Yuraks
Great swordsmen and warriors, this nearly extinct species is still nonetheless a force to be reckoned with. Physically, a Yurak looks very much like a large, humanoid insect of some kind. They have black exoskeletons and great compound eyes. Their legs are especially powerful, granting them the ability to leap great distances.
Yurak Society is one of mistrust, towards each other but especially to other races. Yurak relationships of any kind, friendship, marriage or political alliance rarely last for more than a few years at the most. Inevitably, one Yurak will attempt a pre-emptive strike against another, to prevent its own betrayal. This results in a duel, though it is unusual for either party to die. Eventually, one Yurak will yield and surrender, accepting whatever terms it must. This is possibly why the Yuraks are on the verge of extinction, their inherent distrust of each other keeps them at each other’s throats, instead of trying to form a society, and thus have none of the protections such a culture provides. Yuraks’ fights among themselves are civilized compared to their relationship with other species, who they attack on site and fight to the death against. It is, however, possible through flattery and subtlety to arrange an alliance with Yuraks, though once again this is never permanent. To their credit, Yuraks are uniquely brave, and are known to stand against any threat, especially to protect their eggs. Oddly enough, Yuraks have no special love of their children, and only take care of them until they are big enough to take care of themselves, usually no more than three weeks.
This bravery may be a result of the Yuraks’ unique ability to come back to life after they are killed. They can do this a total of four times per a day, and the ability to regenerate returns at sunrise. Most Yurak have died dozens of times in their lives, and just see it as a minor inconvenience.
Yuraks speak their own language, but most have picked up common somewhere down the line. Their favored class is fighter. Yurak’s do not have any organized religion, and most cannot put aside their distrust long enough to learn any significant form of magic.
Size/Type: Medium Humanoid Vermin
Hit Dice: 10d6+30 (81)
Initiative: +4
Speed: 40 ft/round (60 if jumping)
AC: 22 (+8 natural, +4 dex)
Attacks: 2 longswords, both at +8
Damage: 1d8+5
Face/Reach: 5 ft. by 5 ft.
Special Attacks: Leap, Acid Spit
Special Qualities: Regenerate, Fearless, Damage Reduction 5/wood, Spell Resistance 18
Saves: +6/+8/+6
Abilities: Str: 20 Dex: 18 Con: 14 Int: 14 Wis: 14 Cha: 4
Skills: Survival +9, Tumble +11, Spellcraft +9
Feats: Ambidexterity
Climate/Terrain: Desert or Jungle (but can be anywhere)
Organization: Solitary or Alliance (usually no more than four)
Challenge Rating: 7
Treasure: Twice Standard
Alignment: Always Chaotic Neutral
Advancement: None
Leap: The Yurak’s legs allow them leap long distances. When leaping at an opponent, follow the rules for charging except the Yurak gets +4 to hit.
Acid Spit: Seen as a last resort, a Yurak can spit acid at a target who is in melee with it. The acid deals 3d10 damage (reflex for half.) A Yurak can only do this once per a day, and it is very uncomfortable for them to do so.
Regenerate: One round after a Yurak dies it comes back to life, at full hit points. Any damage done to the corpse after it is killed is undone, along with any level drain, ability damage or other effects that happened to the Yurak prior to its death. The body vanishes on the Yurak’s turn and reappears, fully ready to fight, and takes its action. This vanishing and reappearing acts as a dimension door spell.
Fearless: Yuraks are immune to all forms of fear, mundane or otherwise. The idea of being afraid of something, no matter how powerful it is, is something the Yuraks simply cannot understand