Westrato (5e Race)

Design Note: This race is intended to be used in campaigns with firearms.

Westrato

“	The man stood in the dust, his feet held to the ground as if they were glued. He drew his gun, ready to face his opponent. Me. We faced our backs to each other, our hands on our holster. I heard someone yell, 'DRAW!' Before I had any time to react, I felt a stinging pain. I fell to the ground, and the man walked over to me. 'Let everyone know,' he yelled, 'Never mess with a Westrato.' I've never walked again.	”
—Human Explorer

Physical Description

By Brian Taylor

Westratos are technically another human race. They are biologically very similar to humans save for minute differences. Their eyes are more aquiline, like a hawks, allowing them to see far away with great accuracy. Westrato stature is also very lithe and holds little fat. Their finger and lower arm muscles are some of the fastest in their body, in addition to their eyes. Unlike humans typical to Faerun, they comes from places a bit more like Eberron, with more modern technology, mannerisms and dress. They dress in a fashion best described as "wild west."

History

Westratos are from a world of little magic, and they themselves are not the best wielders of it. Their ancestry has roots in some of the arid areas of the world, like deserts and plains where stepes, mesas and plateaus of red stone dot the horizon. As such, their bodies are very durable and accustomed to little nourishment, and their eyes adapted to blinding dust and sand. The most notable parts of westrato history are guns and gold. Allegedly, they are always in search of buried treasure among the mountains and rivers, and are belligerent to start gunfights and duels with one another over even precious dust. This turbulent history has made them known for savagery and macho show off.

Society

Of the deserts in the world, westratos often recall one called Sahura. It is supposedly where their ancestors first found gold and learned to use firearms. It is a place of heat and dry climate, and rather primitive laws. Crime is commonplace where westratos come from, as their values are easily corruptible, even that of figures like the sheriff and mayor. Most of their abodes are made of wood harvested from the few trees that grow in the area. There is always a saloon in a westrato town, as they are fond of drinking. Westrato females are often demeaned in their own society, restricted to being waitresses and such. So, many turn as violent as males to gain footing in life. Weapons, as a westrato says, are what makes people equal.

Personality

Having come from a place as resource-dependent as thee deserts, westratos are very territorial and confrontational. They are not afraid to fight for what they believe to be theirs and they hate thieves. A duel with a single shot is usually how they like to decide things, as it is clean and virtually fair due to the power of firearms. However, under this chivalrous veneer, westratos are greedy and can resort to underhanded tactics as easily as a goblin. This is how much of their neighbors have come to view them as false gentlemen with innate savagery for competition.

Westrato Names

Westrato names are like that of modern humans.

Male: Jesse, Pearson, Arthur, Morgan, Caleb

Female: Kate, Caroline, Jessie, Rolanda, Hanna

Westrato Traits

Born gunslingers and gold diggers
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and either your Charisma or Intelligence score increases by 1.
Age. Westratos live the same length as humans, but a bit shorter. They reach adulthood at their late teens, and live to their early 80s.
Alignment. Due to their "go-it-your-own-way" rearing, most westrato tend to be loose chaotic cannons. Some adhere to the law, but only when it is convenient for them.
Size. Westratos are usually lean, and a bit taller than normal humans. On average, they are nearly 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Dust Shield. Your eyes are a valuable asset, trained and bred for years. You have advantage in saving throws against being blinded.
Hawkeye. You can see further and better than most do. You are proficient in the Perception skill.
Lighting Perception. While in dim light, you don't have disadvantage in Wisdom (Perception) checks.
Gunslinger. You are proficient in two firearms of your choice. You also have advantage in checks to repair and inspect firearms with tinker's tools. Alternatively, in a campaign without firearms, you are proficient in two ranged weapons of your choice.
Desert Grit. Coming from unforgiving terrain, lack of food and water is no stranger to you. You have advantage in Constitution saving throws against exhaustion.
Gold-Digger. You have a natural sense for treasure. You have advantage in Intelligence (History and Investigation) checks to locate veins of ore and precious metals.
Languages. You can speak, read and write in Common.

Random Height and Weight

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
5′ 9''	+1d12	130 lb.	× (1d6) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

Suggested Characteristics

When creating a westrato character, you can use the following table) of traits, ideals, bonds and flaws to help flesh out your character. Use these tables in addition to or in place of your background's characteristics.

Pompous and often overbearing, westrato are standoffish and require a certain kind of forgiving nature to get used to.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I hate it when I don't get what I want.
2	I am more than happy to use force to make others see my way.
3	The world is out to get me, and I'm out to get the world.
4	I don't take kindly to being touched wantonly.
5	If you steal from me, I'll kill you.
6	Everything kinda has my name on it.
7	Guns speak louder than words.
8	Force is the guiding hand of the world.

d6	Ideal
1	I just want to make sure all my stuff is safe.
2	I'm going to be the new law in town.
3	There is a criminal I have to chase down that the law failed to catch.
4	I'm going to get rich and powerful, one way or another.
5	I want to settle down into a normal life someday.
6	There are innocents in this world I can and will protect.

d6	Bond
1	I was once weak, until I was taught to shoot by someone I admire.
2	People are all two-faced, as am I.
3	I don't get close to people because I can only trust myself.
4	People who rely on others in earnest are weak.
5	There are only a few in this world I trust.
6	I like to be gruff even with friends.

d6	Flaw
1	I care too much about money.
2	My gentlemanly appearance is a lie.
3	I secretly think everyone is beneath me.
4	I think often that killing solves everything.
5	Despite hating thieves, I also steal. With force.
6	I don't like to help anyone in need.

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