Homebrew Mothfolk Species Details

Most outcasts in the far corners of the world, Mothfolk are rarely seen around urban areas. They are known to some as mere legends as they are rarely seen out of their small communities. Outcasts in the far corners of the world, the Mothfolk are rarely seen around urban areas. They are known to few as mere legends, seen only as shadows in the dark by most. However, they are a symbol of wonder, discovery, and knowledge where they are known.

Wings and Sensations

Rather strange and uncanny, the Mothfolk rest in caves during the day. They will only reveal themselves to intruders if they believe they are in danger. Their sizes vary wildly, ranging from 4 to 6 feet tall, their bodies being pale and lithe.

Their wings have a range of different patterns, most denoting their place in a swarm. The Mothfolk also have antennae that substitute their sense of smell and aid their sight. Another strange feature is the fluff that grows around their necks and wrists to protect them from the cold.

Nocturnal Nomads

Though many Mothfolk enjoy the sky, their clumsy flight doesn't often allow them to stay airborne for very long. When possible, Mothfolk will remain close to the earth, flying only when necessary to reach a destination. Despite an ineptitude in the sky, they are exceptional on the ground, with the ability to cross large distances without fatigue.

In their native lands, the Mothfolk form large tribes to explore the land. As the Mothfolk are a proud people, the only obstacle that will impede their travels is the other people they encounter. Because of their tight-knit groups, many are often suspicious of outsiders, and the few that adventure into the Material Plane are often confused by the diverse settlements they find. When encountering those who have not traveled much in their lifetime, they feel great pity for them. Despite their love for travel, bright light hinders their ability to see. While not a problem in the Feywild's eternal twilight, in the Material Plane, they will hide once the sun rises or use their antennae to gather information on the world around them.

Insect Idiosyncrasies

The peculiar parallels between the Mothfolk and a standard moth are rather uncanny. The similarities transcend their appearance and extend into behaviors and instincts that have become part of their culture. An example of this is their rabid appreciation for shiny objects. They will often get distracted by the lustrous and glimmering. Due to this and their lack of understanding of ownership, some Mothfolk steal. Their amiable nature quickly remedies that, and they are more than happy to pay for the goods that they desire.

Another bizarre quirk is their ability to convey ideas to others of their kind telepathically. Despite being capable of speech, they tend to communicate with each other with this power. When asked about this, many claim it to be a gift from the Fey. When using this gift, their antennae vibrate, leading to others speculating a more scientific answer to this ability.

Their strange speech patterns extend to their vocabulary when speaking orally. An Mothfolk will often click their tongues to indicate emotion when talking. The clicks, known as ticks, mimic facial expressions and vocal tones. An example, instead of a wavering voice when an Mothfolk is afraid, they will create rapid, high-pitched ticks. Instead of expressing anger, they will create low ticks, mimicking growling. Instead of laughter when happy, they will slowly tick to show contentment.

Like most people, their culture developed beyond their speech. The Mothfolk are a very spiritual group. An example of this is their ascension into adulthood. This event is called a Metamorphosis, where a young Mothfolk, called larva, makes a deep spiritual connection to a place. Once the larva links, they retreat into a chrysalis for a day then acquire their wings and antennae. Mothfolk believes this connection happens when they are in the area where they died in their previous life.

A large part of their culture consists of the fruits and vegetables eaten. With a vow to protect the land, many Mothfolk are vegetarians by choice. While they can digest even raw meat with no negative impacts, many Mothfolk prefer to eat simple sugars rather than hunting and killing animals.

If you were to ask an Mothfolk what they fear most, a vast majority of them say they have a fear of being trapped. As most Mothfolk are wayfaring people, a common phobia among their kind is forcibly to stay in one place for a prolonged time. When in enclosed spaces, an Mothfolk will become very antsy or aggressive. In their culture, the act of confining someone inside a building or cave is the worst form of torture, and it should be used only as a last resort.

Mothfolk Traits

LIGHT

Age

Mothfolk maturity goes beyond age. An Mothfolk reaches maturity after metamorphosis and commonly live to be about 80.

Ability Score Increase

You can choose to increase one ability score by 2, and another one by 1.

Alignment

The Mothfolk tend towards more chaotic alignments due to their nomadic nature, though it is not unheard of an Mothfolk having a much more strict moral compass than usual. Despite this inconsistency, they rarely stray towards evil, believing they must protect and care for the land and its people.

Darkvision

Due to your nocturnal lifestyle, your eyes have become accustomed to the dark. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Flight

You have a flying speed equal to your movement speed. To use this speed, you can’t be wearing medium or heavy armor.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, and Sylvan and one additional languages of your choice.

Size

Depending on the type of moth, Mothfolk can range from four to six feet. They have spry, lightweight bodies that are 100-120 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Keen Hearing and Smell.

The creature has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.

Extra Limbs

The Mothfolk's extra two arms allow for a number of thing.

They can wield a two handed weapon in "one hand" by using both hands on one side, they cannot gain the benefit of equipping two shields and Armor made for them is special fitted and costs 15% more than the base armor.

Sunlight Sensitivity

Because of your nocturnal schedule, your eyes have adapted to the dark. Your sleep pattern has the consequence of having ill-adjusted eyes to the bright light of the day. It makes it very hard to see anything when in direct sunlight.