The world of Hyper Light Drifter is a diverse one, full of sentient anthropomorphic creatures with diverse identities, cultures, and traditions. In the lore book, we’ll mention a few specific cultures, however each one is unique to their own locale.
At the end of the day, each species is made of flesh and blood, except the Automata, and are capable of the same acts of kindness, compassion, and evil as anyone else. Your species choice is more of a narrative and cosmetic decision, allowing you to play and portray yourself as you see fit. If there is a species not listed that you’d like to play, check with the group and see if everyone is okay with your idea and choice. We intentionally designed species to be simple, so that you are free to create your own without making any mechanical risks to the game.
As you pick your species, something to think about as you build your character is what caused you to become a drifter and what is your relationship with your sanctuary? We added some connections that you can use to help build relationships between your party members, they’re not required, and you don’t need to do all of them, but thinking about these can definitely add some better connections between your party members.
Birdfolk
As a member of the Birdfolk, you choose your home in lofty heights, usually inaccessible to people of other species. Having settled in many different climates and locales upon the continent, your kind boasts an impressive diversity in both appearance and culture. Regional differences between Birdfolk are marked by assorted colors and beak shapes, details which are often overlooked by outsiders. To them, all Birdfolk seem interchangeable.
Blues
Much like the Sentients, you stand out against the anthropomorphic denizens of the continent. Your humanoid shape generates mistrust among many sanctuaries, and as far as you’re aware, none of them consist predominantly of Blues. It’s up to you to find your niche in this world.
Blues
Benefits: +1 Resolve or Fortitude
Much like the Automata, you stand out against the anthropomorphic denizens of the continent. Your humanoid shape generates mistrust among many sanctuaries, and as far as you’re aware, none of them consist predominantly of Blues. It’s up to you to find your niche in this world.
Canifolk
Canifolk like you value community and loyalty above all else. You surround yourself with many people, though your trust is reserved for the selected few you deem worthy of it. Betrayal is not something you are capable of when it comes to your allies. You have some kind of age-old feud with the Felifolk, though if asked, you could not explain why.
Felifolk
Feeling safest in claustrophobic, maze-like environments, the sanctuaries of your kind can be difficult to find, though they always get the afternoon sun. Shaped by the environments you inhabit, you are nimble and cunning, with excellent reflexes to boot.
Frogfolk
Independent and preferring not to rely on communities, you tend to fend for yourself unless survival or a common enemy demands otherwise. Frogfolk covet riparian sanctuaries, which puts your species in direct competition over territory with the Otterfolk.
Lizardfolk
As a Lizardfolk, you count among one of the most resilient people inhabiting the continent. You are capable of living in almost any kind of environment, from the most arid deserts to the wettest jungles. Your kind is practical and efficient, usually repurposing Librarian ruins into sanctuaries.
Otterfolk
Like all Otterfolk, you have a natural affinity for water. Your species excels at irrigation, usually building sanctuaries upon ruins located near rivers and other bodies of water.
Raccoonfolk
Shy and timid in the presence of new faces, raccoonfolk are a very reserved folk. With their sanctuaries hidden away, they are typically very difficult to locate until the sun sets, of which the community comes to life. Your creativity and nimble hands have allowed you and your people to make a living amidst the ruins.
Sentients
Your shape is familiar, though unlike any other species, you are a machine that has been awakened or created after the destruction. As a walking artifact, you are a frightful sight to organic eyes, a grim reminder of the horrors that continue to dwell beneath the earth.
Squirrelfolk
Preferring to travel among the safety of tall canopies, you tend to travel lightly, sacrificing carrying capacity to retain your mobility. Squirrefolk are friendly and welcoming towards visitors, finding joy in showing off their network of treehouses and hanging gardens.
Species Boons
Once you picked what species, select a boon to define your drifter.
All Boons are usable once per scene.
Animal Friend
Let me guess, you used to have one as a pet right?
Benefit: Reduce the Judgement threshold of [Handle Animal] by 2.
Directional Memory
I always know which way north is.
Benefit: Reduce the Judgement threshold of [Handle Animal] by 2.
Great leaper
I can totally make this, just watch!
Benefit: Reduce the Judgement threshold of [Jump] by 2.
Grounded
First you must focus and discover your center.
Benefit: Reduce the Judgement threshold of [Balance] by 2.
Iron Stomach
A strong stomach is a sign of strong character.
Benefit: Reduce the Judgement threshold of [Fortitude] by 2. This does not apply to Stay Conscious rolls.
Natural Swimmer
There are many overlooked treasures that lie under the water’s surface.
Benefit: Reduce the Judgement threshold of [Swim] by 2.
Nocturnal
The darkness is not a place to be feared.
Benefit: Reduce the Judgement threshold of using [Awareness] to see in the dark by 2.
Padfoot
Those who tread lightly will step into less danger
Benefit: Reduce the Judgement threshold of [Sneak] by 2.
Powerful Build
You’ve moved big things before, this should be easy.
Benefit: Reduce the Judgement threshold of [Lift] by 2.
Tumbler
Let’s just say it’s not the first time I’ve fallen out of a tree.
Benefit: When you are falling, reduce the Judgement threshold of [Reflex] by 2.
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