Homebrew Rat Yaoguai Species Details

As a rat that has found enlightenment and shifted into humanoid form, rat yaoguai look like big rats twisted into humanoid form. They have sleek fur in the same colors as rat all over their body and kept the same facial features as a rat. This includes whiskers, rodent teeth, sharp and robust claws and a naked tail. Their tail and claws enables them to be better climbers and in general to better keep balance. Like rats they are movement artists and skilled in swimming, climbing and running.

The keen intellect that even normal rats display has been sharpened even further while transforming into demons and they kept their keen sense of smell.

Having lived as a common rat, most of these folks are omnivorous and social creatures. Some city rats might have a certain disdain for their formerly larger neighbors, who often tend to abuse common rats. In general they are nocturnal, but with gaining enlightenment they are able to fit their sleep schedule to their need, like other sapients.

 

Creating your Character

If you create a Rat Yaoguai, follow these aditional rules during character creation

Ability Score Increase

Increase your Intelligence Score by 2.

Languages

Your character can speak, read, and write Common and one other language that you and your DM agree is appropriate for the character. The Player’s Handbook offers a list of widespread languages to choose from. The DM is free to add or remove languages from that list for a particular campaign.

Creature Type

 You are a Monstrosity.

Life Span

Rat Yaoguai reach Adulthood between the age of 1 and 3 years, depending when their enlightenment happened. They normaly life up to an age between 60 and 90.

Height and Weight

Rat Yaoguai are between 4 and 5.6 feet. While varying in weight, a healthy Rat Yaoguai is pretty light for its size.

Rat Yaoguai Traits

This common rat gained enlightement but keeps many benefits a normal rat would have. Cursed by heaven, they might have something hidden heaven was afraid of.

Creature Type

You are a Monstrosity.

Size

You are medium.

Speed

Your walking speed is 30 feet, while your swimming and climbing speed is 25 feet.

Keen Smell

You have an advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Legacy of the Rat Zoodiac

When the Rat Zoodiac dashed from the ear of the Ox, it became the first of the Heavenly Emperors guard.

Grants "Cunning Action: Dash" as a Bonus Action.

Resourcefulness of the Rat

Rats are experts at survival and excel at thriving in most environments.

Gain a bonus of 1d4 on Wisdom (Survival) checks.