U'karik (5e Race)

U'karik

“	The U'karik are a race told of in myths, for any definite knowledge we have is incomplete. For all we know, they may not exist and we have simply been misinterpreting our observations. But it appears that this race of beings has the strange ability to absorb the genetic code of other beings and adapt overnight. Hence, no two U'karik are ever the same, as they live in solitude and take whatever form is most advantageous for them.	”
—Elrendar Nightblossom, Elven Scholar

Physical Description

A supposed rendition of an u'karik's true form, by Yanied

No one knows what the original form of a u'karik is except another u'karik. It is believed that they look, and indeed may be, humans. It is very possible that this is a race of humans who have mutated this ability for adaptation. However, what is known is that u'karik take on the traits of those they encounter. This is done through something like genetic mimicry, owing to their unique and unstable cellular structure. Few have observed this process. All it takes is a simple touch for their cells to read the subjects before they rest. While they rest, their body goes to work, adapting the genetic code how they see fit. This leads to a very adaptable, yet hard to trace, racial group. For all we know, they could be everywhere.

History

Due to the lack of a true society, u'karik history has never been kept. It is doubtful that even they know their own history. They are sometimes likened to changelings due to their shapeshifting ability. However, their deception is a little less than perfect and requires some time to use. Perhaps they were also Jes' children, facing persecution. For whatever reason then, the Traveler's gift did not endow them with as much proficiency in shape changing than the other. U'karik are believed to be the shadier figures seen in other histories, often acting as agents as changelings do. It is speculated they may once have had a small city of their own that specialized in mercenary work. The city purportedly fell as a result of magical invasions from the elves of the High Forest.

Society

U'karik are a largely scattered race as a result of some unknown diaspora likely, possibly from when their city fell to the elves. Like changelings, their powers to change their forms frighten others and make them isolated in society. Among shapeshifters, they are certainly seen as the cheaper kind, as they require touch to gather information on forms, whereas changelings can change simply by observation. U'karik are usually mercenaries doing dirty work using their shape changing. Many eke out livings in slums and dilapidated ghettos in other cities.

U'karik Names

U'karik rarely take names, instead of identifying one another by the reading of their genetics. This allows one to truly know the other for what they are, not to mention learning their deeds and what they have done, as u'karik memory is not held in neurons and synapses, but instead in their genetic code. When dealing with outsiders, they often use whatever name is given to them.

Given Names: Nobody, Ickster, Lickman

U'karik Traits

Lesser changelings that use genetics
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.
Age. U'karik live lives like brief flashes, only aging to a maximum of about 50 years before their genes dissolve with their flesh.
Alignment. U'karik work for coin and keep emotion out of everything, making them mostly neutral or lawful.
Size. U'karik have a small size range, never going too far over 5 feet. 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.
Change Appearance. As an action, you can transform your appearance or revert to your natural form. You can’t duplicate the appearance of a creature you’ve never touched, and you revert to your natural form if you die. You decide what you look like, including your height, weight, facial features, the sound of your voice, coloration, hair length, sex, and any other distinguishing characteristics. You can make yourself appear as a member of another race, though none of your game statistics change. You also can’t appear as a creature of a different size than you, and your basic shape stays the same; if you’re bipedal, you can’t use this trait to become quadrupedal, for instance. Your clothing and other equipment don’t change in appearance, size, or shape to match your new form, requiring you to keep a few extra outfits on hand to make the most compelling disguise possible. Once you use this trait, you can’t use it again until you finish a short or long rest.
Gene Reader. As an action, you may touch a willing creature within range and access their genetic material. If the creature is another u'karik, you can look through their memories as per the detect thoughts spell. Otherwise, you can see and know its creatures type and racial traits. The creature you are touching, whether u'karik or not, is aware of what you are doing. You can use this trait a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus and regain all uses after you finish a long rest.
Imposter Instinct. You are proficient with one of the following skills of your choice: Deception, Insight, Perception, and Persuasion.
Languages. You can speak, read and write Common and one other language of your choice.

Random Height and Weight

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
5′ 0''	+1d4	96 lb.	× (2) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

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