Homebrew Yokai Species Details
“Claws, jaws, teeth, tails, them Yokai look scary 'nuff. They ain't bad people though, even if them fools on the mainland wanna chase 'em off like monsters, honest, driven, good workers, that's all I ever seen of 'em. And the lords 'round here ain't unfair folk like the fat fools back in Ra'aster. Damn shame, I say. Better an honest man with a frog mouth than a lair with a pig's body.”
Beloved lords of Yang Li, hated and discriminated against peoples elsewhere, what no one can deny is the Yokai of Krihna are an odd and diverse bunch. Born from the combination of a mortal body and a wandering spirit, either one born from a particularly strong soul and desire of a mortal or formed from nature itself. Given this rather open background, general statements about the Yokai are a little ambitious, but what brings them all together is the fact that every one of them has a goal the spirit inside is driven to complete.
Unintentional Mediums
Yokai are derived from any living thing, whether it be humanoid or animal, and always resemble humans, in the broadest sense. Their possession, however, doesn't leave itself to the imagination. Yokai are always slightly monstrous in appearance, appearing off to anyone who sees them, even if specific features are hidden. They can have animal features or body parts, ranging from limbs, tails, ears, and eyes, or a horrific mask that cannot be removed, instead gaping wide when they need to eat, disfigured or unique bodies, or horns not unlike tieflings. Their eye, hair, and skin color can be any shade or color, including an oily swirl, and often seems unnatural or not quite normal.
Both Sides of the Coin
Yokai are a tiny minority that lives either pushed to the very edges of civilization or as powerful members of the community, the insights and memories their spirits bring leading them to prosper. Sometimes, Yokai can be found as members of otherwise normal families and groups, where they are usually treated with the utmost respect, or pointed suspicion and superstitious fear.
Yokai are most respected in the island nation of Yang Li, where 12 families of yokai who inherit the spirits from their ancestors rule most of the land, and many offshoots hold high positions in large companies and the military. Yokai who are new to the life often prioritize the goals and lingering feelings of their spirit above friendships and companions, but once you gain the trust and arm of a yokai, they are reliable friends, to the end and beyond.
Duality of Fates
Yokai always have mixed receptions, as many people see them as either bridges to the afterlife or monsters akin to undead. People might call upon a passing Yokai to exorcise an object ot house, or call the town guard to protect their children.This treatment has bred a sense of distrust or superiority in many Yokai, often not trusting kidness aimed towards them as being genuine. Most, though, tend to avoid it altogether, living in their manors or wild hideouts. This priority of avoidence doesn't help their issues with social conduct, often leaving younger Yokai at a loss for how to respond to the actions of others, whether positive or negative
Yokai Traits
Yokai hold many powers derived from their supernatural origins and spiritual hitchhikers.Ability Score Increase
Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and another skill of your choice is also increased by 2.
Age
Youkai mature at the same rate as humans but often live much longer.
Alignment
Yokai have a slight tendency towards lawful alignments, but can be any.
Size
Yokai are about the same size as humans. Your size is Medium.
Speed
Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Ethereal Sight
Thanks to the spirit within, you can discern the flow of magic, as if you have the Detect Magic spell applied, and see the incorporeal forms of souls within 60ft of you. When you perceive a soul in this manner, you can see the alignment and sense the intentions, but may not hear them or interact with them otherwise.
Languages
You can speak, read, and write Common and Primordial.
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