Kurshisei (5e Race)

Kurshisei

“

They watched me be eaten alive from the trees! And they... were smiling!

”

Omens Of The Wood

By Telthona

Kurshisei are odd, horned humanoids that dwell in settings with lots of trees and wood. They all typically have four horns on their heads which curl into distinctive headdresses for their cranium. some resemble crowns or even hats. Kurshisei all have three eyes which are like red gems set in their heads. Their ears resemble a goat's or a leaf on the sides of their head. The skin of a kurshisei is notable because it looks like a wooden texture, but also has a thin wooliness to it. While their hands are normal, they have hooved feet like that of a pig. Kurshisei often dress in tribal wear, with scant coverings and lots of bone jewelry, piercings and beads.

Bogeymen Of Travelers

These creatures are often seen to be omens in the woods of ill-fortune to come. Some may see a kurshisei perched up high on a tree, staring. In their fright, they will often run and, in their distraught state, possibly fall off a cliff or worse. It is believed kurshisei are fiends that are created from the spirits of children who died lost in the woods. These humanoids sometimes are tricksters like monkeys and lead travelers astray or scare them to their doom. In efforts to make nighttime travel through the woodlands safer, an elven king once pledged to wipe out the kurshisei that were the supposed ones to blame. In his campaign against the forest beings, much of his armies vanished for days on end in the trees. They returned delirious, many of them, claiming the "red eyes" were watching. Eventually, the king had to renege on his promise and the kurshisei were left in peace. Some druids believe kurshisei are the malevolent spirits of the forests, akin to evil ents, who despise what is happening to their natural world.

Rule Of Three

Kurshisei are usually never seen in groups larger than three, and they are solely active at night. Their clothing denotes some sort of tribal system which people have yet to see. On nights of a lunar eclipse, just as the moon turns blood red, kurshisei have been known to gather in a festive fashion. This is the only time they ever convene in large groups. They dance like drunk satyrs around an unnatural pinkish-red fire and seem to praise the blood moon. Those who watch are said to lose control of their bodies and start dancing with the festivities, ultimately giving their position away. The fates of those caught by kurshisei are unknown. However, there have been instances where wise men seem to be able to talk to these creatures. The trick is to show no fear and act with a level head. One must ask for safe passage and bow, blinking each eye three times. The kurshisei supposedly then vanishes, leaving the traveler safe to go on.

Kurshisei Names

Their names come from Abyssal and many fear to speak them aloud, should the mentioned appear.

Male: Jakkoth, Kophitcles, Graarg

Female: Ralach, Elith, Hinturphon

Kurshisei Traits

Demons from the treetops
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 2, and your Dexterity score increases by 1.
Age. Kurshisei are said to be immortal and undying of age.
Alignment. Kurshisei are evil, though of different varieties.
Size. Kurshisei are not that different in size from a human or elf. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Darkvision. 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.
Tree Dweller. Kurshisei are very fast and adept at climbing trees, much like squirrels. You have a climb speed equal to your walking speed. Additionally, when you fall from a height of 60 feet or less, you take no fall damage.
Infernal Resistance. Your creature type is fiend instead of humanoid. As such, you are immune to spells like crown of madness or dominate person because they specifically target humanoids. You are also resistant to fire damage.
Tri-Eye Evil. The gaze of your three eyes can unsettle anyone. You are proficient in the Intimidation skill.
Demon of Nature. As you dwell in nature, you are familiar with the surroundings and ways around. You have advantage in Wisdom (Survival) checks while in forest environments or similar woodland terrain.
Languages. You can read, write and speak in Common and Abyssal.

Random Height and Weight

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
5′ 0''	+1d8	130 lb.	× (2) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

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