Homebrew Mussan Species Details

The Mussan people are mouse-folk and a distant relation to Humblewood's Jerbeens. Originating further north in the lands of their shared name, Mussan, their culture is one filled with arts, music, and companionship. Small in size, they form close-knit communities with one another and depend greatly on a social hierarchy to get tasks done. Productive in working together, a task force of Mussan are able to work like clockwork in getting the job done as every role is important. At the end of long work days, they revel with music, drinks, and tales. They get along well with Jerbeens and to the uninitiated, might mistaken one race for the other.

No Hats Off

In Mussan culture, a mouse's hat or hood is called a "kolba" and is among one of their most prized possessions. As a mark of pride, it is often a reflection of their occupation and social status. Considered to be indecent, Mussans are very rarely seen without donning their kolba in public, as they'll only reveal themselves without it while in the presence of a spouse or close family. For a mouse to remove their kolba is viewed as an act of political protest.

Family and The Arts

Music, stories, and performances are considered the cornerstone of Mussan society that it is integrated into everything they do in some capacity in the form of traditions. From the customs involving their kolbas, to their deep appreciation of music at the dinner table, to the crafting of trinkets to hallmark marriage and the births of children. It is customary for young couples to carve from wood or stone an item called a "lutka" of their would-be spouse to commemorate their union. This same act is also performed by the father at the birth of his children. Lutkas by default are colored white, but will stained with ash or soot to represent the dead. They're often carried in a small purse on their waistline.

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Credit Jerome Jacinto for the mouse art, and to the devs at SeithCG for ideas and inspiration from their game Ghost of a Tale.

Mussan Traits

A Mussan tends to be rather small and not strong of arm, so they got to be creative in approaching a world larger than them.

Ability Score Increase

Your Charisma increases by 2, and your Dexterity score increases by 1.

Age

Mussans mature at an early age like many small rodent folk, being considered adults by the age of 5. They also experience rather short lifespans, living an average of 40 years of age.

Alignment

Small in size and short of lifespan, Mussans tend to be a sentimental people, leaning towards Good alignments. However, due to their willingness to hit under the belt in order to compensate for their lacking strength, they tend to be Neutral alignments most of the time, sometimes steering into Chaotic alignments.

Size

Mussans are small in both height and stature, averaging between 2 to 3 feet in height and a weight between 20 to 40 pounds. Your size is Small.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Slippery

You're able to slip through narrow passages and holes without getting stuck, so long as you're able to fit your head in there. In addition, you have advantage on Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) saving throws when escaping from a Grapple.

Nimbleness

You can move through the space of any creature that is of a size larger than yours.

Charming

You gain proficiency in one of the following skills: Deception, Performance, or Persuasion.

Naturally Stealthy

You can attempt to hide even when you are obscured only by a creature that is at least one size larger than you.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Birdfolk and Mussan or Jerbeen, depending on context of your campaign.