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Plainsborn

Emerging from the vast stretches of open grasslands, the Plainsborn move with a grace and fluidity that echo the wind-swept plains from which they hail. Their lean forms, marked with stripes display both their affinity for speed and their intrinsic connection to the open landscapes. The gaze of their discerning eyes, often reflecting the hues of golden horizons or stormy skies, captures the essence of the plains – vast, enigmatic, and forever stretching towards the horizon.

The world knows them by various epithets: Horizon Walkers and Grassland Guardians, but they simply identify as Plainsborn, an acknowledgment of their origin and their enduring bond with the sprawling meadows. Tales of old narrate their genesis as the earth's response to the vast openness, a symbol of life and movement amidst seemingly endless expanses.

In their presence, one is reminded of the immense scale of the world, of golden fields stretching as far as the eye can see, and of the dance between earth and sky. While they might seem out of place in confined urban settings, on open roads, hilltops, and of course, the majestic plains, they are truly at home.

Society

At the intersections of vast grasslands and the sky's embrace, Plainsborn societies thrive. Their settlements, known as Ranges, span large areas but are characterized by minimal interference with nature. Temporary structures, often made from renewable materials, dot these settlements. An outsider might perceive these as mere congregation points, but in reality, they are intricate social hubs, buzzing with activity during gatherings and festivals.

The Plainsborn society revolves around the ideals of freedom, movement, and harmony with the open land. Elders, revered as Horizon Seers, guide the Ranges. With age, their stripes become more pronounced, symbolizing their wisdom and experiences. Under their guidance, roles are determined not strictly by profession but by an individual's connection to various elements of the plains – be it the wind, the grass, or the vast skies.

Barter is common among the Plainsborn, with emphasis placed on items that tell stories or hold sentimental value. They believe that objects infused with memories and experiences hold far greater value than mere materialistic possessions.

While many Plainsborn are content with their nomadic lifestyles, a fair number venture out, driven by the same curiosity and wanderlust that defines their race. These wanderers often act as emissaries, traders, or simply explorers, eager to see what lies beyond the next horizon.

However, tranquility isn't always a guarantee. Threats, often in the form of land encroachments, predatory creatures, or even internal disputes, challenge the Plainsborn's way of life. Yet, they handle conflicts with a blend of swift decision-making and an emphasis on dialogue, reflecting the dynamic yet harmonious nature of the plains.

Throughout these challenges, the Plainsborn ethos remains unchanged: to live with the freedom and vastness of the plains, and to forever chase the horizon.

Traditions of the Plainsborn

Horizon's Gaze: A coming-of-age ceremony where young Plainsborn climb the highest point in their Range during dawn. As the sun rises, they must reflect on their goals, dreams, and the vastness of the world. This introspection often shapes their path forward.

Golden Gala: A biannual gathering where Plainsborn from various Ranges come together to celebrate, share stories, dance, and sing songs that mimic the cadence of the plains.

Wind Whisper: A tradition of sending messages. Instead of writing, they speak to the winds, entrusting their messages to be carried forth. It's believed that the winds will always ensure these messages reach the intended recipient, even if not in the most conventional manner.

Stripe's Blessing: When a Plainsborn achieves something monumental, they paint a temporary stripe on their body, symbolizing their achievement. This is later narrated during gatherings, adding to their shared history.

Grassland's Dance: During full moons, Plainsborn engage in dances that mirror the swaying of grass in the wind. These dances are both celebratory and meditative, reinforcing their connection to the land.

Names

Plainsborn names often reflect the vastness, the elements, and the dynamism of the plains.

Male Names:

Vastor: Drawing from the vastness of the plains. Zephos: A nod to the swift winds that sweep the grasslands. Duskel: Reflecting the mesmerizing twilight of the plains. Goldenstride: Capturing the essence of sunrise and sunset. Ruun: Symbolizing the endless run across the grasslands.

Female Names:

Horizelle: Inspired by the endless horizons. Sylpheen: A name that embodies the gentle breezes of the plains. Goldawn: Reflecting the golden hue of early mornings. Zebrielle: A name that captures their zebra-like essence. Windra: Signifying the ever-present winds of the plains.

Choosing a name is a communal event, and names are seen not just as identifiers but as continuations of the Plainsborn's shared history and connection to the expansive meadows.


Plainsrunner

While all Plainsborn feel a deep connection to the expansive grasslands, the Plainsrunners embody the very spirit of ceaseless motion and unbridled speed. Their name doesn't merely denote their swift nature but reflects a lifetime spent embracing the endless stretches of their homeland.

Physical Appearance:
The Plainsrunners are noticeably leaner than their Plainsborn counterparts, with long, powerful legs built for high-speed pursuits and marathons across vast distances. Their skin, a shade lighter than the typical Plainsborn, has fewer stripes, but those present often spiral around their limbs, resembling tracks left by gusty winds on the grassy terrains. Their eyes, often a vibrant shade of green or hazel, mirror the freshness and vivacity of new sprouts in the spring.

Society:
Within the Plainsborn Ranges, Plainsrunners often form specialized guilds dedicated to speed, agility, and endurance. These guilds, known as Windchasers, serve various purposes. Some act as the primary messengers between different Ranges, others engage in ritualistic races during Plainsborn festivals, while a few even serve as elite scouts, warning the Ranges of potential threats.

Their homes are even more temporary than other Plainsborn structures. They favor lightweight tents that can be packed and moved at a moment's notice. For a Plainsrunner, the idea of being stationary for too long feels unnatural.

Culture and Traditions:
Wind's Chase: A celebrated event where Plainsrunners race to catch "the wind." It’s not about winning but rather about understanding and embracing the sheer joy of motion.
Grass Whistle: Plainsrunners have perfected the art of crafting and using whistles made of grass. They use these during their runs to communicate or simply to make music to accompany their strides.
Step Stories: Each night, they gather and share stories not through words but through a rhythmic pattern of steps, narrating tales of their day’s journey.


Mountainbound

Where the Plainsrunners echo the rapid pulse of vast meadows, the Mountainbound resonate with the mighty fortitude of towering peaks. If Plainsborn are the spirit of expansive flatlands, the Mountainbound are the soul of the imposing mountains that frame these plains. Their name captures their eternal bond with the stony giants, a testament to their tenacity and resilience.

Physical Appearance:
Bulkier and taller than their Plainsborn kin, the Mountainbound often stand a head taller than most of their brethren. Their skin, while maintaining the striped pattern, is often in darker shades of brown or gray, reminiscent of mountainous rocks. The stripes resemble the rough, craggy patterns seen on cliff faces. Their eyes, usually in shades of deep blue or gray, carry the weight and wisdom of the mountains they hold dear.

Society:
Mountainbound communities are often found at the borders of the Plainsborn territories, where the plains meet the mountains. These settlements, known as Cliffholds, are carved intricacies – half in the plains and half up the mountain slopes, representing their dual nature.

Being natural defenders, many Mountainbound take up roles as guardians of the Plainsborn Ranges. Their ability to navigate treacherous terrains makes them invaluable scouts and warriors, ensuring threats from the mountains never spill onto the plains.

Culture and Traditions:
Peak's Pledge: An initiation rite for young Mountainbound, where they scale the highest nearby peak to understand the mountain's essence and promise to protect their homeland.
Stone Songs: Using instruments carved from mountain rocks, they create deep resonating melodies that echo through the valleys and can be heard for miles.
Echo Tales: Around bonfires, Mountainbound share stories by shouting them across valleys, with each echo adding depth to their tales.


Traits

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.

Age. Plainsborn mature at the same rate humans do and reach adulthood in their late teens. They live to around 80 years.

Alignment. Most Plainsborn tend towards neutrality, embodying the free spirit of the vast meadows. However, variety exists within their societies, and Plainsborn of any alignment can be found.

Size. Plainsborn stand between 5 and 6 feet tall, with a lean, muscular physique. Your size is Medium.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 35 feet.

Natural Sprinter. You can use your bonus action to Dash. Once you use this trait, you cannot use it again until you complete a short or long rest.

Hoofed Kick. Your powerful legs serve both movement and defense. You can make a unarmed strike with your hooves. If you hit with them, you deal bludgeoning damage equal to 2d8 + your Strength modifier. Once you use this trait, you cannot use it again until you complete a short or long rest.

Eyes on the Horizon. As a Plainsborn, you have an innate capability to sense weather changes and the movement of large creatures. You can’t be surprised by creatures while you are conscious, and you always know the direction of the nearest significant body of fresh water.

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Plainspeak, a fluid language with elements from various plains cultures.

Subraces

Plainsrunner

Land’s Blessing. Once per long rest, you can cast the longstrider spell without using a spell slot or requiring components.

Mountainbound

Sturdy Hooves. Difficult terrain composed of rocky or uneven ground costs you no extra movement.

High Altitude Adaptation. You're acclimated to high altitude, including elevations above 20,000 feet.