Ustel (Us-tell)

Ustelans are a weasel-like race of beastfolk. They have long slender bodies covered in a variety of coat colors, from rusty red to jet black. Thin whiskers extend from their snouts which hold thin canines, their long tails twitching back and forth as they smile. Ustel settlements are found in any locale as individuals are cunning and adaptable, but through any ustelan culture runs a common theme of reliance on nature.

Culture

Primal Hunters

Ustelans place great value on the boons granted by the natural environment. Their villages have dedicated hunting parties, foraging groups, and seed cultivators; most Ustelan children know how to wield a bow or spear before they know how to read. These villages are small and tight-knit, but Ustel frequently venture out to seek adventure and excitement. Ustel are gifted with an intense curiosity towards new things, but an innate disdain for large cities and man-made structures. Trade is often reserved for local villages or small towns in the area, especially ones with other Ustel populations. To facilitate the safety of community members on hunting trips and personal journeys, Ustelans are taught by their elders how to use weapons, identify poisonous plants, read maps, and perform other essential skills.

Masters of Craft

Ustelans are skilled with their hands and exceptional crafters of natural materials. Common hobbies include woodworking, jewelry making, weaving, and pottery. Elderly ustel are often so good at their chosen hobby or profession that their works sell for high prices in cities, though ustel often prefer trinkets or supplies to money as payment. Ustel are also often talented hagglers.

Characteristics

Age

Ustelans mature at age 15 and can live to be around 150 years old.

Alignment

Ustel tend towards chaotic or neutral alignments, as they can easily be swept up in excitements and personal goals. However, Ustelans do have a strong sense of community and duty to protect nature.

Size

Ustelans are taller and slender beastfolk. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Abilities

Darkvision

You have a cat’s keen senses, especially in the dark. 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.

Into the Wilds

Ustelans are trained to handle weapons and tools from a young age for protection from wild animals. You are proficient with one type of martial weapon.

Needle Teeth

You can use your sharp teeth to make an unarmed strike as a bonus action. If you manage to bite the target, you deal piercing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike

Trained Hunter

As a further part of your training, you have learned to cast the Hunter's Mark spell to aid in hunts. This spell may be used twice per long rest.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Beast. Beast can be used to speak with other beastfolk and uses the Sylvan script.

Subraces

Ailur

Ailur are a beastfolk closely related to Ustelans, but are characterized by their red fur, striped tails, and white facial markings. They are very rare, living in only a few villages scattered across the deep forests of Thiben. Ailur villages are even more reclusive than Ustelan villages, with individuals rarely venturing into areas where they may encounter members outside of their race.

Climbing Paws

Ailur have claws built for climbing trees and other surfaces. This is especially useful when considering your herbivorous diet. You can scramble up almost any structure with ease, and have a climbing speed of 30 feet.

Species Names

Ustel are named at birth by their parents, and names are derived from nature. A family that lives in the forest may name their children after types of trees or edible mushrooms. Gender plays less of a role in naming schemes as does a particular interest of the parents in moss or rivers.
Ustel Names: Cloud, Redwood, Bay, Wave, Morningflower, Pebble, Mud.

Related Organizations

• Urgus Clans