Crannfain
The Crannfain are one of the most secluded and tree-dwelling of the Mordsidhi. They live high in the forest canopy, rarely descending to the ground except in times of need. With their greenish skin and natural affinity for the trees, the Crannfain are skilled hunters, climbers, and masters of camouflage. They prefer to avoid contact with outsiders, including even the Trowbridge, though they maintain some communal connections with other Crannfain family units through strong familial ties.
Crannfain live in small family units rather than towns or large communities. These family units are tightly knit, and while they may not gather often, they maintain strong bonds with other families through shared traditions, rituals, and occasional gatherings. Their way of life is deeply rooted in the forest, and they see themselves as its guardians, fiercely protective of their home and way of life.
As the world around them grows and cultures expand, the Crannfain have become more cautious but also more accommodating when they encounter other races or halfling cultures. While they are wary of outsiders, they have come to appreciate some of the crafts and tools of other races. However, their lack of understanding of private property often leads to misunderstandings—they see no issue with taking something that appears unused, which can cause tension with those who value ownership. This has led them to prefer avoiding others altogether, as they find it easier to live by their own rules in the safety of the treetops.
Despite their seclusion, the Crannfain are not hostile. They are curious and observant, often watching outsiders from a distance. If approached with respect and understanding, they can be surprisingly friendly, though they remain cautious and quick to retreat if they feel threatened.
Physical Description:
Crannfain are slightly taller and more muscular than typical halflings, reflecting their active, arboreal lifestyle. Their skin ranges from light tan to deep brown, often with a faint greenish hue that helps them blend into their forest surroundings. Their hair is typically dark and wild, often decorated with leaves, feathers, or small bones. They wear lightweight, camouflaged clothing made from animal hides, leaves, and woven fibers, designed for climbing and moving silently through the trees.
Psychological Traits:
Crannfain are naturally curious and mischievous, often poking their noses into places they shouldn’t. This curiosity makes them excellent scouts and explorers, though it can also lead them into trouble. They are playful and lighthearted, using humor, songs, and storytelling to diffuse tension or build bonds. Despite their friendly demeanor, they are wary of outsiders and prefer to keep to themselves, trusting only those who prove their respect for the forest.
Crannfain lack a strong concept of private property, viewing resources as shared. This communal mindset can lead to misunderstandings with other races, who might see them as thieves when they take something that appears unused. To the Crannfain, however, it is simply the way of the forest—a place where everything belongs to everyone, and nothing is truly owned.
Daily Life:
Crannfain live in treehouses or platforms high in the canopy, connected by rope vines. Their homes are simple but well-camouflaged, blending seamlessly into the forest. They are skilled hunters and foragers, relying on the forest for food and resources. Primitive weapons like bows, spears, and slings are their tools of choice.
While they live in small family units, Crannfain gather for festivals, communal hunts, and storytelling sessions. These events are lively and filled with music, dance, and laughter, serving as a time to strengthen bonds and celebrate their connection to the forest. They are also skilled artisans, creating tools, weapons, and art from natural materials like wood, bone, and stone. Their crafts are functional but often decorated with intricate carvings or natural dyes.
Relations with Other Races:
Crannfain admire elves and druids for their connection to nature and are more incline to trade with them, seeing them as kindred spirits. They view their more civilized halfling cousins as overly dependent on others and too concerned with material possessions. Humans and dwarves are seen as greedy and destructive, though the Crannfain will trade with them if necessary. Orcs and goblins, however, are viewed as threats to their forest home, and the Crannfain will defend their territory fiercely against such invaders.
Alignment and Religion:
Crannfain tend toward Neutral Good or Chaotic Good alignments, valuing freedom, community, and harmony with nature. They are not bound by strict laws but have a strong moral compass that guides their actions. Many Crannfain worship trees, rivers, or other natural phenomena, seeing the forest as a living entity. Druids are highly respected.
Lands and Settlements:
Crannfain inhabit dense forests, preferring areas with tall trees and abundant wildlife. Their territories are often hidden and difficult to find, protected by natural barriers and their own skill at camouflage. They do not build cities in the traditional sense; instead, they live in small, scattered settlements high in the trees.
Adventurers:
Crannfain adventurers are rare but not unheard of. They are often driven by curiosity, a desire to protect their homeland, or a love of mischief. Crannfain adventurers are known for their resourcefulness, adaptability, and unique abilities, making them valuable allies in any party.
Crannfain Traits:
- Ability Score Increase: +2 Dexterity, +1 Strength
- Age: Crannfain mature at the same rate as humans and live up to 150 years.
- Alignment: Tend toward Neutral Good or Chaotic Good.
- Size: Small (3–4 feet tall).
- Speed: 25 feet, climb speed of 25 feet.
- Wild Running: As a bonus action, you can increase your walking speed to 40 feet for the turn. You cannot use items in your hands during this movement.
- Mask of the Wild: You can attempt to hide even when only lightly obscured by foliage, heavy rain, falling snow, mist, or other natural phenomena.
- Languages: Common and Crannfain Tongue (a melodic language with whistles and clicks to mimic animal sounds).
Naming Traditions
Family names
Personal Names: Often inspired by nature, such as Briar, Fern, Oak, Willow, or Raven.
Family Names: Reflect their connection to the forest, like Greenleaf, Mossfoot, Barkhide, or Swiftbranch.
Tribe Names: Tribes are named after significant landmarks or animals, such as Shadowpine Clan, Eaglecrest Tribe, or Mosswood Kin.
Encompassed species
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