beamkin

Sentient tree folk found in forests all over Eem—that is, if you look hard enough. Said to have birthed from the light of an ancient fallen star, it is unknown if beamkin reproduce or if they were all created at one moment in time. By daylight, they appear to be normal trees, but when dusk falls, beamkin reveal themselves and walk the woods, tending to the other trees and mingling with faerie folk. To travelers, this can have a rather spooky effect as the forest creaks and shifts, and paths through the woods change forever. Beamkin are also known for their deep, humming, communal songs that echo throughout the forest. A pleasant, comforting sound, it can also indicate to other beamkin that danger is afoot.

Names: Old Creakeye, Arboran, Bloombough, Gnarlfoot

abilities

Forest Army

Forest animals adore beamkin and willingly come to their aid. A swarm of forest animals acts as a creeper Adversary with +1 Attack and 1d8 Dread.

Kin Song

Once every Combat, may hum a communal song, which has a 3-in-6 chance to summon another beamkin to the area.

Rumbling Wood

Once every Combat, may hum a rumbling song that shakes and rattles the trees, dropping heavy branches on top of all Close and Nearby targets. Targets must make a 9+ Nimbleness Check or suffer 2d6 Dread.

vulnerabilities

All axes inflict double Dread to beamkin.

social

In general, beamkin are benevolent creatures unless corrupted by some malignant force, a phenomenon that has become alarmingly common during the Dungeon Era. They respond well to generosity and kindness, and their interests lie with the natural world and preserving its beauty, grandeur, and power. They only align with a cause if they believe it is for the good of the world, unless manipulated. Beamkin detest smug tycoons and uncaring industrialists; even ignorant litterers will draw their great ire.

combat

Beamkin are not particularly adept combatants, but they are large and strong, and pose a formidable threat when they call upon the might of the forest. Relying on their magical songs and the aid of animals, a Conflict with one beamkin can quickly turn into a fight against a forest army.

defeat

Though righteous, beamkin only fight for a worthy cause and back down after a clear misunderstanding, or if fighting would only put their forests in more peril. When a beamkin perishes, beams of bright light escape from its mouth and eyes as it withers into an inert, hollow tree.

victory

Beamkin are surprisingly stern to those who cross them. They believe that anyone who wishes to harm the sanctity of nature should face the consequences of nature. Just as a forest fire or flood cares not for its victims, the beamkin enact swift judgment.