Homebrew Arktos Species Details

Arktos

The notorious tricksters of the Ruafaithian North, Arktos are well known for their lies and deceit. Unfortunately for the many inhabitants of Ruafaith, this does not stop them from scamming all folks out of their gold. Having evolved to survive the harsh conditions of the arctic, they flourish where others cannot. It is for this reason that the few towns and villages within the desolate tundra are composed almost entirely of Arktos. These towns are money pits for most travelers, as the foxlike inhabitants are known to vastly overprice all the goods and services they offer to those who do not share their blood. They are known to throw elaborate parties upon the departure of adventuring parties, basking in the newly found wealth that comes from sucking coffers dry. If there is anything these rascals understand, it is gold. And if they cannot buy you out of your gold, Arktos settlements are infamous for the large number of “accidents” that occur to those that do not pay. As it is rare for any system of law or justice to exist for outsiders within these towns, most cases of theft are swept under the rug -- unless an agreement is made for the gold to be recovered, so long as a handsome reward is returned. Arktos clans tend to be highly secretive to outsiders, usually only ever revealing the price and quantity of their stock.

Friends in Need

Although Arktos live in service of themselves, they live within an Arktos clan. These clans are a tightly wound group, often giving to any member in need. These clans are headed by a group of elders, typically around 4 to 8, with one member at the lead. Arktos often sell to clan members at or below market value, often at a loss. This special discount is quickly extended across an entire clan to anyone presented to clan leadership as “a friend.” Friends of the clan are often immediately presented to the secret side of Arktos life, seeing the intense familial bond clan members have with one another. Some may be granted permission to look into and involve themselves in the meticulous schemes of Arktos towns, who plan out prices for goods months in advance. Because of this, friendships are given out very sparingly. Sometimes partial friendship is given to members of a Arktos' party, causing many parties to seek out an Arktos companion. These friendships last for a lifetime and are often extended to the offspring of friends, so long as the clan’s trust is not broken in some way. 

Structured to have their only family be their clan, Arktos are given a name at birth. At the age of 10, Arktos are awarded with the name of their clan and a personalized name that matches the way they act. These names are not assigned specifically as one gender or another, typically just given to a child based on what the elders see fit. Names are listed as Birth Name, Personal Name, and Clan Name. When introducing themselves to folk outside the clan, most Arktos refer to themselves only by their Birth Name and Clan Name, as to not give away their true nature. However, Arktos tend to use their personal names when speaking with other Arktos as a form of respect.

Arktos Names

Birth Names: Ihiko, Motsugu, Yotaba, Matsuka, Tesami, Sairari, Baigobai, Suhide, Joneko, Maekyo, Kimiko, Hyomei

Personal Names: Masa (Genuine), Takeo (Valiant), Yasuyoshi (Calm), Satoru (Wise), Jun (Obedient), Kayo (Beautiful), Takeshi (Warrior), Makoto (Sincere)

Clan Names: Yutaka, Tamotsu, T’sueno

Arktos Traits

Arktos Traits

Racial Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 1, and you can increase either your Intelligence or Charisma scores by 2.

Proficiencies

You have proficiency in Deception and a choice of proficiency from either Acrobatics, Stealth, or Sleight of Hand.

Age

Arktos age at a quick pace, typically reaching maturity around age 10. Because Arktos clans tend to hide their elderly, it is not known how long they live, though it is believed the upper limit trends at around age 70.

Alignment

Arktos live beyond the walls and rules of other kin, doing as they so please. While they are generally kind-hearted, they will do what they need to in order to get coin, so long as another Arktos is not hurt in the process.

Size

Arktos average between 3 and 5 feet and tend to be around 50 pounds. Your size is small.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

Accustomed to working deep into the night, you have exceptional vision in dark and dim light. You can see in dim light within 30 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.

Arktos Nimbleness

You can move through the space of any creature that is of a size larger than you.

Naturally Stealthy

You can attempt to hide even when you are obscured only by a creature that is at least one size larger than you.

Cunning Deceivers

Naturally good at tricking the unwise out of their gold, you have advantage on Deception checks made to increase your total currency.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Arktos, and one other language of your choice. Arktos are often trained by members of their clan to be able to speak with members of other races to be able to spy on their conversations.