Homebrew Ysoki (the best of what's already here) Species Details

Ratfolk are communal by nature, living in colonies of up to 100 adults and thriving on proximity and contact, even in tight spaces. They make their homes either on the road in traveling caravans, in the sewers and slums of large cities, or in subterranean caves. Their warrens are complex enough to easily hide their hoards or escape from enemies. Ratfolk merchants trawl markets for intriguing items, which they value over money.

Ratfolk have an affinity for all kinds of rodents, including rats and giant rats, and they excel at tinkering and alchemy, and often protect their lairs with creations like traps and bombs. They are also known to tame giant fleas for use as mounts.

Ysoki merchants regularly dispatch large caravans that travel widely for at least a year before returning home. During this time they make an effort to learn new things from other peoples and collect interesting goods to be brought home.

Ysoki excel at fighting in cramped spaces alongside their kin. Though physically weak, they are extremely loyal to their kin and are notorious for avenging fallen family members. Threatening one individual is a surefire way to rally the whole community.

Although not known for their trickery (they take great pride in their professionalism when dealing with other races), ysoki are not above using their size and numbers to outwit or outmaneuver an enemy when threatened.

Ysoki (the best of what's already here) Traits

Ranging from 3 to 4 feet tall, ysoki resemble humanoid rats who walk upright, complete with fur, long incisors, constantly twitching noses, and partially prehensile tails that help them keep their balance and maneuver underground, in the air, or in the water. Their small, dexterous hands are perfect for working on delicate things, and their keen noses often allow them to identify complex things by smell. Male and female ysoki are difficult for other races to tell apart, as they have similar body types and favor similar fashions.

Overcrowd

Your body is slight and able to fit into small spaces with others of similar stature. As long as you are small in size, you can end your turn in the same space as another small-sized creature, only a total of two creatures can share the same space when using this trait or a similar ability.

Ratfolk Lore

You have proficiency in either the Perception or Stealth skill, and you can take the Hide action as a bonus action on each of your turns.

Ratspeak

  They can understand the meaning of your words, and you can partially translate the chittering sounds they make into simple meanings. You have advantage on all Charisma checks you make to influence them.

Vicious Incisors

Your teeth are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal piercing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2 and your Intelligence score increases by 1.