Korobokkuru

Korobokkuru are short, hairy beings, similar in behavior and appearance to gnomes and halflings. Korobokkuru have a reputation for being secretive, shy, and savage. In fact, they are rarely seen in the large cities of other races. Though considered crude and unsophisticated by other folk, they are industrious and self-sufficient. Korobokkuru are common in forests and hills, often dwelling in covered, subterranean pits. Although seemingly lacking in technologies like metal-working or cloth-making, they are skilled at woodwork, stone crafts, pottery, and weaving. They are knowledgeable about nature and their ancient homelands. They sometimes engage in trade and communication with smaller, rustic communities. They meet at predetermined places, usually at night, and leave goods for trade in exchange for offerings by the locals.

Korobokkuru are physically courageous, but live by the watchword of caution. They view ostentation with disdain and wariness. The industry and pollution of the so-called civilized folk disgust and offend them; a korobokkuru rages at the side of swaths of forest cut down, or the gaping wounds of a mine. Those who think of the korobokkuru as simply shy or even simple may be surprised by their pride and ability to hold a grudge—or to react with a warrior’s fury. Those who offend them may face a patient, subtle vengeance. Korobokkuru who become adventurers may differ from their common relatives in a number of respects. Many seek knowledge, especially the books and spells found in cities and hermitages. They come from a bold race, and some are bold enough to overcome the typical shyness of their kind. Some are drawn by tools and treasures made by more technological civilizations. Physically, they are short and gangly, with large, boulder-like heads and long fingers. They have lots of hair, especially tending toward bushy eyebrows. Their complexion is ruddy, and their hair dark and wild. They have strong, expressive features, with large noses that have a somewhat squashed appearance.

Korobokkuru Traits

• Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2 and your Constitution by 1.
• Age. Korobokkuru mature and age at a similar rate to humans, although they live somewhat longer. A korobokkuru that lives a careful life can live 150 years or more.
• Alignment. Korobokkuru are more often good than evil, as suits their tightly-knit communities. Although drawn to tradition and duty, korobokkuru prefer the natural world and their free-spirited way of life, and so slightly favor a chaotic alignment.
• Size. Korobokkuru are Small, standing about three feet tall and weighing roughly 50 pounds.
• Speed. Your base walking speed is 25 feet.
• Darkvision. Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. 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.
• Korobokkuru Cunning. You have advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic.
• Korobokkuru Weapon Training. You are proficient with the blowgun, club, greatclub, and handaxe.
• Nature Lore. You gain proficiency in the Nature skill.
• Stealthy. You gain proficiency in the Stealth skill.
• Knapper. You are proficient with artisan’s tools (knapping tools). You can craft stone versions of simple weapons that are normally made of metal, such as spears and handaxes, but not complex mechanical weapons like crossbows.
• Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Korobokkuru.