Humans Yao (3.5e Race)

Yao

Personality

Yao society is very honor-bound, focused on strict moral codes and doing what is best for the people. Individually, Yao often tend to come of as "boy scouts", always doing the right thing and oftentimes being taken in by their own self-righteousness. Yet, at heart, the Yao are a people of kindness and compassion, looking out for their own and always willing to fight off dangers, no matter their origin. The Yao are a proud people of tradition and greatness, dedicated to not only the preservation, but the dominance of their people.

That's not to say there aren't those who fall on the darker end of the moral compass. In fact, Yao are renown in the criminal underworld for their determination to finish the job, no matter the costs. If there's one person you want on your team, good or evil, it's a Yao.

Physical Description

The Yao are often slightly shorter and leaner than most of their cousins, such as the Nords or Ishtari. However, what they lack in height, they make up for in their speed and agility, being widely known for their dexterity and flexibility.

The Yao, otherwise, look much like other humans, though with slightly paler skin tones. Their eyes are typically brown or black, though gray and green are no unheard of. Rarely, their eyes can be violet, blue, hazel, and amber. Their hair is almost always black, and often worn long.

Relations

The Yao are a rather insular people, and tend not to associate much with outsiders. They are noted for having a strong distrust of their closest cousins, the Congsu, including blatant racism and a strong belief in Yao supremacy despite their strong similarities. In fact, many outsiders cannot even distinguish between the two peoples, much to the chagrin of both.

To those who prove themselves a friend, the Yao will welcome with warmth and protection. To those who prove themselves a foe, only death awaits.

Alignment

Most Yao tend towards the lawful end of the spectrum, whether it be good or evil. However, as all races, the alignment of the individual is as unique as the individual, themselves.

Lands

The Yao live in tight-knit communities, centered around coastal trading hubs and mountain strongholds, with long, winding roads in between. While capable of adapting to nearly any environment, they tend to prefer the relative seclusion of both island and mountain life.

Religion

The Yao are a people who are heavily devout in their own way. Rather than worshipping the gods, themselves, however; the Yao tend to worship their spheres of influence, revering the Sea, the Sky, Warfare, and more as deities, and the gods as mere avatars of these more abstract concepts.

Language

The Yao speak Orinese. They also typically know Common for trade and diplomatic purposes.

Names

The Yao tend to have three names, in addition to titles and honors and some form of clan recognition. Thus, a full name could appear as The Righteous Lord, Akio Dai Ebisu of the Yokoha Clan, Protector of the Valley and the Pass. Thus there is a title (The Righteous Lord), the Clan (The Yokoha Clan), and a list of honors (Protector of the Valley and the Pass). There are also three names. The first, Akio, is the mother's choice, and is used in the presence of family. This can be thought of as a "nickname" of sorts, though much more official. The middle, Dai, is the father's choice, and is used on the daily basis. This is the name most are known by, and the one used in everyday conversation. The final name, Ebisu, is chosen by the leader of the village, city, or other such settlement the child is born in, and is rarely used in any daily manner, though it once held a more special meaning as, traditionally, the final, or "Vassal" name was a family name of sorts, identifying where you were from and where you call home. When one was out traveling, to find another with the same Vassal name was to find a trustworthy friend. However, as travel has become more common and numbers have increased, the meaning of this name has largely diminished. After all, babies are now born in one city, but raised in another and many strangers you meet on the road aren't quite as trustworthy, anymore. Additionally, with so many cities so far apart, it has been found that oftentimes two faraway cities may in fact utilize the same Vassal name, leading to much confusion.

In everyday use, a Yao will tend to use only their middle name, in this case Dai. In western settings, they may take their Clan name as a surname of sorts, and identify themselves as Dai Yokoha.

For real-world inspiration, take Japanese or Korean names.

Racial Traits

• +2 [[Dexterity], -2 Strength: The Yao are renown for their speed and agility, but they rarely emphasize strength.
• Humanoid (Human)
• Medium:
• Yao base land speed is 30 feet:
• 1 extra feat at 1st level.
• 4 additional skill points at 1st level, and 1 additonal skill point at every level thereafter.
• Automatic Languages: Common, Orinese. Bonus Languages: Any (other than secret languages, such as Druidic). See the Speak Language skill.
• Favored Class: Ranger

Vital Statistics

Table: Yao Random Starting Ages

Adulthood	Simple	Moderate	Complex
15 years	+1d4	+1d6	+2d6

Table: Yao Aging Effects

Middle Age1	Old2	Venerable3	Maximum Age
45 years	65 years	80 years	+4d10 years
At middle age, −1 to Str, Dex, and Con; +1 to Int, Wis, and Cha. At old age, −2 to Str, Dex, and Con; +1 to Int, Wis, and Cha. At venerable age, −3 to Str, Dex, and Con; +1 to Int, Wis, and Cha.

Table: Yao Random Height and Weight

Gender	Base Height	Height Modifier	Base Weight	Weight Modifier
Male	4' 8"	+2d8	100 lb.	× (2d4) lb.
Female	4' 4"	+2d8	85 lb.	× (2d4) lb.

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