Homebrew Arkvein Species Details

Appearance

Biologically

Arkvein are four-legged beings with a humanoid upper torso. Their homeworld (Malrov) is covered in vast mountains and tundras, with an ammonia-based atmosphere. The homeworld has a high-pressure atmosphere in order to compensate and stay well below freezing. They have hooved feet with opposable thumbs, a smaller second set of arms, and two tails to navigate the dangerous snowy cliffs of their homeworld. In addition to this, they have two large antennas that are used as shields during blizzards and while digging.

Because of their unique atmosphere and climate, plants have an extremely difficult time growing and are rare to be found as a natural occurrence. However, the Arkvein have evolved to have large tentacle-like pouches that grow from their head-like hair, as well as a large pouch on either side of their lower torso. These pouches are very porous to allow the ammonia-rich atmosphere to pass through while maintaining the heat required to grow plants inside. The Arkvein will collect dirt and minerals from the ground, placing them within these pouches and planting seeds. From this, the plants will grow thanks to their body heat and naturally created sweat. This is a symbiotic relationship as they help recycle the atmosphere, and the plants provide them nutrition in return. These pouches are bioluminescent creating natural light in dark tunnels and are often neon colors.

Although, Arkvein are omnivores that exist primarily on meat. They have carnivorous teeth, as well as fleshy mandibles on the sides of their face tipped with large fangs to tear apart prey. They’re built to run long distances and are mostly white to camouflage in with their surroundings. They are known as the Apex predators of their homeworld.

In addition to exterior-physical adaptations, Arkvein possess subvocals that allow them to communicate worldlessly. This is especially helpful when hunting, and can be picked up at long ranges thanks to their larger ears.

Culturally

Because of their homeworld having an ammonia-based atmosphere, Arkvein wear protective suits able to compensate for the difference in atmosphere. These suits are made of hard metal casing and stretchy fabrics that workaround and protect their pouches. The helmets are large domes that have a separate ammonia cycle that can be sealed off if there is a leak in another area of the suit. It reduces the risk of death, but does not eliminate it as even a small exposure to oxygen can be fatal.

Except, while on their homeworld, Arkvein do not require atmospheric suits. They wear loose-fitting clothing with belts around their lower torso’s to protect their pouches. They also have large belts around their thighs or upper waist to carry items and can be fitted with saddles to give rides to their young, other Arkvein, and sometimes other species (consensually) as their mountainous homeworlds can be extremely treacherous if not guided. 

History

Arkvein evolved slowly at first, creating their colonies and navigating their homeworld. They had no real direction, following the stars as a religion rather than a diety.

Their evolution was quicked by first contact with the Astral Elves. Many Arkvein volunteered to be guardians or clerics and train with the teachings of the Visitors. Although at first, they worshipped Astral Elves themselves as gods, they quickly adopted the Astral Elf religion that the Visitors were gods, rather than a whole race. With their boost in technology, they were able to adapt to space travel and create their enviro-suites to visit other homeworlds. This technology was also applied to their cities to “modernize” them into much more sustainable burrows, although, they still insisted on growing their own plants within their pouches rather than in farms.

Unlike Astral Elves or the Travellers, they do not know what the unknown contains. Instead of being satisfied by the stories told to them, they lust for adventure and exploration. Many ships have reached out to nearby galaxies (specifically the Omega Galaxy and Sigma Perileos). They are slowly exploring the world, as well as the many planes.

Culture

Civilizations 

Arkvein build their homes underground in inter-connecting burrows called Colonies. These colonies can be related back to those of Halfings and marmots. They live in vast communities built into the secluded tundras and valleys of their homeworld that have multiple entrances and exits in case of avalanches or blizzards. These communities have been modernized as the race has evolved, and their space ships have come to resemble them as well; being very confusing for non-Arkvein.

Due to having an extremely cold atmosphere, they have extensive heating systems within their colony. This is extremely necessary as it takes a lot of stress off their body from having to generate enough heat for their pouches. In addition, the amount of bodies in one place increases the amount of heat generated which helps to keep the colony regulated even if a heating system temporarily malfunctions. 

Social

Their communities are tightly knit, oftentimes sharing wealth, cooking, chores, and child-care across the entire communities. Although they are vast (usually three-hundred to a thousand per community) each Arkvein knows one another within their community. To lose one’s community is to lose one’s family. Since they live in such close quarters, polyamory is a common occurrence, as it generates more body heat, and many hands for pruning and grooming pouches make light work.

Arkvein Names

Their names tend to be after their parent's favourite plants or scenery. They do not have family names as do not see the need for them.

Names: Stars, Violet, Moss, Ink, Mountain, Rock, Bolder, Tundra

Arkvein Traits

Arkvein have the following traits:

Claws

Your claws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Natural Light

You emit coloured light from your bioluminescent tentacles in a 30-foot sphere. This illuminates the world around you in dim light.

Ability Score Increase

Your strength score increases by 2, and your wisdom increases by 1.

Age

Arkvein live for two hundred years, reaching maturity at the age of thirty.

Alignment

Arkvein tend to be naturally kind-hearted and follow their own personal codes. A typical Arkvein is Neutral Good.

Size

Arkvein are between four and five feet tall and weigh about 881 pounds (around the weight of a horse). Your size is medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet. Your climbing speed is also 60 feet when in snowy terrain or climbing mountains.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Sylvan, in addition to your native language of Olteno. You can also understand and create subvocals.