Varana (5e Race)

Vanara

“	Those monkeys couldn't hit an elephant if it was staring them in the face!	”
—Rakkah Blackfang, orc warrior, shortly before being killed by varana slings

Physical description

A varana preparing to hunt, by Grafik

These humanoids resemble slender simians, with lithe muscle and fur-covered bodies. They retain the tail and prehensile feet which humans lack, but their general shape is much closer to a human than a monkey. Their skin is usually grayish or ashen, and their face resembles that of a chimp. However, their fur is much more vibrant, ranging from fiery reds to dusky oranges and golden yellows. Around their head, the fur accumulates more into a mane. Often times, this mane is braided.

History

The varanas are a race native to the golden mist mountains on Kara-Tur in the east. They are believed to have been apes which evolved to be near human, but stopped after a certain point and so retain many simian features. Their habitat remains among the mountains where other apes and monkeys live, and they are sovereign over them. These valleys are often home to a vast variety of fruit trees, which varanas consider their own gardens. Humans who have tried to steal fruit from there have been said to have their souls stolen or even killed by cruel tricks. Varanas have a reputation to be pranksters. Like a hanuman, they can utilize the wind to do their bidding. In ancient times, varanas were worshipped as monkey gods, and it was illegal to kill monkeys for fear of angering them.

Society

Varanas are a playful bunch. They may rule over monkeys, but they not particularly any more mature. Like the typical apes, they like to monkey around and such. Their society is one big oligarchy, with one monkey king, which is a varana, surrounded by his court of varanas. Under them are the regular varanas, who then rule like feudal lords over their clans of monkeys within different parts of valleys. They are very territorial and curious. Travelers have been known to be harassed whenever even near their habitat. Varanas sometimes wander out to see what else the world offers, and many take up jobs as mercenaries and entertainers. There is also the occasional story about the maiden being carried away by monkeys to be a varana mistress, though these are usually unconfirmed.

Personality

Varanas hate uptight and lawful personalities. They like loose organization and fun. They're fine with just about anything so long as people know who's the boss around here, or who's the strongest. Strength and wit go hand in hand for them, and they love novelties. It is quite rare to ever see a varana in contemplation or quiet except when they have drunk themselves into a coma. They are rowdy and they are unashamed of it. They also love alcohol. Generally, varanas act cocky and fearless, as well as reckless. Many varanas, however, have a fear of water and lightning, as well as the obvious fire. They are a very close-knit bunch.

Varana Names

The varana tend to use short names, emphasizing "o" and "aah" sounds. The names of tribal chiefs tend to include "v" sounds.

Male: Aaran, Angada, Daar, Dvivida, Kesari, Oorak, Rama, Taar, Vaark, Vali, Vemook, Yana

Female: Aaylo, Anjana, Ooru, Rooma, Seeta, Tara, Vanna, Sooshena, Sugriva, Mainda, Nala, Nila,

Varana Traits

Half-man and half-monkey, the varana are very agile and playful creatures.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.
Age. Varana are considered to be adult around the age of twenty and can live for 180 years, though few live this long.
Alignment. Varana can be kind or cruel, but are usually chaotic in most cases.
Size. Theeir size is a little smaller than a human, ranging from just over 4 feet to almost 6 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.
Expert Climber. You have essentially two pairs of arms, making for easy grabs with even your feet. You have a climbing speed of 20 feet.
Prehensile Tail. You can use your tail to carry objects weighing no more than 2 pounds. You cannot make attacks with your tail.
Monkey Tools. Simple tools for battle work best in your hands. You are proficient with slings, greatclubs, quarterstaffs, and blowguns.
Wind Summoners. The varanas can command the winds, having ancestors which rode them throughout the valley. You can cast the gust cantrip. At 3rd level, you can cast the gust of wind spell once, without using a spell slot or material components. You regain use of the spell when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.
Languages. You can read, write and speak in Common and one language of your choice.

Random Height and Weight

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
4′ 0''	+2d10	60 lb.	× (2d8) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

5.00

(one vote)

---

Back to Main Page → 5e Homebrew → Races