Homebrew Everwood Squirrel Species Details

In the heart of the vast and ancient Everwood Forest dwell the Everwood Squirrels, a tribal race of squirrel-like beings who have evolved to become the fierce and territorial protectors of their magical homeland. Standing roughly around 4 feet tall, they are compact and muscular, with powerful limbs designed for speed, agility, and climbing through the dense forest canopy. Their fur, thick and bristly, ranges from deep browns to earthy reds and greys, perfectly camouflaging them in their woodland environment.

The Everwood Squirrels are a primitive, tribal people who live in small, nomadic groups, dwelling in makeshift shelters high up in the magical Everwood Oaks, or within the dense undergrowth of the forest. They have little need for advanced tools or cities, relying instead on their natural instincts and deep connection to the forest to survive. Fiercely territorial, they will defend their home with a ferocity few can match, especially the sacred Everwood Oaks, the colossal trees that produce the magical Everwood Acorns. These enchanted acorns grant the Everwood Squirrels enhanced physical abilities and, for a rare few, a strong connection to nature magic.

The Everwood Squirrels live in close-knit, nomadic tribes, moving through the forest and setting up temporary camps in the branches of the mighty Everwood Oaks. Their lifestyle is simple but efficient, centered around hunting, foraging, and protecting their territory from outsiders. They use rudimentary tools crafted from stone, bone, and wood, though their true strength lies in their innate agility and natural weapons—sharp claws, teeth, and their strong tails.

Though most Everwood Squirrels are hunters and warriors, some rare individuals are born with an innate connection to the magic of the forest. These Shamans of the Everwood can channel the forest’s energy, controlling plants, healing their kin, or calling upon the spirits of nature to aid in battle. The shamans are highly respected, often serving as spiritual leaders within their tribes.

Despite their tribal nature, the Everwood Squirrels are deeply spiritual and connected to their environment. They hold sacred rituals beneath the Everwood Oaks, paying homage to the forest and the magical acorns that sustain them. To outsiders, they may seem wild and untamed, but within their tribes, they live by strict codes of honor, loyalty, and respect for the natural world.

The Everwood Squirrels are not quick to trust strangers and are known to drive out invaders who come too close to the Everwood, but those who prove themselves as friends to the forest may find powerful allies in these swift and cunning guardians.

Physical Traits:

• Height: 4 to 5 feet tall
• Build: Compact, muscular, and agile
• Fur: Thick, in shades of brown, red, or grey for natural camouflage
• Eyes: Bright amber or green, reflecting their heightened senses
• Tail: Long, bushy, and strong, used for balance and in combat

 

Everwood Squirrel Traits

As an Everwood Squirrel, you have these special traits.

Tactical Tail

Using your long bushy tail to balance yourself you find it easy to stand where others might slip gaining advantage to Acrobatics Checks related to balance.

In addition your tail serves as a tactical tool to stun your enemy striking behind you or swipe them off their feet or help you throw things.

You can use these three abilities interchangably but only twice per short rest:

Tail Sweep:

Sweep your Tail around you dealing 1d4 damage and knocking enemies prone on a failed DEX saving throw. On a miss you will be dizzy and have disadvantage on DEX saving throws for the rest of the fight.

Tail Whip:

Strike your Tail down behind you dealing 1d6 damage and stunning your enemy for 1 turn on a failed CON saving throw. On a miss you hurt your tail and will be unable to use your 'Tactical Tail' abilities for the rest of the fight.

Tail Fling:

Use your Tail to use twice your STR modifier when throwing.

Friend of the Forest

Grants you ways to commune with nature.

Keen Senses

You have Darkvision with a range of 120 feet and Advantage on Perception checks involving sound or scent.

Tree Hopper

You can make long jumps between trees without requiring a running start you don’t suffer penalties when moving through forests or climbing trees.

Everwood Climbing

With your species living atop the great Everwood Oaks you have developed a natural ability to climb increasing your climbing speed by 5 + your characterlevel.