Homebrew Roo Species Details

A Powerful Existence

The Roo are a semi-humanoid species that evolved from a small line of kangaroos over many generations. Although they are bipedal, they still use a hopping motion to move around, instead of a normal walk. Each hand has three fingers and an opposable thumb, allowing them to use tools. Each finger and thumb also has a long, sharp claw. They also have a tail that is typically around a foot long, which allows for increased bodily balance. Their eyes have evolved to allow them to discern more of their surroundings, but they are still adept at sensing movement. Their ears are also incredibly tuned to be alert at all times. The Roo are typically around 7 to 8 feet tall, and weigh around 250 pounds on average, with most of it being pure muscle. Their fur provides some natural insulation as well, and can range from a dark grey color to a sunset red.

A Singular Society of Individuals

There is one singular Roo civilization, and they are hidden somewhere in the vast desert wilderness. They rarely ever leave this spot, mostly living off of the land and natural resources. As a result, outsiders often know very little - if anything - about the Roo. 

The Roo run a very free society, with a rarely-broken peace and little to no rules. They are free spirits, often focused on self-improvement and finding beauty in their lives, whether it be from within or out in the world. Most Roo have an intrinsic sense to avoid leaving their homelands, although it is not frowned upon to leave.

Although the Roo individual is very free, most still gravitate towards maintaining a familial unity. Roo family members often sleep in the same area as one another, as well as share food and communicate often. It is not frowned upon to seek help from anyone; it is even often encouraged.

The Roo are a peace-loving species, but they do not shy away from a good fight. The Roo have a culture of fun-fighting amongst each other. These fights are never personal and are considered a sport in the Roo culture. When it comes to real fights against outsiders, the Roo have had very little occurrences as a species. But when it happens, they excel at hand to hand combat and are powerful martial artists. Their primary style of fighting is very defensive, only striking when they sense a good opening.

Roo Names

The Roo are very informal with their names. At birth, each Roo is given a first, informal name, and a last, familial name. Most often, Roo only go by shortened versions of their first name, even to strangers. These informal names are often heavy with double syllables, such as two letter 'o's or letter 'l's in a row. These names are often shortened into nicknames, and are non gender-specific.

Some instances these informal names: Soollan, Goover, Aggo, Uyyel, Loo, Rii, Jeemm, Exxo

Some instances of familial (last) names: Hool, Coo, Zaapyn, Flloop, Swaaz

 

Roo Traits

The Roo heritage reveals itself in a number of different abilities and traits.

Joey Pouch

The Roo have inherited the pouch that their ancestral kangaroos had on their bodies, allowing them to carry up to 50Ib of equipment, supplies, etc.

Nature's Friend

The Roo have a particular connection to nature. Evolving to live in the harsh conditions of their homelands, this connection has given them particular knowledge of terrain and wilderness survival. You have proficiency in the Survival and Nature actions.

Ability Score Increase

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

Free Spirit

You can choose between increasing any ability score by +1, or increasing the damage of natural attacks by +2.

Shadowboxer

The Roo inherit their natural strength from their kangaroo ancestors. This includes a powerful kicking ability, where they use both legs to jump up and kick their opponent. If you hit an opponent with this kick, you deal bludgeoning damage equal to 1d10 + your Strength modifier.

Jumping

You can jump 15 feet into the air when wearing light or no armor. Jump height is decreased to 10 feet when wearing medium armor. You cannot jump while wearing heavy armor.

Speed

As a Roo, your base walking speed is 40 feet.

Size

Roo are typically between 7 to 8 feet tall. They also typically weigh around 250 pounds, with most of that being pure muscle. They also have a tail that is around 1 foot long on average.

Alignment

The Roo are very free spirited individuals. Most tend more towards chaotic than lawful, but overall they are closest to neutral. Most Roo are also good, and it is very rare to see otherwise.

Age

The Roo have used natural herbs and plants to create medicines and brews that have greatly increased their lifespan. The live on average for 150 years, and reach adulthood around age 25.

Languages

The Roo have the ability to understand and communicate with Common and Elvish. These are the two most common outsiders that they come across, and they have gained the ability to use these languages.