Homebrew Formicide Species Details

The Formicide are a race of brutal, strong, and cold humanoids resembling insects. They are known for their chitinous exoskeletons, multifaceted eyes, and powerful mandibles. The Formicide live by a hive mind, making them highly efficient and coordinated in their endeavors. They value craftsmanship and precious gems, often mining deep into asteroids and planets to extract valuable resources. Their society is rigidly structured, with each member playing a specific role for the greater good of the hive.

Languages:

• You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language.

Creature Type:

• Humanoid

Appearance and Culture:

The Formicide are an imposing sight with their insectoid features. Their bodies are covered in a tough, chitinous exoskeleton that ranges in color from deep blacks and browns to iridescent greens and blues. They have multiple sets of eyes, allowing them to see in a wide range of conditions, and powerful mandibles capable of delivering devastating bites. Their limbs are segmented and end in strong, clawed hands and feet.

Formicide society is highly organized and functions under a collective hive mind. Individualism is rare, as the needs of the hive always come first. Each Formicide has a role, whether it be a warrior, worker, or crafter, and they excel in their designated tasks. Their craftsmanship is renowned, particularly their skill in working with gems and metals, which they prize above all else.

Roleplaying Tips:

1. Hive Mind Mentality:

   • Emphasize your character's connection to the hive mind. When making decisions or engaging in activities, consider how your actions benefit the hive. You might often consult with other Formicides telepathically to ensure coordination.

2. Brutal and Strong:

   • Display your character's physical prowess and strength in combat and other challenges. Use your natural armor and formidable constitution to endure hardships and protect weaker allies.

3. Cold and Calculated:

   • Roleplay a logical and emotionless demeanor. The Formicide are not driven by emotions but by practicality and efficiency. Show a preference for rational decisions over emotional responses.

4. Craftsmanship and Gem Obsession:

   • Showcase your character's skills in crafting and appraisal. Take pride in creating and valuing intricate pieces of jewelry and metalwork. Seek out precious gems and metals, treating them as valuable treasures for the hive.

By incorporating these traits and cultural aspects, you can create a distinctive and compelling Formicide character for your sci-fi D&D campaign, emphasizing their unique blend of strength, craftsmanship, and hive-minded efficiency.

Formicide Traits

Your Formicide character has an assortment of inborn abilities, part and parcel of Formic nature.

Ability Score Increase

Your ability score is what you determine it to be. Nobody is defined by their race alone. Choose one ability score to increase by two, and another score to increase by one.

Age

Formicide mature at the same rate as humans, but they’re considered young until they reach the age of 50. On average, they live about 350 years.

Size

Formicide stand between 4 and 5 feet tall and average about 150 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 25 feet. Your speed is not reduced by wearing heavy armor.

Darkvision

Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. 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.

Chitinous Armor

Your exoskeleton provides you with natural armor. When you aren't wearing armor, your AC is 13 + your Constitution modifier. You can use your natural armor to determine your AC if the armor you wear would leave you with a lower AC. A shield's benefits apply as normal while you use your natural armor.

Hive Mind

You have advantage on Intelligence (Investigation) and Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or sight while you are within 30 feet of another Formicide. Additionally, you can communicate telepathically with any other Formicide within 30 feet of you.

Gem Crafter

You have proficiency with jeweler’s tools and smith’s tools. You have advantage on Intelligence (Investigation) checks to appraise the value of gems and precious metals.