Homebrew Crocodylia Species Details

Crocodilians, as in the species in the order Crocodilia, are a group of semi aquatic reptiles that have been around for about 94 million years. They are usually large, lizard-like reptiles with long flat snouts and long tails. This groups include Alligators, native to the United States and China, Crocodiles, which can be found around the world except for antarctica, Caimen native to South America, and Gharial and False Gharials native to South and Southeast Asia, with the largest being Saltwater Crocodiles native to the area around Australia. Crocodilians play key roles in the ecosystems that they are a part of. They are large predators and are often near the top of the food chain, which means they are usually a large part of keeping populations in check. They eat many species that live in or near or in rivers, lakes, and other water sources, with the species eaten depending on the species, location, and age of the Crocodilian. Most crocodilians hunt by waiting in the water and will then attack prey that gets within range, dragging deeper into the water and thrashing it around until it dies of whiplash or drowning.  Interestingly, Crocodilians can't chew, so they will use a technique called a "death roll" to tear large prey into smaller chunks, as well as swallowing rocks to grind up food for faster digestion. Additionally, some species of birds will lay their eggs in crocodilian nests to get better defense for them in exchange for helping the crocodilians defend the nests from predators. Out of the 28 total species, four are vulnerable and seven are critically endangered, of which includes 1 of 2 Alligator species (The Chinese Alligator), 5 Crocodile Species, and True Gharials. The main threats to Crocodilians are humans hunting them and habitat loss, with hunting being done for things ranging from skins to local medicine. Some methods being used to combat this are protective laws that prohibit intentional killing of the animals, education, and protecting their nesting sites and young.

Crocodylia Traits

Traits based on real Crocodilians

Ability Score improvement: +2 Strength, +1 Dex

These were chosen due to Crocodilians having one of the strongest closing bite forces in the animal world, as well as their surprising speed both in and out of water, being able to both run short distances on land at between 12 and 14 km per hour and their ability to jump clean out of the water to grab prey hanging in branches above.

Aquatic Adaptations

Crocodilians all live near or in bodies of water, ranging from marshlands to the ocean.

You gain a Swim Speed equal to your walking speed, as well as the ability to hold your breath for up to 1 hour.

Scaly Hide

Several species of crocodilians have thick scales that are used to protect themselves from attacks.

Crocodylia have natural armor equal to 12 plus their dexterity modifier plus proficiency bonus.

Death Roll

Crocodilians in real life are able to perform something called a "Death Roll" which they use to tear food into smaller chunks that are more easily digestible.

You gain a natural weapon in the form of a bite attack, which deals 1d6 piercing plus your attack modifier. If you land a hit with this attack, you can do two different things with your bonus action depending on terrain. If you are on land, you can use your bonus action to make a Strength check against the targets Strength save, with the target being grappled if they fail. If you are in water at least 5 ft deep, you can use your reaction to perform a death roll, forcing a Dex save against your Strength save and dealing an additional 1d6 piercing damage if the target fails.