Homebrew A.T. Mantis (Nerfed) Species Details

(Added small update, only lore)

Mantises are a race of sleek, thin and insect-like humanoids who pride themselves on their combat capability,  hunting prowess and knowledge of swordsmanship. Every Mantis is a good hunter, having evolved abilities specific for tracking and hunting other creatures. They also have specific traits that make them harder to detect by regular and magic means. However, due to this, very few Mantises have ever been attuned with the arts of magic, and those that have are shunned and have a hard time understanding how magic works.

Mantises are generally taller than humans, with their average height being 6 and a half feet tall, with some members of the species reaching 7 feet and higher. Their bodies are sleek and thin, they usually weigh much less than humans, and are therefore lighter. Their lower body has an abdomen not too dissimilar to Praying Mantises, with their upper bodies being concealed with a silk-like poncho that grows around their neck. It is tradition to hide ones upper body from anyone other than a romantic partner and future mate. This silk-like material also grows on their back, and with maturity turns into a large cape they can cover their whole body with. This large cape can in a short amount of time turn into a pair of wings that they use for flight. Their heads are completely white and resemble a mask made of porcelain, with their eye holes having a black void inside them. Nobody actually knows if they have eyes. Their heads have a horn-like headgear on them that give them some armor but their main purpose is to shield their antennae at the top of their head that gives them an additional sense.

Mantises are above all else a people that follow a strict code of conduct that they always follow, while there are exceptions, almost every Mantis is in a Lawful alignment, and it is rare to see one outside of those parameters. Their code is based off of duels, if a Mantis challenges another Mantis in a duel and vins, the Mantis who won is now the superior to the Mantis who lost. If a Mantis forfeits this fight, they automatically lose. Other races can be challenged as well but they are not expected to follow any of these rules, although, it is much appreciated if they do. Even when a Mantis wins, they always treat their opponent with respect, and their subordinates are treated like allies. Mantises don't make many friends, they are very picky about who they deem a friend because when a Mantis calls you a friend, they will assuredly lay down their life for you if you ask them to. They of course expect the same from you. A way to know you are friends with a Mantis is by one giving you a piece of their Cloak, which will regrow back in a few days. Mantises also take off scraps of their cloak and assemble them into a full cape for their lovers if they are not another Mantis. You can also gauge if you are a friend if the Mantis allows you to call them by their nickname, which they use for quick communication, and so nicknames for Mantises are very short, and usually originate from something they've done or are good at (Needle, Bell, Gas, Foot, etc. Are good examples.)

Mantises live in large sprawling communal towns, their devotion to the betterment of their greater collective is what makes them strive to help in any way they can. Every Mantis from civilian to lord knows how to fight, therefore a Mantis town is one of the most secure locations one could hope to be in. Staying ever-vigilant, it's almost impossible to find an opening to sneak into a Mantis village, and may the Gods help you if you ever wrong them.

A.T. Mantis (Nerfed) Traits

Racial Traits Below:

Darkvision

Even though people do not know if Mantises have eyes, what is certain is that they can see in the dark. They have Darkvision in a range of 60ft.

Silk Flight

As a Bonus Action each turn, the Mantis can choose to deploy it's silk wings at the cost of loosing it's silk cape. This grants the Mantis 30ft. of flight speed. The wings will stay available to the mantis until they are damaged or until the Mantis uses the Bonus Action again to retract the wings and bring the cape back.

Mantis Sense

Using their antennae, the Mantis can see things few others can. This sense allows them so effectively "see" any creature within 30ft. of them, even if they are not looking at them. This effect works through blindness, and they can also see things that are invisible.

Silk Cape/Cloak

While the Mantis has it's silk cloak on (I.E. It does not have it's wings deployed), it has advantage on all checks and saving throws based on spells that require WIS, CHA and CON saves and checks.

Innately Dexterous

Increases the Mantises Dexterity Score by 1, they also have advantage on DEX Saves.

Claws

While Mantises can form fists, their 4 fingers can meld together so well they can use their palms for climbing and attacking. Instead of using a regular Unarmed Strike, you can use an Action to slash with your claws. (This Action still counts as an Unarmed Strike.). You also have a climbing speed equal to 20ft. + your Strength Score.

Innate Stealth

The Mantis are experts at stealth, and while they can still be found, it's hard to do so. You have an expertise in the Stealth skill.

Magically Inept

The Mantis has disadvantage on magical things they do (Casting spells, attuning, etc.), as well as having disadvantage on CHA, WIS and CON saves from spell effects (Unless they are wearing their Cloak). Mantises also have decreased spell slots in each level (-1 Spell Slot of each level).

Brittle

The Mantis is vulnerable to bludgeoning damage

Lightweight Combatants

The Mantis cannot wear Heavy and Medium armor, however, on top of adding their DEX modifier to the AC, they can also add their Proficiency Bonus.