Homebrew Ying-Zi Species Details

He hadn't noticed until now, but it was cold, too—cold like the dead of night, cold like creeping shadows around their feet. Jing didn't seem to notice, or if she did, it didn't bother her. But then, this sort of thing was only natural for a ying-zi. That kind of cold was probably already in their blood, Ikemoto thought, nestled away somewhere beneath the dark magic and the pride; the sneering superiority they loved to flaunt just because they knew they were right. 

Over her shoulder, she gave him an inscrutable look. What was it? Distrust? Amusement? He wouldn't find out; the moment he caught her eye, she turned away again, attention settling back onto the relic.

—Abe Tadakore, The Moonlit Shadow

The ying-zi are a people of lands far to the east, often elusive and ever mysterious. Said to be born of the night, they wield magic to match even the elven races of the west, and believe in the potential of darkness for unlocking even greater power—be it for good or ill. Usually sequestered in isolated towns and cities, the ying-zi have a rich culture dating back thousands of years, exploiting their shadowy powers to live lives of unsustainable luxury. 

Shadow Made Manifest

Ying-zi have smooth complexions and tall, slender bodies, often the result of repeated magical alteration and refinement. Foreign travellers have likened them most closely to the drow, though with paler skin and without the elves' characteristic pointed ears: they have long hair, usually silver or white, eyes of deep red, blue and purple shades, and are around the same height as elves, ranging from just under 5 feet tall to around 6 feet and weighing 100 to 145 pounds. Males and females are about the same height, although females are curiously larger on average than the males.

The clothing of ying-zi is often a reflection of their extravagant lifestyles: refined and elegant, dressed in the night's colours of blue, purple and black, and adorned with silver jewelry. Even simple sorcerer's robes are usually showy, drawing heavily from their unique cultural style to create a striking appearance.

A Legacy of Twilight

The precise origins of the ying-zi are unknown, lost to time, and so in the absence of any concrete history, they have become the subjects of many eastern myths and tales. Some speculate that they are the servants—or former servants, depending on the story—of a dark god, descended from the elves of western lands who migrated eastward; others suggest they are beings formed of darkness itself, given gradual form and power over many thousands of years. Whatever their true background, the ying-zi have always had an affinity for the night, twisting its subtle energies into lavish splendour.

Though reclusive, ying-zi are not necessarily hostile to other races—rather, they treat them with an odd curiosity, welcoming them into cities while maintaining a safe social distance. Sly and cunning, they are often skilled negotiators, wielding a natural charm to defuse almost any conflict. While they usually prefer conversation over combat, some sorcerers will secretly relish the chance to demonstrate their magical talents, should a situation go awry.

A CALLING BEYOND

Life in a ying-zi city, particularly the capital of Shixing, is almost always a luxurious one, and so a ying-zi would not be quick to leave it behind without good reason. When creating your ying-xi, consider their reasons for travelling carefully: did they leave of their own volition, or were they forced into it? Are they perhaps in search of something more, like power or experience of the outside world? Was their life beforehand a poor, oppressed one? Understanding why your ying-zi has taken the radical step of leaving their community behind will greatly assist you in developing their background and characterisation.

Dark Benefactors

A prideful people, ying-zi are ever looking for ways to bolster their magic potential—no matter the cost. In this fervent pursuit of power, many will turn beyond their dark heritage to make pacts with beings of the stars themselves—creatures, nay gods beyond mortal comprehension. Their control over power from such pacts, however overwhelming, is often tenuous, and so great is the struggle and danger involved that all but a small handful of ying-zi settlements have banned the practice outright. Nevertheless, all ying-zi are aware—fearfully or not—that should they ever crave a greater destiny, their salvation is but a prayer away... 

Ying-Zi Names

As with their culture, ying-zi names are unique to their race, and are often very difficult for the western races to accurately pronounce. A ying-zi receives their first name at birth, then can choose a second upon reaching adulthood: these may be a token of respect, such as the name of a beloved parent or sibling, or it may be an entirely new name of their own choosing.

Male Names: Chang, Gang, Jiahao, Jingyi, Li, Lin, Mu, Yin, Zemin, Zheng

Female Names: Cai, Cheng, Guanyu, Tu, Wu, Xinya, Xiu, Yuhan, Zhihao, Zho

Neutral Names: Ah, Chao, Fen, Hong, Hua, Huan, Jiang, Jun, Zemin, Zhen

Ying-Zi Traits

Your ying-zi character has a variety of natural abilities, born of their affinity with the night.

Ability Score Increase

Your Charisma score increases by 2 and your Dexterity score increases by 1.

Age

Ying-zi enjoy similar lifespans to elves, claiming adulthood around the age of 100 and living as long as 650 to 700 years. However, most ying-zi will rarely if ever step outside their home settlement.

Alignment

Though beings of darkness, a ying-zi is not necessarily evil—although the temptation of greater power can easily lead them down that path. Like elven societies, they are fond of artistic expression and freedom, and are unlikely to break with their pride by conforming to the laws and expectations of other races, necessary though it may be.

Size

Ying-zi range from under 5 to over 6 feet tall and have slender builds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

Accustomed to twilit forests and the night sky, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 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.

Ancient Knowledge

You have proficiency in the Arcana skill.

Dark Ancestry

You know one cantrip of your choice from the warlock spell list. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for it.

Shadow Walker

You are one with the night, and can meld effortlessly between moonlight and shadows. When outside at night, you gain +5 walking speed and advantage on saving throws against being knocked prone.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Ying-Zi. Ying-Zi is a harsh, distinct language unknown to most races, and so most ying-zi can converse with assured privacy from outsiders.