Reedfolk

In the lowlands and marshes of the world, by the riversides, there are cities of twisted reeds, tied together in intricate, delicate structures that sway in the breeze. They may seem uninhabited until the sun rises, and a thin, flute-like piping begins to play, as narrow plant creatures unfold themselves from the walls of their homes and stalk down to the river to drink.

Plant People

Reedfolk appear quite strange to outsiders. They are tall, thin beings that appear as though they are made from many reeds twisted delicately together, in the vague shape of a man. They sway in the wind and move in a graceful, silent manner, and the uninitiated might think a row of reedfolk standing still is merely a patch of tall grass. This thin body of course means the reedfolk are greatly troubled by storms and high wind, often quietly laying themselves upon the water to avoid being thrashed by the gales.

The reedfolk sustain themselves by absorbing water into their grasslike forms. The act of absorption is typically a social event in reedfolk communities; the people relax the shallow water in the early morning, catching up with one another and playing music as they take their daily drink. A reedfolk would likely find a desert to be a land of untold horror, which is why they prefer to settle in the wetlands.

Music of the Marshlands

One unique quality of the reedfolk is their curious ability to create music using their own bodies. Certain portions of their forms are hollowed out, creating flute-like instruments. The reedfolk play themselves through a strange, drifting dance known only to them, passing air through the holes and emitting a thin, piping music. Many travelers in the marshes follow the sounds of what seem to be woodwind orchestras in the middle of nowhere, only to be astonished at the sight of a group of reedfolk waving back and forth, playing the song of their people.

The music is very important in reedfolk culture. They have songs for rising in the morning, for drinking in the river, for mourning their dead and building their homes and curling up to sleep at night. They have songs for joy, sorrow, anger, and fear. Each song is a complex melody that tells a story of emotion, history, and community. And each reedfolk has a song of their own, one that encapsulates them as a person and their place in society.

Waste Not

Perhaps the most unusual behavior of the reedfolk is their treatment of their deceased. When a reedfolk dies, they are not buried or burned or cast aside like in so many cultures. Their grasslike bodies, strangely resistant to decomposition, are used to build their cities. The reedfolk intertwine the bodies of their dead in intricate patterns and structures, forming the basis for all of their buildings. It is considered a great honor to be made part of the construction of a notable building after death. To wither away without being used for a purpose is akin to being damned and forgotten.

Reedfolk far from home understand that they may not be bound into the walls with their forefathers, but hope that their companions will respect their desire to be of use after they pass. Even to be fashioned into a useful belt or to string a bow would be an honor for a fallen reedfolk.

A Quiet Life

Reedfolk tend to live far into the wilderness, by rivers and in marshes, where the land is quiet and still. They live peaceful lives of contemplation, community, and musical expression, and a great many live and die on the banks where they were born. They are not known to be taken by bouts of wanderlust like many other races, preferring instead the solitude and comfort of home.

However, the reedfolk are not monolithic; there are those among them who seek to explore far shores and bring their culture to unseen lands. They may not be the hardiest or most boisterous of adventurers, but they believe they can offer some teachings on the peaceful life to those wild folk of the world. Perhaps a bit of quiet reedfolk wisdom and a pleasant tune will do them some good.

Reedfolk Names

Reedfolk tend to identify themselves to one another by their songs, but will sometimes adopt simple names so that other races can have something to call them. These names are rarely more complex than basic sounds and syllables.

Names. Hee, Ro, Saa, Mai, Loh, Nuu

Reedfolk Traits

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

Age. Reedfolk mature at about 5 years and live around 60 years.

Alignment. Reedfolk generally have a reserved disposition, tending towards true neutral.

Size. Reedfolk are much taller and thinner than humans, averaging about seven feet tall and weighing no more than twenty or thirty pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Absorbent. You do not need to eat, but must absorb at least two gallons of water each day or risk drying out. This water does not necessarily need to be clean. In addition, you float on water.

Thin and Reedy. Because of your delicate construction, you have disadvantage on checks and saves to avoid being pushed or knocked prone. You may also encounter difficulty in strong winds.

Also due to your construction, you can slip yourself through narrow gaps with an ease other creatures cannot manage. You can enter spaces that normally would only be accessible to Small and Tiny creatures.

Living Flute. Thin, hollow sections of your body can be used as piping instruments. You gain proficiency with Charisma (Performance) checks to play yourself as an instrument.

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and one additional language.