Possumfolk
The Possumfolk of Aeloria, often called Pescari, are a resourceful and hardy race known for their adaptability, survival instincts, and cunning. Living on the fringes of forests, woodlands, and rural communities, Possumfolk are experts at making the most of their surroundings, scavenging, and using their wits to survive. They are often seen as humble yet clever folk who thrive in difficult situations and can adapt to any challenge.
Appearance:
Possumfolk are small to medium-sized humanoids, standing between 4 and 5 feet tall. They have thick, coarse fur that ranges from grays and browns to blacks and whites, often with a distinctive pattern of a lighter face and a darker body. Their faces are elongated and slightly pointed, with large, rounded ears and dark, beady eyes that are well-suited to seeing in low light. Possumfolk also have a prehensile, hairless tail that is as long as their bodies, which they use for balance, climbing, and manipulating objects.
Their hands and feet have dexterous fingers and toes ending in small, sharp claws, giving them a strong grip on trees, branches, and other surfaces. Possumfolk often wear simple, practical clothing made from leather, woven fibers, and patched fabrics, usually in earth tones that help them blend into their surroundings. They are known for their affinity for carrying numerous pouches, bags, and pockets filled with small tools, trinkets, and scavenged items.
Possumfolk are known for their expressive faces and gestures, with their large ears, eyes, and tails often moving to reflect their emotions and thoughts. They are agile and nimble, able to climb trees and tightrope-like branches with ease, often surprising others with their dexterity.
Culture and Society:
Possumfolk live in small, close-knit communities known as Burrows or Nests, which are often built into hollow trees, burrowed into the sides of hills, or nestled in dense thickets. Each Burrow is typically led by a Nestkeeper or Elder Pouch, an experienced Possumfolk who is respected for their knowledge of survival, herbalism, and crafting. Possumfolk society values resourcefulness, community, and cooperation. They are often seen scavenging or collecting useful items, from broken tools to discarded scraps, that they repurpose for their needs.
Possumfolk place great emphasis on storytelling, sharing tales of their adventures, challenges, and clever tricks over warm fires and hearty meals. They believe in the philosophy of The Hidden Path, which teaches the importance of finding the unexpected in any situation and turning disadvantages into advantages. This philosophy is deeply ingrained in their culture and is reflected in their natural adaptability and cleverness.
Possumfolk celebrations, known as Moon Gatherings, are lively events where they share stories, songs, and games. These gatherings are also a time to share their scavenged goods, trade, and strengthen community bonds. They often include games of stealth, mimicry, and improvisation, reflecting their love for trickery and adaptability.
Possumfolk are known for their Feign Death tradition, where they pretend to be dead to avoid danger or confrontation. This practice has become so ingrained in their culture that it is sometimes used in games, pranks, or even diplomatic negotiations to humorous effect.
Traits and Abilities:
Darkvision: Accustomed to foraging and scavenging by night, Possumfolk 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.
Feign Death: As a bonus action, you can drop into a state of feigned death, appearing unconscious. While in this state, you are prone, and creatures have disadvantage on checks to determine if you are alive. You can remain in this state for up to 10 minutes or until you end it as a bonus action. You can use this trait once per long rest.
Scavenger's Instinct: You have proficiency in the Survival skill. You also have advantage on Intelligence (Investigation) checks made to find hidden or discarded objects and resources.
Nimble Climber: You have a climbing speed of 20 feet, and you have advantage on Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks made to maintain balance while climbing or moving through unstable terrain.
Prehensile Tail: You can use your tail to manipulate objects, pick up small items, or hang from branches. Your tail cannot wield weapons or shields but can carry small items or perform simple tasks, such as retrieving an object from your pack.
Religion and Beliefs:
Possumfolk spirituality centers around the worship of Nyxara, the Trickster Moon, a goddess who embodies cleverness, survival, and the unexpected. Nyxara is often depicted as a shadowy figure with a mischievous smile, cloaked in a shimmering veil that reflects the phases of the moon. She is said to guide Possumfolk through life's twists and turns, helping them find hidden paths and see opportunities where others see obstacles.
Nest Seers, also known as Moon Readers, are the spiritual leaders of Possumfolk communities. They interpret Nyxara's will through the patterns of stars, moon phases, and dreams. They perform rituals, blessings, and divinations to ensure their people are prepared for challenges and ready to seize unexpected opportunities. Nest Seers are also skilled in herbalism, potion-making, and improvisational magic.
The Rite of the Lost Trail is a sacred ceremony performed during new moons, where Possumfolk seek Nyxara's guidance in times of uncertainty or when searching for a lost item, path, or opportunity. During the rite, Possumfolk offer trinkets, food, or other items to Nyxara, believing that her favor will reveal the hidden path or answer they seek.
Role in Aeloria:
Possumfolk are often seen as clever scouts, resourceful rogues, versatile rangers, and adaptable bards. Their natural agility, knack for improvisation, and ability to blend into their surroundings make them excellent at navigating challenging terrains, scouting ahead for dangers, and escaping from sticky situations. They are valued for their ability to survive in the wilderness and their knowledge of foraging, crafting, and stealth.
Possumfolk are known to work closely with other races that value adaptability, ingenuity, and cooperation. They are also known to collaborate with Druids, Rangers, and Bards to protect natural areas, share stories, and learn new tricks.
Possumfolk often prefer to avoid conflict when possible, relying on their cunning and feigned death ability to evade danger. However, when cornered, they can be surprisingly fierce fighters, using trickery, traps, and their keen knowledge of their surroundings to outwit foes.
Relations with Other Races:
Possumfolk generally maintain positive relations with most races, especially those who value community, adaptability, and cleverness. They often share close ties with races appreciating their shared love of storytelling, trickery, and survival.
However, Possumfolk can be wary of races or factions that favor brute force, rigid order, or overly aggressive tactics. They prefer to use negotiation, misdirection, or humor to resolve conflicts but are always prepared to defend their homes and families if needed.
The Possumfolk, or Pescari, are a resourceful and cunning race known for their adaptability, nimbleness, and survival instincts. Their natural ability to feign death and their affinity for scavenging make them valuable allies in any adventuring party.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.
Age. Possumfolk mature quickly, reaching adulthood by age 10, and can live up to 70 years.
Size. Possumfolk are small to medium-sized, typically standing between 4 and 5 feet tall. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Darkvision. Accustomed to foraging and scavenging by night, 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.
Feign Death. As a bonus action, you can fall prone and appear to be dead. While in this state, you are prone, and creatures have disadvantage on checks to determine if you are alive. You can remain in this state for up to 10 minutes or until you end it as a bonus action. You can use this trait once per long rest.
Scavenger's Instinct. You have proficiency in the Survival skill. You also have advantage on Intelligence (Investigation) checks made to find hidden or discarded objects, traps, or resources.
Nimble Climber. You have a climbing speed of 20 feet, and you have advantage on Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks made to maintain balance while climbing or moving through unstable terrain, such as branches or narrow ledges.
Prehensile Tail. You can use your tail to manipulate objects, pick up small items, or hang from branches. Your tail cannot wield weapons or shields, but it can carry small objects or perform simple tasks, such as retrieving an item from your pack.
Possum Toughness. You have advantage on saving throws against being frightened, and you have resistance to poison damage.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice.
Subrace. There are two primary subraces of Possumfolk: Burrow Dweller and Tree Runner. Choose one of these subraces.
Burrow Dwellers are Possumfolk who thrive underground and in densely vegetated areas. They are known for their keen senses and ability to find hidden passages or ambushes.
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 1.
Tunneler's Sense. You have proficiency in the Perception skill. Additionally, you have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks made to detect hidden creatures or objects within 10 feet of you.
Hidden Resilience. When you take the Hide action, you gain temporary hit points equal to your proficiency bonus. You can use this trait a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses after a long rest.
Tree Runners are Possumfolk who prefer the heights of the forest canopy. They are agile and quick, using their dexterity to traverse treetops and avoid danger.
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 1.
Quick Escape. When you take the Disengage action, your movement speed increases by 10 feet until the end ofÂ
your turn.
Fleet of Tail. You can use your Prehensile Tail to stabilize yourself when moving at high speeds or jumping. You have advantage on saving throws against being knocked prone, and when you fall, you can reduce the fall distance by 20 feet.
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