Homebrew Mustelid Species Details

The orc warband marched through the Heartland, unaware of the threat that lurked below. Passing over some seemingly nondescript hills, the raiders felt the ground begin to rumble. They drew their weapons and looked around for any sign of threat, seeing none on the horizon. As their guard lowered and they began to move once more, suddenly from the earth itself burst over a dozen small figures, who set upon the hostiles that had dared to trespass in their lands. 

Badgerfolk

Mustelids are a short race who greatly resemble the common badger. They typically keep to their own, living in small communities of burrowed mounds known as setts, hidden in the hills. They have strong ties with both the gnomes and the dwarves, and worship the deities of both races. 

Mustelids are not commonly seen outside of their communes, but they are not unheard of by other races. When they do venture into the world, often they do so seeking excitement and adventure. Though they are a generally peaceful race, when pushed to violence they make formidable warriors. 

All mustelids possess the ability to burrow through loose terrain at great speeds, a tactic they often utilize in combat to ambush or escape their opponents. 

Mustelids are aware of their great resemblance to the common badger. Unlike some other humanoid races that bear similarities to common animals, the mustelids take no offense when comparisons are made, or when they are called badgers: "Why would I be offended by you calling me a badger? Just look at me!"

Denizens of the Wood

Mustelid communes often form partnerships with nearby forest gnome communities. Within their villages, mustelids typically use the Gnomish language as their primary form of communication.

Mustelids often keep common badgers, with whom they can communicate, as pets and companions. They also responsible for the breeding of giant badgers, which they frequently use as mounts and beasts of burden. 

Mustelid Names

Mustelids typically have three names: their cete (clan) name, their personal name, and their family name. Their personal names are reminiscent of Dwarven and Gnomish names, and their clan names often describe characteristics of their clan or the location where they live.  

Mustelid Traits

Your mustelid character has a collection of inborn traits and abilities

Ability Score Increase

Your Constitution, Wisdom, and Strength scores each increase by 1.

Age

Mustelids are considered mature by the time they are about 14. They live until about 60, though some may live as long as 80 years. 

Size

Mustelids stand between 3 and 4 feet tall and average about 60 to 80 pounds. Your size is Small.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet. You can burrow with a speed of 10 feet through loose terrain, such as dirt, provided both hands are free. 

When you burrow, you leave an open tunnel in your wake. Small and Tiny creatures can move through this tunnel without penalty. Medium creatures must squeeze to pass through this space. Creatures that are Large and larger cannot fit in the tunnel. 

Limited Darkvision

Accustomed to life in underground burrows, you have a limited ability to see in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 30 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.

Badger Toughness

Your hit point maximum increases by 1, and it increases by 1 every time you gain a level.

Burrower's Banter

Through sound and gestures, you may communicate simple ideas with creatures that possess a burrow speed.

Keen Smell

You are proficient in Perception. 

Stout Strength

You incur no penalties due to your size when using Heavy weapons, and your speed is not reduced by heavy armor. 

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Gnomish.

Alignment

Most mustelids are peaceful folk, and are generally neutral good in alignment.