, and while they leave as quickly as they come, they enjoy every minute of it. It is good to know that they will appreciate what you do for them no matter what.”

Humans. “The Yasharaaj understand us, they know that life flees quickly, and you need to enjoy every moment of it, and come to think of it- they’re all great artisans! We appreciate the craft they bring to our markets.”

Yasharaaj Names

The Yasharaaj have two names, one is a tune in undercommon and another is a name in common. Though they rarely use their undercommon names, they do still adhere to them and those who live in the Shadowfell exclusively use them.
Many Yasharaaj also take on names from other cultures, as they appreciate the beauty of foreign names a lot. Their last names are often titles or job titles of their family.
To determine your Yasharaaj’s name in undercommon simply whistle or snap a tune which you think resembles their personality and way of faring.

Male Names: Rathion, Marmyhon, Pewlyon, Jepetus, Gultius, Vivium, Gilneum.
Female Names: Gilneas, Jinfast, Willejinn, Tauertaum, Jauilia, Nymia, Pteriphal.
Gender Neutral Names: Lembas, Reign, Roi, Aroe, Arphal, Asylus, Vignius.
Last Names: The Brave, The Lucky, The Happy, The Swift, Of Panache, Of Glee, Smith, Harper, Cobbler, Weaver, Gemfinder, Swordmaker, Colorshaper.

Yasharaaj (Mirthfolk) Traits

Your Shadowy heritage grants you a variety of features shared with other Mirthfolk.

Ability Score Increase

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

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Undercommon. Undercommon is a very tonal language and is communicated through whistles and hums, it is made to communicate in cave hallways.

Fel Sight

Accustomed to the Shadowfell and Mied, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 120 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can still discern colors while in the dark.
You can also see 30 feet into the ethereal plane, to do so you must focus out your other senses, so you are blinded and deafened while doing so.

Baleful Anatomy

Your exposure to the volatile magics of the Shadowfell or Mied grant you resistance to Necrotic damage.

Harrowing Complexion

You know the minor illusion cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the blindness/deafness spell as a 2nd-level spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the blur spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Yasharaaj Ways

Your uprising as a Yasharaaj has given you proficiency in Persuasion and Insight.