Homebrew Castoran Species Details

Physical Description

The castorans are most easily described as humanoid beavers, bearing the same large front teeth and strong, flat tails as those of their beaver cousins. They are naturally strong creatures, clearly visible in their arms and back, and are often hired by other races to act as bouncers or bodyguards. Their head is positioned slightly low on their body, and their neck is buried under their shoulder muscles and fur, making them appear to be crouched forward at all times. While their hands appear normal, yet clawed, their feet are webbed, enhancing their swimming. Lastly, their tails hang just above ground level. They appear to be flat and feeble, but they can be swung at great strength.

History

Castorans are native to the world and are said to have evolved from an ancient species of Beaver that were constantly hunted by men. Due to their disadvantage in being only critters, castorans are not plenty to this day. Originally preferring the comforts and safety of their own homes, castorans were once rarely seen, only sighted if one dared to come out of hiding. In the last few thousand years, however, they have grown more comfortable around the other races, and despite their ancient struggle, they have come to accept humans as friends as well.

Society

Due to their beaver ancestry, castorans are profound woodcarvers and carpenters. Castoran settlements, known as lodges, are most often built by rivers and are entirely made of wood carved from the trees in the area. Like beavers, the most infamous and remarkable of Castoran architecture are their dams, which they often build across heavy flowing rivers to control and divert the flowing of water into their lodge. They do not use tools to carve their wood but instead use their large front teeth to chip away piece-by-piece until they have their desired shape. If a lot of chopping is required, however, castorans often resolve to use saws or axes.

Castorans are a generous species and love to play host to guests, especially to members of other races. A dinner party at a castoran’s home is considered a splendid evening, known to offer plenty of food, intriguing entertainment, and enthralling conversation. Some find this ambition to be a downfall, however, as castorans can get easily wound up by the lack of quality at another individual’s event and may even take over if it is enabled. It is always assured, however, that if you have a castoran by your side, you need not worry about running low on rations.

Castoran Names

Castorans are given names at birth, and often pass names down from older to younger generations. Some castoran families even invent their own names for their children. Their family names are kept throughout life, opting to use double-barreled family names when married to represent their birth family and in-law family.

Male: Ronell, Habier, Boan, Trevor, Jann, Moe, Gustus, Fabien, Lommy, Edgur, Garlend, Rickel, Bolbur, Harris, Alvin, Peter, Wesley, Fidius

Female: Patsy, Tarline, Roslyn, Harley, Jasmin, Kaylin, Daneille, Idris, Wanda, Mysley, Ella, Lorna, Kathelin

Family Names: Heisenberg, Rastley, Ottercop, Harvendown, Dale, Damson, Pettingrew, Warren, Coastley, Fryer

Age

Castorans mature at age 12 and typically live until they’re about 60.

Alignment

Most Castorans are Chaotic Good, looking to help whenever they personally believe something is wrong. They can get caught up in the adrenaline when things are exciting and sometimes cause more harm than good, but they are quick to correct whatever fault they have caused.

Size

Castoran stand between 3 and 4 feet tall and average at about 150 pounds. Your size is Small.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 25 feet. Your speed when swimming is 30 feet.

Language

You know Castoran and the native language of the local townsfolk.

Castoran Traits

Master craftsmen of wood and profound house guests, these beaver-like humanoids share similar traits to their critter cousins.

Ability Score Increase

When assigning ability scores, increase your Charisma Score by 2 and increase your Strength Score by 1.

Darkvision

You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Keen Senses

You are proficient in Perception.

Tail Weapon

As an action, you can swing your tail at an enemy within 5 feet of you. Make a melee attack roll against the target, if successful, the target takes 1d4 + your Strength modifier in bludgeoning damage and must make a Strength saving throw equal to 8 + your Strengthmodifier + your proficiency bonus. If they fail they are knocked prone. Targets whose size is bigger than Large automatically pass the save and Large size creatures have advantage on the save, while Small and smaller creatures have disadvantage.

Wood Master

You are proficient with Carpenter’s Tools and Woodcarver’s Tools.

Riverland Magic

The Riverland has imbued your people with natural magic. The bond between Castorans and the land is inseparable. Castorans are indigenous to nature and the land.

Improvised Craftmanship

As an action and bonus action, you may create improved improvised weapons. Creating an improved improvised weapon requires a piece of wood. Using your sharp teeth, you can fashion an improvised quarterstaff, greatclub, club, spear, javelin, or atl atl & dart from pieces of wood. Each improvised weapon lasts for 5 turns. Use the standard stat block for each weapon. Add 1d4 & your proficiency bonus to attack and damage rolls with these weapons. You have advantage on attack rolls with these weapons.