Yunzu

"The wind speaks in whispers that only the wise can hear. It dances with the leaves, plays among the cliffs, and carries the secrets of the mountains to those who listen. The Yunzu are the children of this wind, born of its laughter and guided by its wisdom. In their hearts, the wind's spirit lives on, a force that can never be stilled."

— From the Song of the Great Wind, an ancient Yunzu scripture

The Yunzu, also known as the “Children of the Winds,” are an ancient race of monkey-like humanoid beings native to the highest peaks of the Rai-Zhu mountains in the Empire of the Celestial Dragon. According to Yunzu myth, they were born from the playful breath of the Great Wind, a deity believed to embody the very essence of the mountains. The Great Wind, while traveling through the craggy peaks, found the mountains to be lonely and decided to create companions from the swirling mists and playful breezes. These companions became the first Yunzu, blessed with agility, wisdom, and an innate connection to the spiritual and natural worlds.
The Yunzu's ancestry is shrouded in mystery. Some scholars speculate that they might have distant ties to the ancient spirits of the mountain, while others believe they could be an offshoot of a more primal race of elemental beings. Their connection to the mountains and the winds is profound, and their spirituality reflects this deep bond.

Physicality

Yunzu are small, agile humanoid monkey-like beings, standing between 4 and 5 feet tall. Their bodies are covered in soft, dense fur that ranges in color from deep browns and grays to lighter tones of cream and white, which provides them with natural camouflage in their mountainous environment. Their faces are expressive, with large, round eyes that shimmer with intelligence and mischief. These eyes are often golden or amber, said to reflect the light of the stars and the wisdom of the ages.
Their limbs are long and slender, ending in dexterous hands and feet that allow them to navigate the treacherous terrain of their homeland with ease. Their prehensile tails, often as long as their bodies, are used for balance, communication, and even combat. Despite their small stature, Yunzu possess surprising strength and agility, making them formidable opponents when cornered.

Culture and Society

The Yunzu live in small, tightly-knit communities known as Enclaves, scattered across the highest and most inaccessible peaks of the Rai-Zhu mountains. These enclaves are marvels of natural architecture, with homes built into the sides of cliffs, connected by rope bridges, natural stone pathways, and concealed tunnels. The Yunzu are master engineers, using the natural landscape to create defensible, hidden settlements that are nearly impossible for outsiders to find without guidance. Yunzu society is led by the Monkey King, the supreme leader of their people, who embodies the dual nature of the Yunzu—both a fierce warrior and a cunning trickster. The Monkey King is a legendary figure, with the title passed down through generations to the most skilled and clever Yunzu warrior. The current Monkey King, Wu-Jin, is known for his unpredictable nature and his love of elaborate pranks, but when the safety of his people is at stake, he is a fearsome and determined leader.
Beneath the Monkey King are the Matrons of the various Yunzu enclaves. These matrons are the leaders of their individual communities, responsible for the day-to-day governance of their people. Each Matron is a respected elder, chosen for her wisdom, strength, and deep connection to the spiritual world. While the Monkey King oversees all Yunzu, the matrons ensure that their enclaves run smoothly and that the traditions and teachings of their ancestors are upheld.

Growing Up in Yunzu Society

Yunzu children, known as Windlings, grow up in close-knit mountain enclaves where the entire community takes part in their upbringing. Early childhood is filled with exploration and play that develops their natural agility and strength, preparing them for the challenges of life in the rugged terrain. Education is woven into storytelling, with elders imparting lessons through the tales of their ancestors and the spirits of the mountains.
As they enter adolescence, Yunzu youth become Gale Seekers and begin more focused training. Those with a knack for movement and combat train as Stormcallers, mastering acrobatics, unarmed combat, and Ki. Others with spiritual inclinations apprentice as Wind Sages, learning Celestial Magic and the art of Galespeak. The pivotal moment of this phase is the Rite of the Whispering Peaks—a solo journey to a remote mountain peak where they seek visions from the spirits. Returning with newfound wisdom, they are welcomed back as adults, known as Windward Souls, and given a new name that reflects their experience.

Adulthood in Yunzu society involves taking on specific roles that contribute to the well-being of the enclave. Whether defending the community, guiding spiritual practices, or fulfilling daily tasks, each Yunzu plays a vital part. Family life is communal, with marriage often arranged by the elders, though personal affection is also valued. Children are raised collectively, with the entire enclave involved in their care and education.
As they age, Yunzu transition into the role of Whispering Winds, becoming elders who are deeply respected for their wisdom and experience. These elders often lead rituals, offer counsel, and ensure the cultural traditions are passed down. Before death, an elder shares their life story during the Song of the Whispering Winds, which is recorded in the Book of Echoes to preserve their legacy. After their passing, their spirit is believed to join the winds, continuing to guide and protect their people from beyond.

Spirituality and Magic

The Yunzu are deeply spiritual beings, with a belief system centered around the worship of the Great Wind and the spirits of the mountains. They believe that every rock, tree, and breeze is inhabited by a spirit, and these spirits can be both benevolent and mischievous. The Yunzu seek to live in harmony with these spirits, offering them respect and reverence through daily rituals, offerings, and the practice of Wind Dancing—a form of meditative movement that mimics the flow of the wind and the movements of the spirits.
The Yunzu are also practitioners of Celestial Magic, which they have adapted to their own unique form of Astromancy. Unlike the Orcish Astromancers who focus on grand cosmological events, the Yunzu use their magic to interpret the subtle shifts in the wind and stars, seeking guidance in their daily lives and decisions. This magic is taught by Wind Sages, the spiritual leaders within the Yunzu community, who are also skilled in the art of Ki, the inner spiritual energy that the Yunzu believe flows through all living things.
Ki Mastery is an integral part of Yunzu spirituality, and many Yunzu spend their lives perfecting their control over this energy. They believe that by mastering Ki, they can transcend their physical limitations and achieve a higher state of being, known as Wu, or enlightenment. Those who reach this state are said to be able to communicate directly with the spirits and even manipulate the winds themselves.

Warriors and the Monkey King

The Yunzu are known for their martial prowess, particularly their unique style of unarmed combat that emphasizes agility, speed, and precision. These warriors, known as Stormcallers, are trained from a young age in the art of acrobatics and the use of Ki. They are masters of evasion and speed, able to strike quickly and disappear into the shadows before their enemies can react. The most skilled Stormcallers can even channel the wind itself, using it to enhance their attacks or to create barriers of swirling air that deflect incoming blows.
The Monkey King is the supreme Commander of the Stormcallers and the ultimate authority in Yunzu society. The title of Monkey King is passed down to the most cunning and powerful warrior, who must prove themselves through trials of combat, strategy, and wit. The Monkey King is both a protector and a leader, guiding the Yunzu in times of war and peace.
The current Monkey King, Wu-Jin, is a legend in his own right. Known for his unpredictable nature and love of pranks, Wu-Jin has led the Yunzu through numerous conflicts, often outmaneuvering enemies with his cunning and unorthodox tactics. His alliance with Dao-Keng Steelsong, the Iron Comet, is one of tentative and wary respect, though Wu-Jin’s loyalty remains first and foremost to his people.

Rituals and Celebrations

The Yunzu are a people of ritual and celebration, with many of their traditions centered around the cycles of the moon and the changing of the seasons. One of the most important Yunzu festivals is the Dance of the Winds, held during the first full moon of spring. During this festival, the entire community gathers in the open air to perform intricate dances that mimic the movements of the wind. These dances are both a celebration of life and a prayer to the Great Wind for protection and guidance in the year to come.
Another significant event is the Rite of the Whispering Peaks, a coming-of-age ceremony for young Yunzu. This ritual involves a perilous journey to the highest peak in the Rai-Zhu mountains, where the initiate must spend a night alone, listening to the whispers of the mountain spirits. If they return unharmed, having received a vision or message from the spirits, they are welcomed back as an adult and given a new name that reflects their experience.
The Yunzu also practice Ancestor Worship, believing that the spirits of their ancestors watch over them and guide their actions. They maintain shrines in their homes and at communal gathering places, where they leave offerings of food, incense, and trinkets to honor the dead. The Festival of the Returning Spirits is a time when the veil between the living and the dead is said to be thin, and the Yunzu gather to welcome their ancestors back into the world of the living, offering them feasts and stories of the year's events.

Isolationism and Interaction with the World

The Yunzu are known for their isolationist tendencies, preferring to keep to their high mountain homes and avoiding contact with the outside world. This isolation is both a cultural choice

and a necessity, as their small numbers and remote location make them vulnerable to larger, more aggressive races. However, the Yunzu are not entirely cut off from the rest of Khitang. They maintain a cautious relationship with the Orcs and Tengu, recognizing the need for alliances in the face of common threats.
Despite their isolation, the Yunzu are curious by nature and often send out Windspeakers, emissaries who travel the world in secret, gathering knowledge and learning about the lands beyond their mountains. These Windspeakers are highly trained in the art of disguise and stealth, able to move unnoticed among other races. They bring back stories, artifacts, and sometimes even new magical techniques, which are shared only with the Wind Sages and the Monkey King.
The Yunzu’s isolation has also led to the development of a unique form of communication known as Galespeak. This language, made up of whistled tones and rhythmic tapping, allows the Yunzu to communicate across great distances, using the wind to carry their messages from one enclave to another. Outsiders who hear Galespeak often mistake it for the natural sounds of the mountains, never realizing that they are listening to a conversation.

Relations with Other Races

The Yunzu, with their playful and elusive nature, navigate a complex web of relationships with the other races of Khitang. Their interactions are shaped by a mix of respect, rivalry, and caution, as they seek to maintain their independence while coexisting with their neighbors.
Orcs. The relationship between the Yunzu and the Orcs of Khitang is one of cautious respect. The Yunzu admire the Orcs for their discipline and philosophical outlook, particularly their understanding of Yin and Yang, which resonates with the Yunzu’s own spiritual beliefs. However, the Yunzu find the Orcs’ rigid societal structure and emphasis on honor somewhat stifling. The Orcs, in turn, view the Yunzu as unpredictable and difficult to understand, but they acknowledge their value as cunning allies and formidable guerrilla fighters. While not close allies, the Yunzu and Orcs have cooperated in the past, especially when facing common threats, such as marauding Oni or Centaur raids.
Centaurs. The Yunzu’s relationship with the Centaurs is one of uneasy coexistence, marked by frequent skirmishes and territorial disputes. The nomadic Centaurs often push into Yunzu territories, leading to conflicts over land and resources. The Centaurs, with their warrior culture and emphasis on strength, view the Yunzu as tricksters and cowards, due to their preference for guerrilla tactics and ambushes. The Yunzu, on the other hand, see the Centaurs as brutish and overly aggressive, lacking the subtlety and cunning that the Yunzu value. While there have been moments of cooperation between the two races, particularly in the face of greater threats, their relationship remains tense and fraught with mistrust.
Oni. The Yunzu harbor a deep-seated fear and hatred of the Oni, who have long been a threat to their existence. The Oni’s brutal and destructive nature is the antithesis of everything the Yunzu hold dear, and they have been frequent targets of Oni raids and attacks. The Yunzu have developed a range of tactics to avoid and counter Oni incursions, including the use of elaborate traps, illusions, and guerrilla warfare. Despite their small size and seemingly playful nature, the Yunzu are fierce defenders of their homes and will go to great lengths to protect their enclaves from Oni aggression. The ongoing threat posed by the Oni has only strengthened the Yunzu’s resolve to remain hidden and elusive, avoiding direct confrontation whenever possible.
Humans and Other Races. The Yunzu have limited interactions with the Human and other races of Khitang, primarily due to their isolationist tendencies. When they do encounter humans or other races, the Yunzu are often cautious and reserved, preferring to observe from a distance before deciding whether to engage. They are curious about the wider world and sometimes send out Windspeakers to gather information, but they are wary of becoming too involved in the affairs of other races. The Yunzu value their independence above all else and are careful to avoid entanglements that could threaten their way of life.

Yunzu-Tengu Relations

The relationship between the Yunzu and the Tengu is marked by deep cultural differences and mutual distrust. While both races inhabit the high, remote regions of Khitang and share a reverence for nature, their philosophies and lifestyles are starkly opposed, leading to ongoing tensions.
The Yunzu’s playful and unpredictable nature, with their belief in balancing spirituality with mischief, clashes with the Tengu's disciplined and rigid adherence to tradition. The Tengu view the Yunzu as chaotic and unruly, while the Yunzu see the Tengu as overly rigid and lacking in joy.
Historically, skirmishes between the two races have been frequent, particularly in border regions. The Tengu's martial prowess and strict honor code contrast sharply with the Yunzu's cunning and agility, reinforcing stereotypes on both sides. During ancient wars, the Tengu often allied with the disciplined Orcs, further distancing themselves from the Yunzu’s more fluid and opportunistic alliances.
The differences extend into family structures and societal roles. Yunzu society is egalitarian, with leadership based on cunning and wisdom, while the Tengu follow strict patriarchal hierarchies and gender roles. These contrasting views on honor and duty—fluid and adaptive for the Yunzu, rigid and traditional for the Tengu—further deepen the divide between the two races.
Despite these differences, the Yunzu and Tengu have occasionally found common cause against mutual threats, such as the Oni or Centaurs. However, these alliances are uneasy, with both sides remaining wary of each other’s motives and methods.
The future of Yunzu-Tengu relations is uncertain. While there is potential for cooperation, deep-seated cultural differences make true harmony unlikely. For now, the two races continue to coexist with a mixture of rivalry, respect, and reluctant cooperation.

Yunzu Superstitions

Yunzu society is rich with superstitions, many of which are tied to their belief in the spirits of the natural world. It is said that to hear the cry of a mountain hawk at dawn is a sign of impending danger, while a sudden gust of wind on a calm day is believed to be the touch of an ancestor’s spirit, bringing good fortune.
The Yunzu also believe that the mountains themselves are alive, and to disrespect the land by littering or overharvesting its resources will bring the wrath of the Stone Guardians, ancient spirits said to dwell within the rocks. These superstitions guide the Yunzu in their daily lives, ensuring that they live in harmony with their environment and remain ever mindful of the unseen forces that shape their world.

Yunzu Names

In Yunzu culture, names are deeply symbolic, reflecting aspects of nature, personal traits, and the hopes of their family. Each name is carefully chosen to align with the individual’s destiny and to harmonize with the natural world. Yunzu names often consist of two syllables that together create a meaningful whole, with the first syllable typically referencing an element of nature and the second denoting a characteristic or aspiration.
For example, a Yunzu named "Zhu-Lang" might bear a name that signifies "Clever Bamboo" ("Zhu" meaning bamboo and "Lang" meaning clever), symbolizing resourcefulness and resilience. Family and clan names, which are passed down through generations, reflect lineage and heritage, often connected to significant ancestors or geographical origins.
Male Names: Zhu-Lang (Clever Bamboo), Tai-Sheng (Great Ascent), Han-Chu (Silent Protector), Wei-Feng (Mighty Wind), Dao-Jin (Steadfast Gold)
Female Names: Mei-Lan (Graceful Plum Blossom), Lian-Hua (Lotus Flower), Xiao-Ning (Little Peace), Hua-Yin (Flower Shadow), Ling-Yue (Moon Spirit)
Family/Clan Names: Huang (Yellow/Golden), Kuang (Vast/Wide), Qin (Diligent/Hardworking), Shan (Mountain), Feng (Wind)

Yunzu Traits

Yunzu Traits

As a yunzu, you have the following properties.

Ability Score Increase. Increase one ability score by 2, and increase a different one by 1, or increase three different scores by 1.
Age. Yunzu mature at around 15 years of age and live up to 80 years.
Alignment. Yunzu tend towards chaotic alignments, reflecting their free-spirited and playful nature. However, some Yunzu with a strong connection to their community and traditions lean towards neutral alignments.
Size. Yunzu stand between 4 and 5 feet tall, with lean and agile builds. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your walking speed is 30 feet, and you have a climbing speed of 30 feet.
Agile Dodge. When you take damage, you can use your reaction to roll a d6. Add your proficiency bonus to the number rolled, and reduce the damage you take by an amount equal to that total (minimum of 0 damage). You can use this trait a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus. You regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
Dexterous. Your feet and tail are dexterous enough to function as three different limbs. They can manipulate an object, open or close a door or container, pick up or set down a Tiny object, or wield a weapon that has the light property.
Curious Learner. You gain proficiency in one of the following: A set of Artisan's Tools, Disguise Kit, Forgery Kit, a Gaming Set, Herbalism Kit, a Musical Instrument, Navigator’s Tools, Poisoner’s Kit, or Thieves' Tools.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Trade-tongue and Orcish. You also speak Galespeak, a secretive, high-pitched language of whistles, clicks, and hand gestures unique to the Yunzu. This language is primarily used among themselves for covert communication, especially during scouting missions or in situations requiring stealth.

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Lifespan

70-80

Average Height

5'

Average Weight

80 lb.

Geographic Distribution

• Khitang

Related Organizations

• Empire of the Celestial Dragon

Myths of the Monkey Kings

Among the Yunzu, stories of the Monkey Kings hold a special place in the hearts and minds of the people. These tales are passed down through generations, told around communal fires, during festivals, and in moments of reflection. The Monkey Kings, known for their cunning, bravery, and deep connection to the Wind Spirits, embody the ideals that every Yunzu strives to uphold: wisdom, agility, and the ability to turn the tides of fate in their favor. These stories are not just entertainment; they are lessons, reminders of the strength that lies within each Yunzu, no matter how small or underestimated they may be.

Zhu-Lang, the Monkey King of a Thousand Tricks

Zhu-Lang was known far and wide as the most cunning of all Monkey Kings. His reputation was built on countless stories of his cleverness, but none are as famous as the time he outwitted the Warlord of the Black Peaks, a ruthless Oni who sought to conquer the Yunzu.
The Oni, confident in his army's strength, challenged Zhu-Lang to a duel. But Zhu-Lang, knowing that a direct confrontation would spell disaster for his people, proposed a different kind of battle: a contest of wits. The Oni, arrogant and dismissive of the small Yunzu, agreed. Zhu-Lang set up a series of impossible tasks, each one more complex and deceptive than the last. Using his knowledge of the mountains and the winds, Zhu-Lang created illusions and traps that led the Oni on a wild chase through the peaks.
In the final task, Zhu-Lang lured the Oni into a cave that he claimed held the secret to ultimate power. But as the Oni reached for what he thought was a powerful relic, he triggered a trap set by Zhu-Lang, causing the cave to collapse. The Oni was buried under the rubble, and his army, seeing their leader defeated, fled in fear. Zhu-Lang's trickery saved the Yunzu from certain destruction, and his name became synonymous with cunning and cleverness.

Tai-Sheng, the Monkey King Who Climbed the Unclimbable Peak

Tai-Sheng, unlike his predecessors, was not known for his tricks but for his unyielding determination and bravery. The tale of his ascent of the Unclimbable Peak is a story told to every young Yunzu, inspiring them to face their fears and challenges head-on.
The Unclimbable Peak was a mountain so high and steep that even the bravest Yunzu believed it was impossible to scale. It was said that the peak held the Windstone, a mythical gem that granted control over the winds. Tai-Sheng, determined to claim this power for the protection of his people, set out alone to climb the mountain.
The journey was fraught with danger: treacherous cliffs, powerful gusts that could throw even the strongest Yunzu off balance, and the chilling cold that froze bones. But Tai-Sheng pressed on, using every ounce of his strength, cunning, and his deep connection with the winds to guide him. When he finally reached the summit, he found the Windstone guarded by a powerful spirit.
Instead of fighting the spirit, Tai-Sheng used his wit and humility. He acknowledged the spirit’s power and offered a trade: his own life in exchange for the Windstone. Impressed by Tai-Sheng's bravery and selflessness, the spirit granted him the Windstone without taking his life, allowing him to descend the mountain as a hero. Tai-Sheng’s legacy is one of bravery tempered with wisdom, showing that sometimes, the greatest victories are won not by force, but by courage and understanding.

Han-Chu, the Silent Protector

Han-Chu was a Monkey King of few words, but his actions spoke volumes. During his reign, a neighboring warlord sought to invade the Yunzu lands, believing them to be weak and easy to conquer. While the warlord gathered his forces, Han-Chu prepared in silence, knowing that open battle would not favor his people.
On the eve of the invasion, Han-Chu set out alone into the enemy camp. Using the cover of night and his unparalleled knowledge of the terrain, he moved silently, avoiding detection. He sabotaged the warlord’s supplies, loosening the straps on saddles, dulling the blades of weapons, and setting fire to the stockpiles of food. When the warlord’s army awoke, they found themselves in disarray, their strength halved by the mysterious misfortunes of the night.
As the warlord ordered his troops to advance, Han-Chu triggered a series of traps he had set along the only path through the mountains. Boulders tumbled down, blocking the way and crushing the front lines of the enemy army. With no supplies, no morale, and no way forward, the warlord had no choice but to retreat. Han-Chu returned to his people as quietly as he had left, his actions saving the Yunzu without a single word.

Mei-Lan, the Monkey King of the Moonlit Blossom

Mei-Lan was celebrated for her grace and wisdom, and among all her deeds, the tale of the Moonlit Blossom remains the most cherished. The Moonlit Blossom was a rare flower said to bloom only once every century, under the light of a full moon. It was believed to possess the power to heal any wound and cure any illness. When a terrible plague struck the Yunzu, Mei-Lan knew she had to find the blossom to save her people.
The journey was perilous, for the blossom grew deep in the enchanted forest, a place of shifting paths and magical creatures. Mei-Lan’s wisdom and guile guided her through the forest’s tricks, but it was her empathy that truly led her to the blossom. Along the way, she encountered creatures of the forest, each guarding a piece of the path. Instead of fighting them, she listened to their stories and offered solutions to their problems, earning their trust and passage.
When she finally reached the blossom, it was guarded by a spirit of the forest who challenged her to prove her worthiness. Mei-Lan, knowing the spirit valued the forest above all, offered to leave the blossom in the forest in exchange for the spirit granting her the power to heal her people. The spirit, moved by her selflessness, allowed her to take a single petal, which Mei-Lan used to create a cure for the plague. Mei-Lan’s legacy is one of compassion and cleverness, teaching that sometimes the greatest power lies in understanding and kindness.