Homebrew Vunoshin Species Details

The Vunoshin are a race of mountaineers, living beyond the cliffdrops and inhabiting the mountainsides. They construct their homes in a way that is similar to a nesting eagle, fashioned out of branches and leaves from the nearby forests. In stead of roads, they utilize the natural bevels the mountain provides thanks to their proficiency in climbing. An extra digit to every extremity provides for extra grip while navigating through their village.

Only a few locations in their habitat are naturally flat, utilized for gatherings, rituals and the occasional duel. During a duel, the competing Vunoshin are prohibited from using their arms for attack or defense, depending on their horn like facial shield which grows with age. When they are born this shield only covers their nose-area, but with each decade they gradually grow 2 new ridges (e.g. along their brow) that strenghten their facial structure and thus giving them a larger advantage against younger opponents. 

Outside their village life, occasionally Vunoshin are hired by passing pilgrims and mercenary armies for their knowledge of the mountainpasses and their strategic insight in close quarter combat on ledges and small roads. In the event of becoming friendly with a Vunoshin, be wary that they greet their allies with a strong headbutt. In some cases, this has proven fatal and is troubling for the Vunoshin as this is their way of showing respect.

They rely heavily on natural resources considering trade with the outside world is challenging. Primarily herbivorous, they gather berries and leaves from the forest that lies at the foot of their mountain, but in recent years some tribes have taken up carnivorous tendencies because of woodsmen and armies destroying their gathering grounds. Travellers passing by have been reporting that during the obligatory bartering they have been presented with dried meat, usually in the shape of an arm or leg from various races. Depending on regional wars or industrialization, you might encounter these cannibal Vunoshin tribes.

Because Vunoshin live on top of mountains, they inevitably come in contact with dwarves. Usually a deal is struck between the two races under friendly terms, also allowing them to mine superficial ores and minerals. Among the Vunoshin are a couple of excellent crafstman, responsible for some of the highest quality ornate katana's and knives. These blacksmiths are usually found at the most unreachable locations of the mountains, as they are protective of their craft just like they are of their borders. Rarely acquired by any outside, these weapons are in such high regard that a single dagger can be a royal gift worth a small treasury.

Vunoshin Traits

The agile Vunoshin are born climbers, scouting along the mountaintops and protecting the outer shell of dwarven kingdoms

Age

Vunoshin mature a little faster than humans, reaching adulthood around the age of 15. Because of the treacherous environment they live in, Vunoshin’s life expectancy is around 40 years. On the rare occasion that one can outlive the dangers of the mountains, Vunoshin can live up to 70 years.

Alignment

The Vunoshin tend to be Neutral. They see no harm in killing trespassers or selling their body parts as dried meat. Although there is a sense of love and respect among them, they can distance themselves from death as they see this as a natural part of life.

Languages

Vunoshin speak Common, Giant and Dwarvish. Native Vunoshin can only write or read through simple symbols, for they lack education.

Ability Score Increase

Your Constitution score increases by 2, either your Dexterity or Strength score increases by 1 and your Intelligence is reduced by 2.

Dense Skull

Your skull is thick, which you can utilise as a natural weapon. You can add your proficiency when making a Bash Attack, which is a melee weapon attack that deals 1d8 bludgeoning damage plus your Strength modifier.

Also, whenever you use the Dash action during your turn and you move at least 10 feet straight toward a target, you can attempt to make a Bash attack as a bonus action. A creature struck by this must succeed on a Strength Saving Throw, the DC being 10 + your Constitution modifier, or be knocked prone. You cannot use this ability on a creature who is already prone.

Born Climber

You gain proficiency in the Athletics skill. Climbing or traversing a mountainous environment does not cost you any extra movement. Furthermore, once per long rest a Vunoshin can triple its jump distance much like the effects of the ‘Jump’ spell.