Lashunta

To survive thier predator-rich home world, the telepathic humanoids called lashuntas evolved adaptive genetics that allow children to develop into one of two subspecies, depending on the stresses they endure at puberty: either the tall, intellectual, and adaptable damaya—who make up most of their race’s political leaders and ambassadors—or the short, burly, headstrong korasha, who excel as warriors and explorers. Both feature short forehead antennae that focus their natural telepathy, as well as colorful swirls and raised markings on their faces unique to each individual. Due to natural pheromones and lashuntas’ almost perfect physical symmetry, most humanoid races find lashuntas of both subspecies subconsciously (and sometimes unnervingly) attractive.
Both clades of the species bear the same genetics, allowing them to intermarry and have children. While all lashunta children inherit complexions and certain distinguishing features from their parents, their subspecies is not one of them. Through psychic ritual and force of will techniques applied at puberty, modern lashuntas have mastered the ability to determine what subspecies a child will grow into, activating certain epigenetics and shutting down others. While some lashunta city-states attempt to steer children in particular directions, such as via government-run aptitude tests, most lashuntas believe passionately in a child’s right to choose. In ancient lashunta history, their starkly divided gender roles led to subspecies almost universally correlated with gender, but as lashunta culture has grown more egalitarian, gender balance between the two subspecies has become roughly equal.

Traits and Abilities

Ability Score Modifiers See Details
Hit Points 4 HP
Size & Type Lashuntas are Medium Humanoids with the lashunta subtype.

Vital Statistics

Average Height or Length 5-7 ft.
Average Weight 140-180 lbs.
Age of Maturity 20 years
Maximum Age 80+2d20 years

Racial Traits

Dimorphic: All lashuntas gain +2 Charisma at character creation. Korasha lashuntas are muscular (+2 Strength at character creation) but often brash and unobservant (–2 Wisdom at character creation). Damaya lashuntas are typically clever and well-spoken (+2 Intelligence at character creation) but somewhat delicate (–2 Constitution at character creation).
Lashunta Magic: Lashuntas gain the following spell-like abilities:
At will: daze, psychokinetic hand
1/day: detect thoughts
See Spell-like Abilities in Tactical Rules - Special Abilities. The caster level for these effects is equal to the lashunta's level.
Limited Telepathy: Lashuntas can mentally communicate with any creatures within 30 feet with whom they share a language. Conversing telepathically with multiple creatures simultaneously is just as difficult as listening to multiple people speaking.
Student: Lashuntas love to learn, and they receive a +2 racial bonus to any two skills of their choice.