The Fandir of Ayad Vanam

The Musical Forest Herd

"It won't be until the last elf of Ayad Vanam dies that the first Fandir is killed. The wood elves would prefer to see their own race fade from Sirus before they allow one of the Herd to be touched."
Those of the herd: the reclusive deer-people of Ayad Vanam are unbothered by the problems of other races. They remain more than content to live and let live. They remain one of the smallest populations of the world, barely larger than the Nymphs of the Forest of Dreams. If it were up to them, war would be nothing more than a repugnant idea. However, war encroaches upon Ayad Vanam from all sides, and while the Ayad elves, protectors of the Fandir, are more than happy to heed the call of battle, the Fandir ache for nothing but peace. However, there is the rare Fandir who seeks the frontlines, whose heart yearns for the call of glory.

Racial Traits

-1 Str, -2 Int, +1 Wis, +2 Dex
Those of the Forest Proficiency with nature checks and advantage to checks when in Ayad Vanam
Musicians Advantage when playing music
Size Medium
Speed 30 ft

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Fandir look as if a woodland creature became bipedal. Their heads are deer-like, though vaguely humanoid. Fur only covers their legs. The rest of their body has skin like a human's. Some Fandir have antlers like a stag or horns like a goat. The men of the species have larger antlers or horns, and are typically larger in stature. All Fandir have hooves, yet their arms remain very human-like, the sole difference being that they only have four fingers on each hand.

Ecology and Habitats

It's rare to find a Fandir outside of the forest of Ayad Vanam. They fare well in temperate and colder climates, but will suffer more than others if found in the harsh heats of the desert.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Fandir are herbivores, with only molars for teeth. If they eat meat, they will throw it back up.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

All Fandir have antlers like a deer or horns like a goat. The mens' are larger than the womans', large enough to be used to fight. They have large, front-facing eyes and a flat, sloped nose with a small mouth. Their ears are larger and floppier than a human's.

Average Intelligence

The Fandir have smaller-than-average frontal lobes. The average Fandir struggles to learn abstract concepts such as algebra, government, and so on, yet they possess an incredible sixth sense, especially in woodland areas. However, they possess a talent for learning how to play music and instruments, especially with the elves of Ayad Vanam.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The Fandir's sense of smell is far better than most species. Each person and animal has its own unique, discernable scent. Their history as prey allows them to detect unfamiliar scents from much farther away than most species.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Given their close relationship, it 's typical for Fandir to use Ayad Elvish names. It isn't unheard of, however, for a Fandir to be named after aspects of nature as well.

Beauty Ideals

The Fandir beauty standards lie more in what looks raw and natural. Typically they leave their hair messy and unkempt (not to be confused with dirty and greasy). In addition, both male and females tend to let their hair grow long as it is essentially a custom to do so. Because their hair grows so long, most Fandir will tie it up so that it is out of the way. Fandir also practically always have brown eyes, so whenever a Fandir is born with an abnormal color like blue or green or amber, they are considered very beautiful and even special. In more recent generations, due to the gradual evolution of their culture, females with smaller horns are viewed as more cute.

Relationship Ideals

Fandir mate for life. While they don't have official marriage ceremonies like most other races, it isn't likely to find a Fandir that has had multiple partners. This is likely due to their extreme tendency towards attachment.

Average Technological Level

The Fandir are very basic technologically. While they can tailor, farm, and build simple shelters, they don't possess the knowledges of blacksmithing, architecture, or engineering. They make no weapons or armor, and only use that which is given to them.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

The Fandir speak Ayad elvish and have no more difficulty learning the common tongue than does any other race. However, a Fandir struggles greatly with learning how to read and write in any language, especially one that's not Ayad elvish.

Common Dress Code

Fandir don't typically wear clothes. Preferring a more natural state, Fandir don't really enjoy feeling covered up by fabric in any sort of way. Their furry legs are cover enough, it just becomes uncomfortable for them to layer more over that.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

It is custom for Fandir to grow their hair out long not just because their hair growth rate is fast but because it is seen as more natural to do so. A custom that most Fandir will take part in is to have their hair cut short every year on their birthday. The act of having their hair cut is viewed as a form of rebirth, like a fresh start for their new age.
In addition, every year a week long festival is held to celebrate the Herd shedding their antlers/horns. During this festival, the velvet from their antlers is gathered and gifted to the Ayad Vanam elves as it has many uses in medicine, and their shedded antlers are made into flutes. These flutes are also typically gifted the the Ayad Vanam elves as well, but the last flute made by a Fandir of their antlers is typically decorated in their memory and kept with the family.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

The Fandir only interact closely with the elves of Ayad Vanam, who they consider their protectors. The two species have an inherent friendship unlike any other two species. Fandir children grow up with the children of Ayad elves.

Scientific Name

Fandir

Lifespan

60 Years

Average Height

4'8-5'5

Average Weight

90-180 lbs

Average Physique

Even though all Fandir are slender and somewhat lanky, female Fandir are shorter and quicker while their male counterparts are muscle-bound and stalwart.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Most Fandir have brown-white fur on their legs and tanned skin. As a Fandir grows older, a dull viridian grows into their coat and onto their skin in swirling patterns.

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