Kakuen (5e)

After a small delay, here are the Kakuen!

Kakuen trace their origins back to humble monkeys, drawn to places touched by divinity. Nature gods uplifted them into guardians of holy sites, gifting them sapience, magic, and purpose. Yet, for all their sanctity, the Kakuen remain spirited and playful. They greet strangers with chatter and laughter, often disarming foes with joy before revealing the fierce protectors they truly are.

Over time, the Kakuen have spread far beyond their crumbling sanctuaries, mingling with the world at large. They are rare, but wherever one appears, expect companionship, curiosity, and—when needed—unflinching resolve.

In this supplement you get to meet:

The Vanara

The Vanara are the original Kakuen, and so iconic that outsiders often use their name for all Kakuen. They embody the balance of joy and duty: warm and welcoming in peace, yet unwavering and fearless in battle. The blessings of their creators remain strong in them, granting the Vanara the power of transformation—to grow into towering defenders or shrink into nimble tricksters. Many still guard the ruins of sacred sites, while others wander the world in search of new causes worth protecting.

The Eteko

The Eteko chose indulgence over duty, freedom over guardianship. Smaller and nimbler than their Vanara kin, they thrive on mischief, pranks, and clever schemes. To some, they are pests; to others, delightful sparks of chaos that topple arrogance with wit. Their divine gifts have shifted into strange flexibility—bending and stretching their limbs like rubber—and the knack for crafting illusions and sounds to aid their tricks. Though estranged from their solemn cousins, the Eteko’s rebellious spirit sometimes reveals flashes of the justice they abandoned.

And the Yeti

Unlike their cousins, the Yeti were not born of the nature gods, but imitations by bitter winter deities who sought their own guardians. The result is a people shaped by frost and ferocity—territorial, aloof, and feared as predators. Their cold breath marks their presence, and their wrath is legendary. Yet among themselves, Yeti form warm and lively communes, echoing the Kakuen’s joyous spirit. Rare Yeti wander into the wider world, masking their confusion behind icy facades, though beneath it lies the same yearning for connection shared by all Kakuen.

Expect the exclusive feats to follow up soon!