Homebrew Balcon Species Details

Balcons are tall, blue-grey-furred, four-armed, butterfly-like people with large wings. Balcons rarely are rarely seen together and instead prefer to socialize with other species.

Strange Families

Balcons have an interesting method of reproduction. Balcons asexually reproduce naturally when they are separated from civilization for too long. When an egg is laid, it is left in a dormant state until it senses people nearby which causes it to hatch. When the egg is hatched, the baby releases a strong magical pheromone that causes anyone who may stumble upon the child to treat them as their own. Even when this effect is known, it does not prevent it. Many scholars hoping to study Balcons have quickly found themselves as new parents.

Balcons adopted in this way adapt to their parents, taking on features from them. For example, an elf raising a balcon may find the balcon's ears grow longer and pointed. This extends to any amount of people in frequent contact with the balcon as they develop, so throw in a dragonborn and that same elven eared balcon may start growing scales. After reaching maturity, a wanderlust takes most balcons away from home for a while before returning to their parents.

Appearance

A few things stay consistent with balcons such as their blue-grey fur and wings, long antennae, as well as their black, reflective eyes, though irises do sometimes develop. They also keep their lithe and tall frame regardless of parent, befuddling many a gnome parent trying to home their ever growing child. Their second set of arms also surprises many when they suddenly develop partway through their journey to adulthood.

Personality

Balcons typically take on the culture of their parents, though all experience the same wanderlust as they reach adulthood. They are typically rather aloof but regardless fit in anywhere and are naturally social chameleons. Combine their friendly demeanor with their magical pheromones, and even the most stingy find it easy to accept a balcon into their communities. Balcons don't usually like being the center of attention and can struggle in the spotlight, but they thrive playing second fiddle. Be it wingman or sidekick, despite their flashy appearance balcons thrive on the edge of attention, helping out their friends wherever they can.

Creators Note

The Balcons were inspired by the Alcon Blue Butterfly (I just moved the B lol), which airdrop their young into ant colonies where, using pheromones, the caterpillars trick the ants into caring for them as one of their own until they pupate and hatch into a butterfly. The real thing also eats the ants but ay I wanted cute, fleeting butterfly people who get thrust into people's lives when they least expect, not vicious natural-born assassins devouring their adoptive parents. Can you blame me? Anyways, I hope some of my flavor text inspires a cool character. If you have any ideas for changes. additions, or fixes just let me know!

PS This race gives spells, but can't be published with them. Add it manually if you have the required content :)

Balcon Traits

You have the following racial traits.

Ability Score Increases

Your Charisma score increases by 2, and your Intelligence score increases by 1.

Age

Balcons match the aging patterns of their adoptive parents' species but live only half as long.

Size

Balcons are between 6 and 7 feet tall. They have lithe, lightweight bodies. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Flight

You have a flying speed equal to your walking speed. You can’t use this flying speed if you’re wearing heavy armor.

Phriendly Pheromones

You produce a magical pheromone that causes people to be more trusting of you.

You gain the Friends cantrip. Your spellcasting modifier for this cantrip is charisma. When cast in this way, if you concentrate on the spell for the entire duration the target is unaware that they were charmed and instead remembers the experience fondly.

At 5th level you can cast the Fast Friends spell once. You regain a use when taking a long rest. When cast in this way, if you concentrate on the spell for the entire duration the target is unaware that they were charmed and instead remembers the experience fondly.

Secondary Arms

You have two slightly smaller arms below your primary pair of arms that can manipulate an object, open/close a door or container, pick up or set down a Tiny object, or wield a weapon with the light property.

Adoptive Heritage

You gain a minor trait from your adoptive parents. Choose from an increased walking speed, an artisan tool proficiency, or darkvision out to 30ft

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and one other of your choice, typically one from your parents.