Capybarafolk

The Capybarafolk of Aeloria, often referred to as Capybarans, are a gentle, sociable, and steadfast race known for their deep sense of community, calm demeanor, and surprising resilience. They live in harmony with nature, often residing near rivers, lakes, and wetlands where they can embrace their semi-aquatic lifestyle. Capybarafolk are known as wise mediators, peacekeepers, and defenders of balance, blending the line between civilization and the wild.



Appearance:
Capybarafolk have a distinctive appearance that blends humanoid features with those of their capybara ancestors. Standing between 4.5 and 6 feet tall, they have a robust and sturdy build, with broad shoulders and thick limbs that grant them significant strength. Their fur ranges from light brown to dark chestnut, with some having mottled or darker patches. Their faces have large, rounded snouts, small but expressive eyes, and prominent front teeth. Their ears are small and rounded, often flicking to express emotions or catch sounds.
Their hands and feet are webbed, with thick, padded fingers and toes that end in blunt claws, perfect for swimming and foraging in their wetland homes. Capybarafolk have a tail that is more a short stump than a full tail, often hidden beneath their fur.
They wear simple, practical clothing that allows for ease of movement in water and on land. Capybarafolk favor natural materials like woven reeds, sturdy leather, and simple fabrics, often adorned with colorful beads, shells, and natural charms.


Culture and Society:
Capybarafolk society is centered around community, cooperation, and the philosophy of Harmony with the Flow, which emphasizes balance, patience, and understanding in all aspects of life. They live in large, tight-knit communities known as Clans, often found near rivers, lakes, or marshes where the water is clean and the land is fertile. Each clan is led by a River Warden or Elder, a respected Capybarafolk who is chosen for their wisdom, fairness, and ability to mediate conflicts.
Capybarafolk are highly social and value cooperation and mutual aid. They frequently engage in communal activities such as shared meals, storytelling, crafting, and ceremonies that celebrate the natural cycles of life. Capybarafolk are known to be exceptional hosts and are often found welcoming travelers and adventurers to their villages with open arms and hearty meals.
The Great Water Festivals are major cultural events for the Capybarafolk, celebrating the river's bounty and honoring the spirits of water and nature. These festivals include water-based games, music, dances, and the retelling of ancient tales of their people’s history and deeds.
Capybarafolk also believe in the concept of Flow Bonds, deep spiritual connections formed between individuals, families, or even other races that share a significant life experience or understanding. These bonds are considered sacred and unbreakable, often leading to lifelong friendships and alliances.


Traits and Abilities:
Semi-Aquatic Nature. Capybarafolk are at home both on land and in water. They have a swimming speed of 30 feet and can hold their breath for up to 10 minutes.
Calming Presence. Capybarafolk are known for their calm and collected demeanor. They have advantage on saving throws against being frightened or charmed.
Natural Diplomats. Capybarafolk are highly empathetic and skilled negotiators. They have proficiency in the Persuasion skill.
Thick Hide. Capybarafolk have thick, water-resistant fur that provides natural protection. When not wearing armor, their Armor Class is 12 + their Dexterity modifier.
Forager's Instinct. Capybarafolk have a keen sense of their environment and an innate ability to find edible plants, herbs, and roots. They have proficiency in the Survival skill and can always find enough food and water for themselves and up to five other creatures in lush environments.


Religion and Beliefs:
Capybarafolk spirituality revolves around the reverence of Arwynna, the River Mother, a goddess who embodies the nurturing and ever-flowing spirit of rivers and waters. They see rivers as the veins of the world, providing life, nourishment, and connections between different lands and peoples. Arwynna is often depicted as a serene, flowing figure with water cascading around her, and she is believed to guide the Capybarafolk in their daily lives, urging them to be patient, gentle, and adaptable.
Capybarafolk also worship the River Spirits, lesser deities and elemental beings that reside in specific rivers, lakes, or springs. These spirits are believed to protect their waters and grant blessings to those who honor them with offerings and respect. The River Warden of each clan is often seen as a spiritual guide who communicates with these spirits and leads rituals to maintain harmony and balance.
Water Blessing Ceremonies are common among Capybarafolk, where they perform rituals of cleansing, renewal, and thanks to their deities and spirits. These ceremonies often involve singing, drumming, and offerings of flowers, fruits, and crafted charms that are floated downriver.


Role in Aeloria:
Capybarafolk are known throughout Aeloria as mediators, healers, and peacekeepers. They often serve as neutral parties in disputes between other races, using their calm and empathetic nature to diffuse conflicts and foster understanding. They are also known to be highly skilled herbalists and healers, utilizing the natural bounty of their wetland homes to create salves, teas, and remedies.
Capybarafolk frequently collaborate with other nature-oriented races and organizations, such as the Verdant Wardens or the Riverkeepers, to protect and preserve the natural world. They are often seen as wise counselors, willing to offer guidance and support to those in need.
While Capybarafolk are peaceful by nature, they are not defenseless. When provoked or when their homes and families are threatened, they are formidable fighters who use their strength, endurance, and knowledge of their environment to their advantage.


Relations with Other Races:
Capybarafolk maintain positive relationships with most races, especially those who respect nature and the balance of life appreciating their shared love for peace and the natural world. They often work closely with Druids and Rangers, forming strong bonds through their mutual respect for nature and its preservation.
Capybarafolk tend to avoid conflicts with more aggressive or expansionist races but they are willing to defend themselves and their allies if necessary. They often approach outsiders with a cautious but open-hearted curiosity, willing to extend friendship and hospitality to those who show respect and good intentions.

Capybarafolk Racial Traits The Capybarafolk of Aeloria are a calm and resilient race, known for their sense of community, empathy, and semi-aquatic nature. As natural diplomats and defenders of balance, Capybarafolk are often sought out for their wisdom, strength, and adaptability.
Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1.
Age. Capybarafolk reach adulthood around age 15 and live up to 90 years.
Alignment. Capybarafolk are generally good-natured and tend toward neutral alignments. They value community, harmony, and maintaining balance, often preferring cooperation over conflict.
Size. Capybarafolk stand between 4.5 and 6 feet tall and have a broad, sturdy build. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet. You also have a swimming speed of 30 feet.
Semi-Aquatic Adaptation. You can hold your breath for up to 10 minutes at a time. You also have advantage on Strength (Athletics) checks related to swimming.
Calm Mind. You have advantage on saving throws against being frightened.
Natural Diplomats. You are skilled at navigating social situations and defusing conflicts. You have proficiency in the Persuasion skill.
Forager’s Instinct. You have a natural knack for finding edible plants, roots, and herbs in the wild. You have proficiency in the Survival skill. Additionally, when you forage, you find twice as much food and water as you normally would.
Thick Hide. You have tough, water-resistant fur that provides natural protection. When you aren't wearing armor, your Armor Class is 13 + your Dexterity modifier. You can use a shield and still gain this benefit.
River's Resilience. Once per long rest, when you take damage, you can use your reaction to roll a d12. Add your Constitution modifier to the number rolled and reduce the damage by that total.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and one additional language of your choice.