:: Pooka

:: Pookas are the mischievous, fun-loving creatures, which cause most of the chaos and shenanigans in the world. Their jovial, high-spirited nature is the root of their light-hearted tricks and practical jokes they play on others. The grief and frustration of others give Pookas their kicks and thrills! Not that Pookas are an evil race, though few choose that dark path, most Pookas are kind and gentle and try to fool others in harmless yet extremely entertaining fashion.

Personality: Pookas are advocates of humor and fun. They not only enjoyed playing tricks on others, but also revel when they are fooled themselves. Their eternal happiness and playful disposition allows them to easily makes friends. They exceedingly social and crave to be in the constant company of others. Though they easily connect and bond with others, their attention span is ridiculously short and the often find themselves traveling around for ‘fresh meat.’

Physical Description: Pookas have two varied forms: one of the normal humanoid appearance, and the other of a small colorful Hare. Their humanoid figures greatly resemble that of elves; and are approximately 4' 8" to 5'5" and weigh about 80-120 lbs. They have slightly larger, round noses that are fairly red (especially in the colder months). Diverse from elves they have long, floppy ears that are hairier then the rest of their face. They are an attractive species, yet look more ‘cute’ then desirable. Their hair is long and unkempt and has a very shaggy appearance. They are in fact, a little hairier on their arms and legs then most races, though it is more akin to fur. Their color ranges from light brown towards light green and come in related Forest tones. Pookas counter-part is quite unique. Pookas have the ability to turn into a small rabbit at any point and time of their choice. This comes predominantly from their initial company of Fairies and Elves in the forest. This second personality allows Pookas to hide easier while permitting the use of hostile melee force. Their hare counter-parts can come in any diverse range of colors. Many are earth tones, while some are bright, striking blues and silver. The tints of these bodies are entirely up to the Pookas, themselves. The original color is similar to their humanoid part’s tint, but several Pookas choose to die them more exotic colors. Many choose to decorate themselves with hats and ribbons and bells, but nothing is required.

Relations: Pookas can get along with any of the species, but Dwarves and Half-Orcs seem to be the least tolerant of them. Few Pookas live after playing a practical joke on an ill-tempered Dwarf!

Alignment: Pookas are typically Chaotic in nature; and most are neutral leaning towards good.

New Race Lands: Pookas live essentially with elves and fairies in secluded parts of the forest until they venture out for adventure. Few ever see a Pooka until it is ready to 'seen.'

Religion: Deities of trickery are always a Pooka’s favorite.

Language: They speak Sylvan and other Elven languages. More often than not a Pooka’s language will consist of snickering laughs and giggles.

Names: When asked of their name, Pookas usually play a game where they use the name of the person who asked them in a group. Then they will pick another member’s name and use that for a while. When the group is reaching an intolerable limit of frustration, the Pooka will tell the new friends their proper name. Pooka names are closely related to the chaos and downfalls of society.

Male Names: Male names are related to chaos and trouble. Examples: Strife, Discord, Bedlam, Anarchy, and Pandemonium.

Female Names: Female names are related to the falls of society. Examples: Envy, Greed, Lust, and Jealousy.

Family Names: Family names end in ‘u’ with an ‘oo’ sound. Bishtu, Kakatu, Vishnu and Domru.

Adventures: Pookas always are try to find interesting, and unique quests. They are easily bored by mundane tasks and search for quests that seem more fun. They usually though, end up going with the group they're currently in, wherever the road may take them.

:: New Race Traits

:: Pookas gain a +2 towards Charisma for their loveable nature and their adorable counterpart. They also lose -2 towards Constitution based on their frail size and delicate rabbit persona.
:: Medium: As a humanoid, Pookas have no bonuses or penalties due to size. Small: When in the form of the mischievous Hare, they gain +1 size bonus to Armor Class, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, and a +4 size bonus on Hide checks. They forgo ALL use of weapons in this shape; yet retain any spell casting abilities they might have.
:: Pooka base speed is 20 feet.
:: Automatic Languages: Common and Elven. Bonus Languages: Draconic, Fairy, Giant, Goblin, and Orc. Once per day a Pooka can use speak with animals as a spell-like ability to speak with a rabbit. Pookas are considered 1st level casters when performing this spell.
:: Low-light vision: Pookas can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination.
:: +2 racial bonus on Move Silently checks: Pookas are experts at sneaking around the woods in order to play tricks on others.
:: A Pooka can cast any 0th or 1st level Illusionist spell once per day, though they always cast them as a 1st-level caster.
:: Shape Change: Pookas can polymorph self into a small rabbit infinite numbers of times. Pookas are considered 1st level casters when performing this spell.
:: Favored Class: Favored Class: Bard. A multiclass Pooka's Bard class does not count when determining whether he suffers an XP penalty. Most Pookas become bards for their illusion and enchantment spells. Though some Pookas become Illusionists, Shape shifting druids, or Clerics who master the trickery domain.

Sent by Nathan Cann (Vrendi Bishtu)