Aaran

Thurnear Born

So named for the Exalted of the Goddess of War, Aarans are not born of conventional means: mothers use an adamantine blade to spill a drop of their blood in the lava of Mount Thurnear. Due to the scarcity of resources in the inhospitable territory they call home, the birth of a child is uncommon and a cause for great celebration. Other creatures in Sedima have called them demi-gods, and they are not ones to deny it. Aarans typically reach physical maturity and are considered adults at the age of 20. Given the deep communal bonds of their society, they have lengthy lifespans for a creature not of elvish or dwarvish ancestry. Assuming they don't fall in battle, they generally live well into their second century. Aara's eldest daughter, Aliope, is said to have lived into her third century.

Aarans stand very tall compared to most humanoids, similar to their goliath ancestors; between 7 and 8 feet is average. Their skin can appear in a range of red and browns, both light and dark. Their hair can be various shades of red or black and is typically long as it is difficult to cut, worn in elaborate braids or other styles with igneous or obsidian adornments.

Aarans are born to fight and compete. In times of war, they are fierce soldiers; in times of peace, they train their minds and bodies in preparation. Much like their goliath ancestors, they have a compulsion to keep score, counting their deeds and tallying their accomplishments to compare to others. Aarans love to win, but they see defeat as an opportunity to improve.

Individual skill is prized, but the survival of all daughters is paramount. Those who are not of their physical prime are still valuable members of society. The infirm, wounded or elderly find a way to adapt and contribute to the group at large, training their daughters and granddaughters and sharing generational knowledge. When their lifespan is over, Aarans return to the mountain and the Goddess that made them, hoping to be born again along with their foremothers.

Heart of War's Champion

Aarans know that combat and competition may not always be fair, but they prefer to lose honestly than win dishonestly. Magic and can be valuable and turn the tide in their favor, and but they are careful to remember that such an advantage can always be lost. Even as daughters of war, they abhor violence against the weak and non-combatants; they would not strike a child or kill an enemy who has been disarmed. War and violence are necessary, and can be celebrated, but they are a means, not an end. As they are fond of saying, "a Daughter of Aara may not start every fight, but she will finish them."

While Aarans are generally reclusive and do not venture far into other territory beyond Thurnear, they are known to send traveling parties to gather supplies they are not able to provide for themselves. They are known to especially admire and covet dwarven weapons, and occasionally send their daughters to Behohra to become versed in the ways of the holy forge.

Aaran Names

Every Aaran has two names: a birth name assigned by their mother and an Honor Name chosen when they reach adulthood. An Honor Name is a virtue they most like to inhabit, their greatest achievement, or an epithet to inspire awe or fear.

In contact with other humanoids, Aarans present themselves by their Honor Name, followed by Daugther of Aara or Daughter of Uhras. While their first names aren't secret, they are considered quite personal and intimate, shared only among their people or close friends.

Birth Names: Actoria, Cybil, Daphne, Iris, Helene, Kassandra, Lyra, Olympia, Petra

Honor Name: Dawncaller, Fleetfoot, Ironspine, Skywatcher, Stonefist, Truearrow, Wordweaver

Aaran Traits

Speed

Your base walking speed is 40 feet.

Age

Aarans are considered adults and typically reach physical maturity at the age of 20. Assuming they don't fall in battle, they generally live well into their second century.

Size

Aarans are between 7 and 8 feet tall. Your size is Medium or Large.

Natural Athlete

You have proficiency in the Athletics or Acrobatics skill, and receive the Athlete feat.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Giant and Primordial.

Demigod Ancestry

Daughters of Aara are built of stronger stuff than the average humanoid. You are resistant to fire and non-magical bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage, and are proficient in Constitution saving throws. You are also acclimated to high altitude, including elevations above 20,000 feet.

You know the spell Searing Smite. You can cast it a number of times per day equal to your Constitution modifier (minimum 1).