Faun
Historically, Fauns have been known as skilled naturalists, talented hunters and farmers with an aptitude for healing and divination. It would be unwise, however, to dismiss them as quaint, back-country folk.
Their talents do not stem from some pastoral "connection to the land," but from keep observation of their surroundings and a sharp mind for patterns and connections. They make for excellent chemists, astronomers, and every other sort of scholar.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Fauns are a species similar to humans, but with cloven hooves, short tails, furry ears, and horns. There are several variations of horn depending on the Faun's ancestry, with some more resembling those of a deer and others a goat. Generally, they are divided into Single-prong and Split-prong, though each of those has several specializations within it that remain consistent within families.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Fauns' dietary needs are similar to humans, though they have slower metabolisms.
Biological Cycle
As teenagers, fauns drop their horns every winter, regrowing them over the course of the year. As they mature, however, the growth rate of their horns slows, and they no longer shed them--though a period of high stress can sometimes trigger a late shed.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Fauns are well established across the continent, with established populations in nearly every country--only Humans are more widely dispersed. Historically, Fauns have preferred rural areas, but the rise of Scholar Guilds in Valorian cities brought more Faun families to those areas. Now, Fauns rival Goblins as the second most common race in Valor's cities.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Fauns have keen senses: their sight, hearing, and taste are all excellent. Some have also ascribed a keen sense for magic to them as well, but most scholarly circles say that it comes no more easily to Fauns than to humans, only that Fauns are more serious about their studies. In other words, if they are better mages, it is due to their diligence.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Fauns are generally named according to time and season of their birth. Their first names are most often a plant (just sprouting, coming into bloom, or otherwise associated with when that Faun was born), in addition to an astrological indicator (such as the moon phase or position of the sun).
Location is also a factor--some Fauns would consider it deceptive to name a child for a plant that is not cultivated anywhere nearby. Because of this, Fauns who live in cities will sometimes name their child not after a plant but some other seasonal attribute of their home--a festival day, seasonal cuisine, even the academic calendar... much to the dismay of Final Examinations Starlight, born to Highbridge Academy's assistant chancellor.
Family names reference the area where the family lives more specifically, and are passed matrilinially only so long as they would still call that area home.
Put together, a Faun's full name is often unwieldy, but will tell you their homeland, whether they were born at home or abroad, what season, and what time of day. A talented Naturologist or other prognosticator can supposedly tell a great deal about a person from these indications; for the rest, the Faun will often have a preferred "short-name" or nickname.
Common Taboos
Most Faun cultures frown on Single-prong and Split-prong intermarriages, and a Faun with odd horns can get quite a bit of side-eye.
Faun
Keen Senses. You have proficiency in the Perception skill.
Darkvision. Sensitive eyes which adjust easily to their conditions allow you superior vision in dark and dim conditions. Vou 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. Vou can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Natural Insight. Your talent for noticing fine details and sensitivity to magic allow you to more easily detect unnatural influences. You have advantage on Wisdom saving throws against magic effects.
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