Homebrew Gastrosapien Species Details

Physical Description

Gastrosapiens are large hulking bipedal snail people native to bogs and other humid areas. While known mostly for their durable shells, they also possess a soft body which is covered with a thick sap like mucus. While colors of their shells can range from swamp to swamp, the most common color of their flesh is a sickly semitransparent green with brown splotches.

History

Gastrosapiens are said to have originated from the snails that lived in what are now their swampy homes. These snails allegedly gained a higher intellect after a roaming band of mages abandoned a stock of potions near the water's edge. Soon after, these enlightened snails' bodies grew with their minds, and became the beings that are seen today. They are commonly and erroneously thought to have come from the Feywilds.

Society

Gastrosapiens were once thought by ancient peoples to be walking stomach sacs, hence their given name, which is literally "wise stomach." Today, they can be seen in large bogs and swamps in the far south in crude villages made from the rotten wood and damp earth that surrounds them. These villages are governed by a council of elders, who are fiercely respected by villagers. Occasionally, a few will leave their homes in search of supplies for their village, or to find adventure away from their humble start. Regardless of their motivation, a gastrosapien will venture tirelessly until they have accomplished their goal.

Gastrosapien Traits

Racial Bonus, Size, Speed, Gastropod Defense, Slime Trail, Adhesive Footing, Mobile Home, Careful Steps, Language

Racial Bonus

As a Gastrosapien, you naturally have a pliable and absorbent body. In addition, during the course of your life you have studied how best to avoid damage from incoming attackers. Ability Score Increases for you race are a +2 to Constitution and a +1 to Intelligence.

Size

Gastrosapiens come in all shapes and sizes. From as large as boulders to the smallest of tree stumps. As a Gastrosapien, you can choose to be either Medium or Small in size.

Speed

You have a base movement of 20ft.

Gastropod Defense

Being a Gastrosapien, you have a natural armor of 13 + your Constitution Modifier. In addition, you cannot wear armor, seeing as how you have a shell.

For class feature purposes, your shell counts as heavy armor. In addition, you can wield a shield without it impeding your armor class.

Slime Trail

When you move on your turn, you leave a slime trail on the spaces you move. This slime trail acts as difficult terrain. Additionally, any creature that starts their turn in a slime trail space or enters a slime trail space on their turn, must succeed a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw or fall prone. Each slime trail lasts until the beginning of your next turn.

Adhesive Footing

Being a Gastrosapien, you have a hands free natural climbing speed on walls and ceilings equal to your movement speed.

Careful Steps

Gastrosapien possess the ability to travel harsh terrain with ease. As a Gastrosapien, you are unaffected by difficult terrain and do not take additional movement on such terrain. In addition, you are immune to the affects of Slime Trail and Oozing Slime (Slick Skinned Gastrosapien).

Language

Gastrosapiens speak Common and Undercommon.