Wukong

Native to the forested mountain peaks of Shang, Wukong are simian humanoids with boundless energy and irrepressible spirit. Resembling macaques with agile bodies and expressive faces, the Wukong stride through life with a gleam of mischief in their eyes and an unshakable confidence in their hearts. Their playful demeanor and cunning minds make them both celebrated and infamous among the people of Shang and beyond.

Mischievous Mountain Folk

Wukong are a people of the highlands, where steep cliffs and dense forests offer them natural sanctuary. They are at home in the treetops and among the rugged terrain, where they can use their natural agility and athleticism to their advantage. Wukong settlements blend seamlessly with their surroundings, consisting of rope bridges, wooden platforms, and cliffside dwellings.
Life in Wukong communities is lively, with frequent music, laughter, and displays of acrobatic skill. They value freedom above all, believing that life is to be savored as a grand adventure. This belief is reflected in their reverence for the Monkey King, a mysterious and legendary figure whose exploits serve as both a moral compass and a source of inspiration for their playful, independent nature.

Kin of the Monkey King

The Monkey King holds a central place in Wukong culture and mythology. Some Wukong claim he was the first of their kind and an ancient trickster who outwitted the gods. Others view him as a divine force of nature, embodying the wilderness' chaos, balance, and freedom. Regardless of his true nature, the Monkey King is celebrated as the ultimate champion of Wukong spirit.
His teachings—if they can be called that—emphasize cleverness, adaptability, and the joy of living freely. Stories of his exploits are told with pride in every Wukong village, shaping their outlook on life and inspiring their boundless curiosity.

Wanderers and Tricksters

While many Wukong are content to live among their kin in the mountains, others are driven by an insatiable wanderlust. These adventurous Wukong descend from their lofty homes, eager to explore the world, seek out challenges, and test their wits against its dangers.
Wukong adventurers are known for their quick thinking and daring, often adopting roles as monks, rogues, or bards. They are natural performers, blending acrobatics and humor into their battles and interactions. Their charm and unpredictability make them both valued allies and frustrating foes.

Playful but Unpredictable

Wukong are as mercurial as the winds that sweep through their mountain homes. They are quick to laugh, quick to anger, yet quick to forgive. This fleeting nature extends to their interests as well; a Wukong may obsess over a puzzle or artifact one day, only to lose interest once its mysteries are unraveled.
This capriciousness makes them unpredictable companions, but their loyalty to those they consider friends can be unwavering. A Wukong’s heart is as big as their appetite for mischief, and they live to turn every challenge into an opportunity to display their cleverness and sense of humor.

Wukong Names

Wukong names typically feature two to three syllables and often reflect traits or aspirations valued by their communities. Names are descriptive, with meanings tied to nature, luck, or personal qualities. They may evolve over a Wukong’s lifetime, reflecting their changing identities.
Male Names: Gao-Xiang ("Soaring High"), Jian-Hong ("Strong and Grand"), Ming-Shi ("Bright Stone"), Wei-Qiang ("Mighty Strength"), Zhi-Kun ("Wise Earth")
Female Names: Ai-Ling ("Loving Jade"), Fen-Yu ("Fragrant Jade"), Mei-Hua ("Beautiful Flower"), Rui-Xin ("Auspicious Heart"), Yan-Li ("Radiant Beauty")
Troupe Names: Yun-Xing ("Cloud Walkers"), Feng-Hou ("Wind Monkeys"), Shan-Yue ("Mountain Moon"), He-Tian ("River Fields"), Xiang-Feng ("Fortunate Wind")
Wukong names carry a sense of tradition and poetic beauty, grounding these free-spirited wanderers in the culture of Shang. With each name, they honor their connection to the legendary Monkey King and the ever-changing world they call home.

Wukong Traits

Your wukong character has the following racial traits.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.
Age. Wukong have lifespans equivalent to humans.
Alignment. Wukong tend towards chaotic alignments, often driven by whims and mischevous in nature.
Size. Wukong have a moderately stooped posture, so it is not obvious that they stand about 5.5 to 6 feet tall when fully upright. Muscularly built, they usually weigh roughly 200 to 250 pounds. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your walking speed is 30 feet, and you have a climbing speed equal to your walking speed.
Dexterous Feet. As a bonus action, you can use your feet to manipulate an object, open or close a door or container, or pick up or set down a Tiny object.
Nautral Talent. You gain proficiency in two of the following skills of your choice: Acrobatics, Intimidation, Stealth, and Survival.
Wukong Dodge. The magic that runs in your veins heightens your natural defenses. When you take damage, you can use your reaction to roll a d6. Add your proficiency bonus to the number rolled, and reduce the damage you take by an amount equal to that total (minimum of 0 damage). You can use this trait a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus. You regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Wukong, a unique dialect of Shānwén known for its quick rhythms, playful idioms, and tonal shifts.

Lifespan

Less than a century

Average Height

5'2"-6'4"

Average Weight

154‒278 lbs