Homebrew Carphophoran Species Details

Many a time, an explorer has landed upon the surface of the planet Physis, disembarking from their vessel with great pride and enthusiasm, only to trip over one of the many gnarled bushes that dot the landscape of the planet. Such a blunder would be mildly humiliating in and of itself. However, as the traveler attempts to struggle back to their feet, navigating through the thick twisted tendrils and bracing themselves upon the large, colorful, oddly soft bulb nestled in the center, they find the wound has been salted, as their body flops motionlessly to the ground next to the bush, almost as if they had been dumped off. These explorers are often too occupied by the panic surrounding their newfound paralysis to notice the "plant" scuttling away on six long, flexible legs. 

The carphophoran people are a race of aliens that have long been evolved to imitate the deos bushes that populate Physis. This camouflage is deeply necessary, as their gelatinous heads, soft bobbly eyes, and subtly sweet color-changing cranial fluid are all delicacies within themselves for the planet's apex predators. However, also helpful for defense is the venom within their barbed and clubbed foretendrils, which are fully developed by the time they mature, which temporarily halts motor function in its attacker. Their cranial fluid, while a liability in its saturated color and lovely taste, is also essential for communication between individuals, as they are able to manipulate the fluid to form different colors and shapes. The carohophorans have developed something of their own language through use of this cranial fluid, which has further contributed to their survival, allowing a method of signaling danger. Carphophorans are not especially social, and tend to only interact to mate once a lunar year and raise their offspring (which must be accompanied by their mothers until their venom is fully developed), though the males of the species are widely regarded for their beautiful petal-like growths.

Carphophoran Traits

The unique build of the carphophoran race allows them various benefits.

Ability Score Increase

Because their survival depends upon deception, carphophorans gain a +1 to Charisma.

Age

Carphophorans have the capacity for a lifespan of about 70 years, though a fair percentage are eaten by 40-50, when their bodies begin slowing down and their venom loses potency. They reach maturity at age 20.

Size

Mature carphoporans have tendrils about 10-12 feet long, though their barbed tendrils are only 3-5 feet. If drawn to their full height, they would be between 5 and 6 feet tall. Most spend most of their lives curled up in imitation of a deos bush, however. About 5-7 feet across.

Speed

Carphophorans have a base walking-or rather, scuttling- speed of 30 feet. They are impeded by heavy armor.

Prey Sense

Due to their frequent predation, carphophorans must be aware of their surroundings. They have proficiency in the perception skill.

Paralyzing Venom

Carphophorans have a natural poison, which can be used a maximum of three times daily to attempt to paralyze a foe. The foe must roll a constitution save, if failed, they fall prone until their next turn.