Leshen

Leshen were spirits that followed the Mother Goddess, Gaia, when she first sang life onto the Mundane world. They are Her sworn followers, protecting life that can´t protect itself from the destruction or occupation of their habitats and other evils.

With the ascension of Kefka and the separation of the Gods, Leshen as well as other prominent spirits left the mortal world. But some choose to abandon their spiritual form and embrace a new mortal existence, so that their people may continue to protect Gaia´s creations, in perpetuity.

Leshen usually prefer a very peaceful life, living in mostly secluded villages out in the reaches of the wilderness. Finding a Leshen that adventures out of their home is very uncommon.

**Ability Score Increase**

Leshen gain +2 Wisdom, or +2 Charisma.

**Appearance**

Leshen usually appear as small, anthropomorphic forest animals, normally representing the types of animals they tend to protect.

**Age**

Leshen live for an average of 320 years, with their oldest members reaching up to 400 years.

**Size**

The average Leshen measures around 3ft. Your size is Small.

**Names**

Leshen typically communicate with each other through non-verbal ways, communicating through growls and movements, much like most animals communicate with each other. As such, understanding a Leshen’s name may be hard for individuals outside Leshen culture, leading many to simply take one a “people name”, typically using the name of a thing they enjoy to do or eat, or just something they think is beautiful. But this name can also be given to the Leshen by someone, or something.

* **Names include:** Apple, Sprint, Sunrise, Grass, Rain, Friend, Rock, Muffin

**Racial Ability**

* **Nimble.** You can move through the space of any creature that is of a size larger than yours.
* **Primordial Connection.** Leshen can understand directions and basic speech from small animals and other critters (like bears, deer, and fish), as in the *Speak with Animals* spell.
* **Lucky.** When you roll a 1 on the d20 for an attack roll, ability check, or saving throw, you can reroll the die and must use the new roll.

## **Sub-races**

### **Greengrove Leshen**

By far the most common type of Leshen, they keep themselves to forest and jungles, and spend most of their time taking care of small animals or relaxing in Gaia´s beautiful creation.

They are often cheerful and joyful, placing great emphasis on harmony in all things, and the bonds between friends and family.

But despite their pacifist nature, some venture out into the world with dreams and higher aspirations, while other are tragically displaced from their homeland due to unforeseeable calamities, or the aggressive expansion of other kingdoms and tribes.

**Ability Score Increase**

Greengrove Leshen gain +1 to any stat.

**Racial Ability**

* **Fey Magic.** You know the *Druidcraft* cantrip. Starting at 3rd level, you can cast the *Cure Wounds* spell with this trait. Starting at 5th level, you can also cast the *Enlarge/Reduce* spell with this trait. Once you cast *Cure Wounds* or *Enlarge/Reduce* with this trait, you can't cast that spell with it again until you finish a long rest. You can also cast either of those spells using any spell slots you have of the appropriate level. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for these spells when you cast them with this trait.

### **Ankou Leshen**

Due to unknown circumstances, some Leshen are born with a raven-like appearance, instead of the usual mammal most Leshen resemble. For this, instead of remaining in the tribe and following Gaia, they are sent to temples of Kefka worship, where they are taught the ways of the God of Death

Although rare some Ankou villages do exist, but they are mostly found in places of Kefka worship and wondering the land, usually serving as doctors, or presiding over burial rituals and customs.

**Ability Score Increase**

Ankou Leshen gain +1 Dexterity.

**Racial Ability**

* **Death Watchers.** You are able to sense when a creature that is within 1km of you dies, but you are not able to discern at what distance, or what type the creature is.
* **Grave Magic.** You know the *Spare the Dying* cantrip. Starting at 5th level, you can also cast the *Speak with Dead* spell with this trait. Once you cast *Speak with Dead* with this trait, you can't cast that spell with it again until you finish a long rest.