Homebrew Gastrospaien Species Details

Gastrosapiens are large hulking bipedal snail people native to bogs and other humid areas. While known mostly for their durable shells, they also possess a soft body which is covered with a thick sap like mucus. While colors of their shells can range from swamp to swamp, the most common color of their flesh is a sickly semitransparent green with brown splotches.

Gastrospaien Traits

Gastrosapiens are said to have originated from the snails that lived in what are now their swampy homes. These snails allegedly gained a higher intellect after a roaming band of mages abandoned a stock of potions near the water's edge. Soon after, these enlightened snails' bodies grew with their minds, and became the beings that are seen today. They are commonly and erroneously thought to have come from the Feywilds. Society Gastrosapiens were once thought by ancient peoples to be walking stomach sacs, hence their given name, which translates to "wise stomach." Today, they can be seen in large bogs and swamps in the far south in crude villages made from the rotten wood and damp earth that surrounds them. These villages are governed by a council of elders, who are fiercely respected by villagers. Occasionally, a few will leave their homes in search of supplies for their village, or to find adventure away from their humble start. Regardless of their motivation, a gastrosapien will venture tirelessly

Ability Score Increases

When determining your character’s ability scores, increase one score by 2 and increase a different score by 1, or increase three different scores by 1. Follow this rule regardless of the method you use to determine the scores, such as rolling or point buy. The “Quick Build” section for your character’s class offers suggestions on which scores to increase. You can follow those suggestions or ignore them, but you can’t raise any of your scores above 20.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common Gastrosapien (Gastrosapien is a sibilant language that uses the Elvish script. It makes use of slurping noises in addition to other syllables.) and one other language of your choice.

Creature Type

You are considered as a Monstrosity

Size

Your size is either Medium or Small

Speed

You have a Walking and Climbing speed of 20

Invertebrate

Your soft, boneless body is able to absorb blows better than other bodies. You have advantage on saving throws against taking non-magical bludgeoning damage.

Slime Coated

Checks to grapple you roll with disadvantage. You cannot use this trait while using shell defense

Shell Defense

 As an action, you can withdraw into your shell. Until you emerge, you gain a +3 bonus to AC, and you have advantage on Strength and Constitution saving throws. While in your shell, you are prone, your speed is 0 and can't increase, you have disadvantage on Dexterity saving throws, you can't take reactions, and the only action you can take is an action to emerge from your shell.

Salt Vulnerability

Salt is detrimental to Gastrosapiens. You cannot consume any foods that have salt, nor can you come in contact with saltwater.  Coming into contact with salt gives one level of Exhaustion.