Milo Greenleaf leaned back in his chair at the village inn, a contented smile spreading across his face as he took a hearty bite of his third slice of apple pie. Around him, a group of adventurers listened intently, laughter bubbling up as he finished his tale. Milo’s eyes twinkled with mischief as he gestured dramatically with his fork.
“So there I was,” Milo said, his voice rising with enthusiasm, “standing atop the grand banquet table in the hall of Lord Everston, holding a lute in one hand and a turkey leg in the other. The Lord himself, red in the face, was shouting something about propriety and his precious crystal chandeliers.”
Milo paused to take a sip of ale, letting the suspense hang in the air before continuing. “But I told him, ‘Your Lordship, a feast without a bit of fun is like a pie without filling—just a waste of good crust!’ And wouldn’t you know it, by the end of the night, even Lord Everston was juggling pastries and singing along!”
The inn erupted with laughter, the joy infectious as Milo leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “That’s the Kin way, you see—never let a good party go to waste, always leave room for dessert, and remember: life’s too short not to wear a pudding as a hat at least once.”
With a wink and a grin, Milo lifted his pie in a toast, his cheerful spirit and love for life shining bright in the warm glow of the firelight.
Nestled amidst rolling hills and lush meadows, the quaint villages and hamlets of the Kin overflow with music, dance, and the scent of rich tobacco and fine ale. Mostly residing in the fertile lands of Landora, the Kin can also be found scattered across the globe, bringing their vibrant culture and warm-hearted nature wherever they go. Known for their hospitality and love of community, the Kin extend a friendly welcome to all who approach them with peaceful intentions.
Joyful Origins
The origins of the Kin are shrouded in mystery. Though they are believed to be an offshoot of humans, the specifics of their ancestry remain unknown. Despite this, the Kin have carved out a unique place in the world, celebrated in countless festivals and traditions for their joyous spirit and communal values.
Tight-Knit Communities
Kin society is organized around close-knit communities, typically led by a council of elders and a mayor. The mayor, elected from among the elders by the villagers, serves as a representative and decision-maker for the community. While Kin prefer the open spaces and tranquility of rural life, they can sometimes be found living among other races. In such cases, they usually form small, tight-knit neighborhoods within larger settlements, maintaining their communal lifestyle even when surrounded by the hustle and bustle of cities. These neighborhoods are always welcoming to outsiders, embodying the Kin's open-hearted nature.
Hospitable and Hardworking
Friendly and open by nature, the Kin are well-liked by nearly all who meet them. Their lack of interest in global politics means they seldom have much influence in the affairs of nations, but their reputation as skilled cooks and brewers has earned them a warm welcome wherever they go. It’s a common saying that having a Kin cook in your tavern’s kitchen is a surefire way to draw in customers. The Kin’s amicable disposition ensures that they are rarely turned away by the good-aligned races, and they often form strong bonds with those who appreciate their cheerful, unassuming nature.
Celebration of Life
Though the Kin pay homage to the gods and participate in seasonal festivals, they are generally not a deeply religious people. They prefer to focus on the joys of life—good food, family, and friends—rather than devote themselves to religious worship. The Kin celebrate the cycles of nature and the changing of the seasons, often marking these times with feasts and communal gatherings, but their spirituality is more about enjoying the present than worrying about the divine.
Wanderlust and Adventure
Kin adventurers are typically those who have been afflicted with the wanderlust common among their people. In their youth, many Kin feel a strong urge to leave their home and explore the wider world. During this period, they often travel great distances, seeking out new experiences, collecting stories, and forging friendships. While most Kin eventually return to their communities to settle down, some choose to make their home elsewhere, bringing a piece of their culture and warmth to new lands.
Simple Comforts
The Kin have a distinct style that reflects their rural roots. Their clothing is practical and comfortable, often made from the materials available in their homeland, with waistcoats, breeches, and sturdy hats being common. Clothes are well-kept and maintained, often passed down through generations. A waistcoat inherited from a great-great-grandfather is considered a priceless treasure, symbolizing the enduring connection to family and heritage.
Villages of Harmony
Kin settlements are typically small hamlets surrounded by fertile farmland. These villages are known for their exceptional produce, boasting some of the best fruits, vegetables, and grains to be found anywhere. The scent of freshly baked bread, the sight of smoke curling from chimneys, and the sound of laughter are ever-present in Kin villages, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like home to all who visit. Kin homes are often built into hillsides or nestled among the trees, designed to blend harmoniously with the natural landscape.
Language and Names
The Kin speak Landrian, a language characterized by its rhythmic, musical quality. Their names often reflect this musicality, with syllables that are easy to sing or chant, adding to the melodic nature of their speech. Kin family names typically have connections to the natural world, reflecting their deep connection to the land they call home.
Female Names: Bree, Fae, Kip, Milo, Nell, Pip, Remy, Tilly.
Male Names: Alby, Finn, Hob, Jem, Kit, Ned, Sam, Walt.
Family Names: Greenleaf, Riverstone, Meadowbrook, Willowrush.
Kin Racial Traits
Your Kin character has a variety of natural abilities and traits inherited from their Kin heritage.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1.
Age. Kin reach adulthood at the age of 20 and typically live up to 120 years.
Alignment. Most Kin are neutral good. They value family and friendship above all else and are generally kind-hearted and helpful.
Size. Kin are small creatures, standing about 3 feet tall and weighing around 50 pounds.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 25 feet.
Nature's Bounty. You have proficiency in the Nature skill and with one type of artisan's tools related to food, such as Brewer's Supplies or Cook's Utensils. Kin have a deep understanding of the natural world and an affinity for crafting and preparing food.
Nimble Escape. You can take the Disengage or Hide action as a bonus action on each of your turns. This reflects the Kin’s natural agility and ability to avoid danger.
Unique Physiology. Due to their small size and unique biology, Kin can move through the space of any creature that is of a size larger than theirs without difficulty.
Convivial Nature. You have proficiency in one musical instrument of your choice and the Performance skill, reflecting your love of music and community. Additionally, you have advantage on Charisma checks when interacting with other creatures who share your love of food and drink.
Strong Back. The Kin's experience in farming and transporting large quantities of food has made them particularly adept at carrying heavy loads. A Kin can carry up to twice as much weight as a typical humanoid before becoming encumbered.
Lucky Charm. The Kin believe in the power of trinkets and small objects that bring good luck. When a Kin possesses a trinket that they believe to be lucky, they gain a +1 bonus to all saving throws. If they lose the trinket, they lose the bonus until they find it again or acquire a new one.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Landrian.
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