Homebrew Forest Mothkin (Mothkin Subrace) Species Details

A race of evolved Moths, whose subrace varies heavily depending on their environment.

Physical Description

Mothkin are moth-like humanoids adorned with fur, antennae, and finely scaled wings. Though they tend to be small, some subraces are comparable in size to larger races like humans and orcs. They can be nearly any color, and have an equally wide variety of patterns on their wings. Although most colorings developed over several generations to provide camouflage, many mothkin take great pride in dyeing new, decorative patterns into their wings. However, even mothkin with more subtle natural coloring can still possess intricate and beautiful patterns on their wings. Their wings come in many shapes and sizes and may have long tails. These tails do not affect their flight abilities at all, instead existing solely to provide a distraction to predators. Most Moth kin cannot fly when wet. Most mothkin possess feathery antennae, but some may more closely resemble the clubbed antennae of butterflies. They generally have compound eyes which take up a considerable portion of their faces, providing them with darkvision at the expense of reduced resolution.

History

Mothkin are believed to have a common ancestor, Ibuluna Mori. Her story has become increasingly inconsistent throughout time, leaving the origins of their race a mystery. The most prevalent of these stories depicts her as a goddess who grew dissatisfied with the many conflicts between not only the gods, but the mortals they ruled over too. She took solace in Eiovini, the goddess of dawn, who shared her belief that neutrality is true bliss and being purely either good or evil leads to anger and sadness. One-day they both agreed to give up divinity for a simple life together as mortals, dividing their lost powers across the population of their favorite beings within the mortal realm as a final blessing. These beings would later evolve into mothkin (Through the power of Ibuluna's blessing) and spiderkin (Through Eiovini's blessing).

Mothkin have existed ever since for generations, mostly hiding away in deep forests, cave systems, or other environs that are far from wider society. Because of this, they have been largely unknown to outsiders for much of history.

Mothkin Names

Mothkin name themselves, often choosing words related to their environments. Some, however, choose to take on typical fey names.

Male: Slyvon, Hidor, Indigo, Mossy, Sorrel, Lifton, Roylan, Cerith, Ailean, Bran

Female: Eithne, Mordag, Tulip, Clover, Scallop, Talleen, Murex, Prinseen, Emerald, Azore

Society

The majority religion among mothkin is sun worship. They traditionally use enclosed paper lanterns and disallow open flame so as to not usurp the primacy of the sun (although many mothkin say it's because their grandfather knew someone whose great-uncle got hypnotized by a campfire and burned their wings off). Mothkin have a traditional art form where painters ink designs onto the sides of these lanterns, which project onto cave walls when lit from inside. Many religious services involve an elder telling stories while silhouettes of mythic figures flicker behind them.

However, smaller groups of mothkin worship the moon, an ancient practice from before mothkin discovered the sun. These mothkin will travel around a their sacred site, commonly a forest, mountain or very tall tree, every new moon, releasing small clouds of silver fireflies as they go. The journey begins at dusk, and commonly ends at midnight. At the end of the journey, the mothkin will gather and tell the story of their moon goddess, Aruna. The stories end before dawn and the elders gather at the highest point of their sacred site to pray.

Mothkin settlements vary widely. While many are stationary, there are groups of nomadic mothkin who relocate with the seasons. The structure of their dwellings is highly dependent on their environment and whether or not they are nomadic, but wood is a commonly preferred building material, as is the silk that they produce themselves.

Mothkin tend to be nocturnal. As with all things, however, this is not universally true. Some are naturally diurnal, and some have adapted to be diurnal to facilitate trade with nearby towns and villages.

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2.
Age. Mothkin reach adulthood around the age of 10, and live for around 60 years. The final few years of their life see them age drastically faster.
Alignment. Mothkin are often neutral in nature. They tend to keep to themselves and avoid meddling unnecessarily in the business of others.
Size. The average mothkin is 3 to 5 feet in height, and between 80 and 120 pounds. Your size is Small.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 25 feet, and your base flying speed is 5 feet.
Darkvision. 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.
One with nature. As Mothkin tend to be heavily involved in the natural world, you have proficiency with the Survival skill.
Multiple Limbs. As an insectoid, you have an additional pair of arms. Your main set of arms have claws that are similar in shape to hands and can be used as such. Your second set of arms has insect-like claws and is not as versatile. These claws can be used to swim, climb, hold things or pick them up, and may work as somatic components if your DM allows it. They are, however, unable to use weapons. You may require custom armor and clothing to accommodate your wings and second set of arms.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Slyvan.
Subrace. Choose between Soot Moth, Forest Moth, Stout Moth, Royal Clothing Moth, and Fey Moth.

Forest Moth

Your people's time spent in forests has not facilitated the need for extensive evolution. You bear more resemblance to the original mothkin than other subraces. As such, you are more in touch with your body.

Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence score increases by 1
Enhanced Antennae. All mothkin have a powerful sense of smell—yours is stronger. You have advantage on Perception checks made with smell.
Strengthened Limbs. Your flying speed and walking speed both increase by 5 feet.
Dominator Of The Senses. You have proficiency in the Perception skill.
Adapt Sense. You have the ability to increase your senses to unnatural levels. For one hour, you have blindsight out to 20ft. You cannot use this ability if your antennae are completely covered. You can use this ability twice before a long rest is necessary.
Colours. Forest moths tend to have more neutral coloring than other subraces. Greens and browns are the most common, though yellow and orange are not unheard of.

Forest Mothkin (Mothkin Subrace) Traits

As a Forest Mothkin, you have the following racial traits.

Creature Type

You are a Humanoid.

Size

Your size is Small.

Speed

Your walking speed is 30 feet.

Flight

Because of your wings, you have a flying speed of 10 ft.

Multiple Limbs

As an insectoid, you have an additional pair of arms. Your main set of arms have claws that are similar in shape to hands and can be used as such. Your second set of arms has insect-like claws and is not as versatile. These claws can be used to swim, climb, hold things or pick them up, and may work as somatic components if your DM allows it. They are, however, unable to use weapons. You may require custom armor and clothing to accommodate your wings and second set of arms.

Dominator of the Senses

As Mothkin tend to be heavily involved in the natural world, you have proficiency with the Survival skill. As a Forest Mothkin, you have proficiency in the Perception skill.