Urshifu (5e Race)

Urshifu

“	"Behold! Before you stands Urshifu! Sure to be unyielding armor that will shatter any blade turned against it..."	”
—Dojo Master Mustard, Pokemon Sword & Shield: Isle of Armor

Physical Description

Single Strike and Rapid Strike Urshifu

Urshifu is a bipedal Pokémon resembling a humanoid black bear with patterned fur that resembles a martial arts outfit. It has a muscular build with long legs and arms equipped with large paws and claws for striking. Its body and head are covered in gray, black, and white fur. But the muzzle of urshifu ranges from yellow to yellow-green color. The front of urshifu's pelt hangs off between the front and back between its legs. The fur on urshifu's head flares into a flowing white and black headband. The backs of Urshifu's hands, its knuckles, and the tops of its feet are also white-colored.

Urshifu comes in two varieties, them being the subraces: single-strike and rapid-strike. They are primarily distinguished by their behavior and combat styles more than any physical trait. However, their headband forms are easy to spot the difference, as well as other minor differences. The fur on top of the single-strike subrace's head and on its legs flows up, while its headband flares upward and backward. Rapid-strike urshifu's head head and leg fur flows down, while its headband flares forward and outward.

History

Urshifu is the evolved form of kubfu. Kubfu historically were a pokemon that ventured far and wide from distant lands, eventually leaving their home region of Galar in search of new rivals to train against and defeat. Today, they can be found almost exclusively settled in the Isle of Armor west of Galar. Kubfu are known the "secret armor," as they have unrealized potential until they evolve into urshifu. Similar to tyrogue, kubfu can evolve into different forms; those forms being the two urshifu of single strike and rapid strike. Based on the fighting energy kubfu develops in its stomach through training, as well as its surroundings and exposure to ancient fighting scrolls of technique, kubfu will evolve into either single strike or rapid strike urshifu. The evolution of urshifu is inextricably tied to the Towers of Two Fists, where the scrolls of darkness and water are housed. The strength of urshifu and the unyielding nature of the pokemon is revered among fighting-type pokemon enthusiasts. Urshifu is known to be a righteous pokemon, as the roar of single strike urshifu is said to be able to make evil flee and the glare of rapid strike urshifu is said to vanquish evil within the hearts of others.

Attitudes and Personalities

Urshifu are rarities since kubfu are rare as it is, and many kubfu may not attain the evolution to become urshifu. They share communities with other fighting-type pokemon, engaging in strict, daily regimens on the Isle of Armor. Urshifu are diligent in their workouts and train in their specific style of fighting. Single strike urshifu like to finish battles in one go and thus also prefer one-on-one engagements. Rapid strike urshifu are more frenetic and like to split up their attentions. The two retain enough core elements and dedication to their skills and maintenance so as not to get in one another's way. Like many other fighting-type pokemon, urshifu are not the most fond of slackers. They also prefer straightforward communication. If that breaks down, then it's onto the fists.

Urshifu Names

Urshifu have names reflecting their travels from when they were kubfu. More often than not, urshifu use titles instead of typical names to showcase their growth into a sort of master following their evolution from kubfu. These titles are not gendered and are supposed to be unique. If two urshifu with similar titles meet, they may choose to battle to see who is truly worthy of the title. The loser would then be stripped of their title and have to find a new one or be given something humiliating by the winner. These branded titles can be removed through battles and feats of redemption.

Titles: Master of the Forked Fists, Rising Wake, Stomping Earth, Sage of the Long Blow, Guru of Strikes

Urshifu Traits

Mysterious and disciplined bear-like creatures who are experts at martial arts.
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 2.
Age. Urshifu mature at around 5 years of age and can live on average for up to 35 years.
Alignment. An Urshifus alignment typically coincides with the discipline they choose. Those of the Single Strike discipline are often lawful while those of the Rapid Strike are more chaotic.
Size. Urshifus stand a little above 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Brawny Knuckle. Your fists are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal bludgeoning damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength or Dexterity modifier.
Force of Will. You have an advantage on saving throws against being frightened.
Unseen Fists. If you hit a creature with an attack roll, the creature takes an extra 2d6 damage if it hasn't taken a turn yet in the current combat.
Powerful Build. You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common.
Subrace. Pick one from Single Strike Style or Rapid Strike Style.

Single Strike Style

Some Kubfus are strong believers in the one-hit KO. Their strategy is to leap in close to foes and land a devastating blow with a hardened fist.

Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 1.
Wicked Blow. At 5th level, your Unseen Fists damage increases to 3d6.
Extra Language. You can speak, read, and write Undercommon.
Darkness Piercer. 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.

Rapid Strike Style

Some Kubfus are strong believers in defeating foes by raining many blows down on them. Their fighting style is modeled on the flow of a river—sometimes rapid, sometimes calm.

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 1.
Surging Strikes. Immediately after you take the Attack action on your turn, you can make two unarmed strikes as a bonus action. You can use this trait a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
Extra Language. You can speak, read, and write Primordial (Aquan).

Random Height and Weight

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
5′ 6''	+2d8	175 lb.	× (2d6) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

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