Sylune (5e)

## Description

Sylune resemble anthropomorphic, vulpine beings with a stature reminiscent of a human’s. Their fur coloring ranges from bright whites and tans to pitch black furs. These magical beings grow up to nine tails as they mature, granting them their innate magical abilities. Besides their amount of tails, it is difficult to discern the age of a Sylune as they to stop visibly aging after they reach maturity.

They may take on a unique human form as well, their hair color corresponding to that of their natural form’s fur.

## History

Originally born in the feywilds, the Sylune race is said to have been created by an archfey deity alongside their sister race, the Urtisa. It is said that they were intended to be forest guardians, repelling threats through their trickery and guiding lost travelers through the wilds. Some of these guides ended up tagging along with adventurers, becoming loyal companions for the duration of their travels. These Sylune would eventually settle down elsewhere once their travels ended, leading a Sylune villages being established outside of the feywilds as well. Folklore tells of differing shades of Sylune being prone to varying temperaments, some being benevolent guides, and others being known for chronic mischief. While Yako and Zenko are most prevalent, other variants of Sylune exist, shaped by their environments and surroundings. All Sylune, however are known for their magic, thought to be stored within their tails.

## Society

Sylune villages were traditionally small, densely populated locations within the feywilds. Sylune villages typically feature small houses, resembling small Shinto shrines. A Sylune village may feature a monastery or temple where villagers may meet to meditate or pray. Sylune do not necessarily follow a set government structure, though Sylune respect individuals with larger quantities of tails. A Sylune with 9 tails is typically given the title of “Tenko,” and is considered an elder by other Sylune.

Many Sylune revere Selûne, who is thought to have created them. Many Sylune, however being naturally curious end up traveling out of the wilds, establishing villages in other densely forested areas in the material plane. It is traditional for a young Sylune to learn a language present in nearby settlements in order to fit in more easily. It is not uncommon for a Sylune to take up creative pursuits, such as storytelling or art. As such, they are known to get along fairly with elves and tabaxi, though their reputations as tricksters leads to most Sylune posing as humans in public.

**Dwarves.** *“Sure, they’re dependable, but pull one joke on them and you’ll never hear the end of it.”*
Elves. *“Having lived for so long, they’re filled with all sorts of interesting stories. Their pride could afford to be taken down a peg though.”*
Halflings. *“They’re good-natured and hardworking! It’s almost unnerving. They must be hiding something right?”*

## Example Name

**Male**: Haru, Mamoru, Raiden, Jukei, Takeshi

**Female**: Kimiko, Hana, Aimi, Junko, Mika

## Traits

**Ability Score Increase.** Your Charisma score increases by 2.

**Age.** Sylune reach adulthood at 16, cease physical aging in their early 20s and live for two and a half centuries.

**Creature Type.** You are a Fey.

**Tails**. Sylune are born with one tail which grow in numbers as they mature, each tail granting them spell-like abilities. A Sylune with its tails severed loses its ability to use their Magical Tail features. Your tails grow in every two levels. (2 at level 2, 3 at level 4, 4 at level 6. etc.) When you have 9 tails your Magical Tail features may be used once per short rest rather than once daily.

**Alignment.** Usually chaotic, can be any.

**Size.** Medium. Around the size and weight of a human

**Sylune Shapechanger.** You can take on a human appearance through your innate Sylune magic. This can be found through the detect magic spell and can be dispelled by normal magic canceling effects. A DC 15 investigation check reveals that you are not as you seem, though your true form is not revealed.

**Speed.** While in your natural form, your speed is 35 feet. While using Sylune Shapechanger, your base walking speed is 30 feet

**Fey Ancestry.** You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed and magic can’t put you to sleep.

**Languages.** You can speak, read, and write Common and Sylvan.

**Extra Language.** As a shapechanger race, it is traditional that you to learn the language of another race. You can speak, read, and write an extra language of your choice.

## Subraces

### **Zenko**

Light-furred Sylune known for their benevolent nature

**Ability Score Increase.** You are blessed with an innate clarity of mind. Your Wisdom score increases by 1.

**Magical Tail.** You know the Dancing Lights cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Bless spell once per day. When you reach 5th level, you can also cast the Enhance Ability spell once per day. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

**Darkvision.** You have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You 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. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

### **Yako**

Dark-furred Sylune known for mischief

**Ability Score Increase.** Your innate reflexes allow you act with precision and grace. Your Dexterity score increases by 1.

**Magical Tail.** You know the Minor Illusion cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Silent Image spell once per day. When you reach 5th level, you can also cast the Phantasmal Force spell once per day. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

**Trickster’s Vision.** Your trickster nature grants you have the ability to see through many of the world’s tricks. You can see normally in magical or non-magical darkness out to 10 feet as if the area was in bright light. When you are within 10 feet of a visual illusion you automatically detect their true nature and succeed on saving throws against them. Also, within 10 feet you determine the true form of a shapechanger or a creature transformed by magic.

### **Kumihimo**

Auburn beings known for tales of violence

**Ability Score Increase.** Your skin is thicker and sturdier than that of other Sylune. Your Constitution score increases by 1.

**Magical Tail.** You know the Produce Flame cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Faerie Fire spell once per day. When you reach 5th level, you can also cast the Darkness spell once per day. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

**Bite.** Your sharp teeth are deadly enough to be considered a weapon in their own right. You have a natural weapon you are proficient with, which deals 1d4 + Strength modifier piercing damage on a hit.

### **Kōya**

A tribal race of Sylune notable for their striped fur.

**Ability Score Increase.** Your build is slightly stockier and more muscular than other Sylune. Your Strength score increases by 1.

**Magical Tail.** You know the Light cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Entangle spell once per day. When you reach 5th level, you can also cast the Barkskin spell once per day. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

**Perceptive.** You have proficiency in the Perception skill.