Homebrew ฅMolefolk Species Details

The hills of Valley are home to rare burrows of molefolk. Molefolk are passive and unassertive, they prefer to retreat at the first sign of confrontation and would rather run than take physical action.. At their best, molefolk are prepared, generous, and gentle. At their worst, molefolk are self-important, reclusive, and miserly.

Typical Personalities

Native to caves deep below Valley, molefolk are rare on the surface. They're famously shy, sometimes to the point of skittishness. Rather than show courage or stand up for someone, they would rather let someone else handle it.

Moles have extremely sharp minds and are excellent problem solvers. As reflected in their determined burrowing through difficult terrain, moles prefer solutions with straight lines rather than having to go around problems. When confronted with difficult issues they never give up; hacking away with dogged determination until the answer is found.

The Quake-Mole

There is an ancient legend every molefolk parent tells their children, a story dating back to the War of Cinders, as the topsiders call it. It is said that in a bid to protect his community from a Calamity Beast, one of their own weaved magic so powerful that it rivaled that of the Calamity Beast's own. The surge of magical energy created backlashes, turning him into a monster fueled entirely by primal rage and energy. His rampages become unstoppable, his footsteps sending great earth-splitting tremors through the ground. Some began to wonder if this was the origin of the Calamity Beasts, or if such power was a curse as much as a blessing. After the battle, he vanished, and only Anzrag, the Quake-Mole remained.

Their Role in Valley

Molefolk are rare and timid, so they don't have roles as active as the other, more common, types of animalfolk. When they do choose to participate in society, they provide brilliant insight on construction and engineering plans, as well as survival contingencies.

Molefolk, having survived a terrible attack by a Calamity Beast early on in their history, have a tradition of preparing for every eventuality and generously sharing in times of need. Most molefolk burrows can double as bunkers in the event of a Calamity Beast attack, and much to the shy molefolk's chagrin, they will never turn down someone in need.

Relationships

Molefolk get along well with frogfolk, as they both tend to plan for the future in a pessimistic way. Though frogfolk are sometimes dramatic and loud, molefolk respect their abilities in augury and sometimes secretly visit them. Molefolk typically dislike mousefolk, as they find them overly optimistic and cheery. They think bravery against Calamity Beasts is foolish indeed,

Weaving

Molefolk magic is primarily for channeling the power of the earth to hide and defend themselves. Because of the legend of the Quake-Mole, they are cautious with their weaving and prefer not to use it.

Molefolk Structures and Settlements

Molefolk houses are known as burrows or bunkers. They are typically dug into shady hillsides away from the sun, well hidden and with plenty of emergency exits. They have long halls of stored food and materials, and most have a groundwater source or hidden aquafer that provides water.

ฅMolefolk Traits

Your molefolk character has a variety of natural abilities.

Weaving

You know the Magic Stone cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Pass Without Trace spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the Erupting Earth spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

 

Ability Score Increase

Your Wisdom score increases by 2.

Age

Moles have short lifespans, not often living past 50 years.

Size

Moles are large for animalfolk, ranging from under 5 to over 6 feet tall and have heavy, plump builds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet. You also have a burrowing speed of 15 feet, thanks to your clawed hands.

Darkvision

Accustomed to twilit forests and the dim tunnels, 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.

Keen Senses

You have proficiency in the Perception skill.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common.