Homebrew Croach Species Details

The Mutant Croaches thrive on collaboration and mutual support. Their hive cities are designed to foster communal living, with shared spaces for work, leisure, and sustenance. They believe that working together not only strengthens their society but also honors their insectoid ancestry, where cooperation was key to survival.

Identity Crisis

The Mutant Croaches evolved from an insectoid ancestors known as the croach, that would sometimes gain sentience and humanoid form in groups through mass exposure to magical substances that would trigger enhanced evolution. Because of their seemingly random or sometimes accidental creation, they often question their significance to the environment or ecosystem around them.

Strength in Numbers

Croach society is a harmonious group in which everyone plays a part. They live in intricately designed woodland hives, where every structure is both functional and aesthetically pleasing and is designed in mind of their ability to leap long distances. Their architecture reflects their insectoid heritage, with organic shapes and patterns that mimic the natural world. In a more urban environment, some croach tribes inhabit attics or unwanted buildings, usually near where they became sentient, while other tribes are more nomadic, traveling in groups seeking food or treasure.

Although croaches believe in the power of many, there have often been loners that either gained sentience alone that on occasion seek a tribe to join, or simply left a tribe in search of adventure if not the cause of their existence. Croach tribes are not usually hostile to Loner croaches unless provoked and respect their singular birth or desire to seek their own path.

Leader of the Bugs

Every croach society is led by an Alpha croach, who makes most of the decisions when it comes to matters of food, diplomacy, or warfare. the Alpha may be challenged at any time to a contest of the Alphas choosing. This also applies if a croach from not of the tribe wishes to join and the rest of the tribe wishes a test of adequacy.

Always Hungry

Food is central to croach culture, not just for sustenance but as a way to bond and celebrate. Communal meals are a daily ritual, where members of the hive gather to share stories, discuss ideas, and enjoy each other’s company. Their cuisine is diverse, reflecting their varied roles and the resources available in their environment.

Croaches celebrate several food festivals throughout the year, each marking a significant event in their agricultural calendar. These festivals are filled with feasting, music, and dance, showcasing the best of their culinary arts. They believe that sharing food strengthens their community and honors the bounty of nature.

Sustainability is a core value for the Mutant Croaches. They practice responsible foraging and farming, ensuring that they take only what they need and give back to the environment. Their deep respect for nature guides their food practices, from cultivation to consumption.

Lots of Jobs

The croaches believe that working together honors their insectoid ancestry and they have many different personalities based on what they do to help the tribe, making loners quite varied in motives.

The Scholar croaches are inquisitive, analytical, and patient. Scholars are the keepers of knowledge and the innovators of Thysanurian society. They spend their days studying ancient texts, conducting experiments, and developing new technologies and spells. Their love for learning is matched only by their curiosity about the world. They have a particular fondness for nutrient-rich nectars and herbal infusions that stimulate their minds and keep them alert during long hours of study.

The Artisan croaches are very creative, meticulous, and passionate. Artisans are the creators of the exquisite weapons, tools, and artworks of their tribe. They take great pride in their craftsmanship, often working for days on a single piece to ensure it meets their high standards. Their work is a blend of functionality and beauty. Artisans enjoy hearty meals that provide sustained energy, such as protein-rich insect dishes and sweet fruits that keep their hands steady and their minds focused.

The croach Warriors must be brave, disciplined, and protective. Warriors are the defenders of croach society. They are trained in both physical combat and strategic thinking, ready to protect their hive cities from any threat. Their combat style is deadly and efficient, often optimizing the species six-limbed anatomy. Warriors consume high-energy foods that enhance their strength and agility, such as spiced meats and energizing root vegetables. They also have a taste for fermented beverages that boost their morale.

The croach Gatherers are adventurous, resourceful, and observant. Gatherers venture into the wild to collect resources, from rare herbs to magical components. Their keen senses and knowledge of the natural world make them excellent scouts and foragers. They play a crucial role in sustaining the hive. Gatherers prefer fresh, raw foods that can be eaten on the go, such as berries, nuts, and edible insects. They also enjoy foraging for unique flavors to bring back to their communities.

The croach Healers are compassionate, wise, and nurturing. Healers are the caretakers of health and well-being. They use a combination of herbal remedies, magical healing, and traditional medicine to treat injuries and illnesses. Their gentle nature and deep empathy make them beloved members of society. Healers favor soothing teas and broths that promote healing and relaxation. They also consume medicinal plants and fungi to maintain their own health and energy.

Croach Names

Croaches choose their own names, usually inspired by a word representing an element of nature or an object that reflects a core value while other croach names contain an adjective to better describe the physical appearance of the one who wears it. Due to their limited knowledge of writing these names are sometimes spelled wrong. Tribes are named after the first Alpha of the tribe.

Male names: Acorn, Antt, Big Snail, Birch, Branch, Hot Fire, Knut, Leaf, Little Beetle, Mighty Burr, Mushroom, Pebble, Shiny Coin, Stick, Talon,

Female names: Autumn, Brooke, Butterfly, Deadly Flower, Glittering Gem, Poppy, Rainbow, Shining Star, Spring Rain, Summer, Sweet Honey

 

Croach Traits

Your mutant croach character has many talents which support its survivalist build.

Darkvision

Accustomed to twilit forests and the night sky, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 25 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.

Ability Score Increase

 Your Dexterity score increases by 1, your Constitutuion score increases by 2, and your Strength score decreases by 1.

Age

Croaches reach maturity at about 10 years old, and can live for about 50 years.

Society Role

You must choose a role to enhance your abilities, making yourself able to work more effectively in a group. Depending on which role you choose, you gain different benefits.

Keen Senses

You have proficiency in the Perception skill.

Buglike Body

You have resistance against bludgeoning damage and are vulnerable to poison damage.

Size

Croaches are similar in build to a common cockroach. Your size is Tiny.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 20 feet.

Languages

You can speak, read and write the language of people in the area in which you gained sentience.

Croach Combat Training

You have proficiency with the dagger, sling, spear, and javelin.

Movment Upgrade

You gain a burrowing speed of 5 ft., and a flying speed of 10 ft.