Homebrew Nimblefolk (Ratkin) Species Details

Nimblefolk, often mistaken for common rats, are a kind and intelligent race. Despite their small stature, they possess remarkable dexterity and keen minds. Unlike their wild kin, nimblefolk build elaborate underground societies and value knowledge above all else. Their thirst for discovery and natural curiosity often leads them on adventures. Whether seeking lost lore, rare materials for inventions, or forging connections with the surface world, nimblefolk bring a unique blend of intelligence, resourcefulness, and surprising kindness to their journeys.

Ability Score:
Increase one score by 2 and increase a different score by 1, or increase three different scores by 1.

Age:
Nimblefolk mature quickly, reaching adulthood around 12 years old. They can live up to 70 years.

Alignment:
Nimblefolk tend towards neutral good, valuing resourcefulness and community above strict moral codes. However, their underground lifestyle can make them wary of outsiders.

Language:
Your character can speak, read, and write Common and one other language that you and your DM agree is appropriate for the character. 

Nimblefolk Society:
Nimblefolk live in elaborate burrow communities, often nestled beneath bustling cities or nestled within ancient ruins. Their society is meritocratic, with positions of leadership earned through intelligence, resourcefulness, and a willingness to contribute to the good of the community. Nimblefolk are skilled engineers and inventors, constantly tinkering and improving their homes and tools and repurposing technology acquired from other races.

Nimblefolk Adventurers:
Despite their peaceful nature, nimblefolk have a thirst for knowledge and a natural curiosity that can lead them to a life of adventure. They might become scholars seeking lost lore, inventors hunting for rare materials, or even diplomats bridging the gap between their people and the surface world.

 

 

 

Nimblefolk (Ratkin) Traits

As a Nimblefolk, you have the following racial traits.

Creature Type

You are a Humanoid.

Size

You are Small. You choose the size when you select this race.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet and have a climbing speed equal to your walking speed. If your walking speed is modified your climbing speed is modified by the same amount.

Bite

You can use your bite to make unarmed strikes. When you hit with them, the strike deals 1d6 + your Strength modifier piercing damage, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Keen Smell and Hearing

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

Darkvision

Accustomed to the dark tunnels beneath the world, 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.

Scurry

You can move through the space of any creature that is one size larger than you and you count as one size smaller when trying to fit through an opening. 

Nimble Fingers

You have proficiency in the Sleight of Hand skill.

Natural Tinkerer

You have proficiency with tinker's tools. Additionally, you can add your proficiency bonus to any Intelligence (Investigation) check you make to understand or repair a nonmagical object.