Homebrew Cavy Species Details

In the grand scheme of things, the Cavy is a relatively young species. It is believed that the very first Cavies were simply a Halfling tribe that suffered from hereditary lycanthropy. Unlike most lycanthropes, a unique mutation in the curse meant that when the Halfling reached maturity and the transformation took place, the change was permanent. At some point in their history these Halflings stopped birthing Halflings, the offspring were just born in their animalistic form.

The very first Cavies resembled the hybrid form of Were-Rats. However, over the following centuries the species went through an accelerated period of evolution. Their faces became flatter, their ears drooped, their fur became soft to the touch and their overall build became stockier, similar to their stout Halfling ancestors. 

Appearance

Cavies are small humanoid rodents; they tend to walk on their hind legs but are actually quadrupeds. Their ears are soft and folded over to protect the delicate tissue inside. Their eyes protrude slightly with colors ranging from dark brown to burnt umber, and on rare occasion, bright pink. They are normally completely covered in fur, although some Cavies are born bald, and unable to grow fur. 

Cavy's Creed

Though they acknowledge the existence of the gods, as a species the Cavy aren't particularly religious. Good aligned Cavies that follow a deity tend to worship either Chaunta, Silvanus or Selune. Some faithful Cavy believe that an aspect of Selune lived among their early ancestors and that their total transformation was a gift from the Moonmaiden.

Evil aligned Cavies may follow Malar, for very similar reasons. They believe that their transformation was orchestrated by the wild hunter, providing them with of the animals they admired. 

The Hoodo

Cavies have a genetic quirk that means they possess recessive genes going back hundreds of generations. Pups can sometimes have completely different coloration & hair pattern to their parents.

One recessive gene that is undesirable in the Cavy world is pink eyes. Cavies born with pink eyes are referred to as Hoodoo, and are believed to be cursed with bad luck. The Hoodoo are shunned by the rest of the herd and in some cases cast out altogether. 

Hoodoo's that have been excommunicated by the herd have a very different mentality to your run of the mill Cavy. Some even becoming feral and giving into their animalistic instincts. Others turn to a life of crime, and some even sell their soul for power.

Family Units

Cavy families, known as Muddles, have a hard split with boars raising the male offspring and sows raising the females. Prin offspring will stay with the mother until they are old enough to decide which muddle to live with. 

A typical Cavy litter is 5 offspring but can vary anywhere between 2 and 8. Boar pups are much more frequent that sows at a ratio of roughly three to one.

Age

Cavies reach physical maturity by the age of 7, but are considered a pup until they are 13. It is not unheard of for a Cavy to celebrate their 80th Nameday, but they don't typically live longer than half a century.

Cavy Names

Cavies have a preference for short punchy names, but very rarely use them when talking to one another, preferring to use a plethora of spontaneous nicknames. A Cavy named Spud may be referred to as "Spudds. Spuddy, Spudry, Tatty, Creams or Mr. Spuddington" but almost never Spuds. For reasons unkown to outsiders, Cavy frequently name their young after food stuffs. 

• Boar (Male) Names: Chomper, Cookie, Boo, Hamlet, Jeff, Piglet, Rumble, Rusty, Spud, Zipper
• Sow (Female) Names: Coral, Fluffy, Goldie, Hettie, Muffin, Mable, Poppet, Pumpkin, Toots, Ulga
• Prin (Non-Binary) Names: Biscut, Curly, Ginger, Jet, Nibbler, Peanut, Popcorn, Pretzel, Socks, Wilbur

Cavy Traits

Your Cavy character has a variety of natural abilities, due to the results of years of evolution.

Speed

Your walking speed is 25 feet. However, if you are not holding anything in either of your hands you can drop to all fours and increase your walking speed to 30 feet.

Near Sighted

You have extremely focused short range vision. You can see in dim light within 30 feet as if you were in bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of grey. Additionally, you have a +5 bonus to Wisdom (Perception) checks within 30 feet of you. Wisdom (Perception) checks made outside of the 30 foot range are made with disadvantage. 

Rodent Cunning

You have proficiency in Stealth and Survival skills. 

Spirited Rest

When you take a long rest, you need only spend 6 hours sleeping or performing light activities. Additionally, you can complete a short rest in as little as 30 minutes.

Beguiling Display

Your adorable appearance makes you incredibly hard to read. Anyone making Wisdom (Insight) checks against you does so at disadvantage. 

Anathema

You are a herbivore, if you consume meat you gain the poisoned condition until you complete a long rest. 

Vexing Wheek

When an ally within 30 feet of you is hit by an attack you can use your reaction to wheek loud enough to distract the foe. That foe take a penalty to their attack roll equal to your proficiency bonus potentially causing them to miss. Additionally the ally being attacked can spend their reaction to make an attack of opportunity against this foe, this attack is made also with the bonus equal to your proficiency bonus. You may use this ability a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus. 

Languages

You can speak, read and write in Common and Wheekish (has to be added on character sheet on your own unfortunately).