Homebrew Gastrosapiens Species Details
Physical Description
Gastrosapiens are large hulking bipedal snail people native to bogs and other humid areas. While known mostly for their durable shells, they also possess a soft body which is covered with a thick sap like mucus. While colors of their shells can range from swamp to swamp, the most common color of their flesh is a sickly semitransparent green with brown splotches.
History
Gastrosapiens are said to have originated from the snails that lived in what are now their swampy homes. These snails allegedly gained a higher intellect after a roaming band of mages abandoned a stock of potions near the water's edge. Soon after, these enlightened snails' bodies grew with their minds, and became the beings that are seen today. They are commonly and erroneously thought to have come from the Feywilds.
Society
Gastrosapiens were once thought by ancient peoples to be walking stomach sacs, hence their given name, which is literally "wise stomach." Today, they can be seen in large bogs and swamps in the far south in crude villages made from the rotten wood and damp earth that surrounds them. These villages are governed by a council of elders, who are fiercely respected by villagers. Occasionally, a few will leave their homes in search of supplies for their village, or to find adventure away from their humble start. Regardless of their motivation, a gastrosapien will venture tirelessly until they have accomplished their goal.
Gastrosapiens Traits
Ability Score Increase, Age, Alignment, Size, Speed, Invertebrate, Slime Coated, Shell Defense, Salt Vulnerability, Monstrous Nature, Languages, Mobile Home, Well TravelledAbility Score Increase
As a gastrosapien your Constitution score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 2.
Age
The average lifespan of gastrosapiens is slightly longer than that of humans, with the oldest known specimen having lived to the age of 335. Gastrosapiens mature slowly and are not fully considered adults until they reach the age of 35.
Alignment
Most follow a neutral path and will act within reason of their current situation.
Size
A gastrosapien's height may range from around 4'4 to as tall as 6'2. Your size is Medium.
Sex
As a Gastrosapiens you have both male, and female, reproductive systems.
Speed
Your base walking and climbing speed is 30 feet.
Invertebrate
Your soft, boneless body is able to absorb blows better than other bodies. You have advantage on saving throws against taking non-magical bludgeoning damage.
Slime Coated
Checks to grapple you roll with disadvantage. You cannot use this trait while using shell defense or when you have not fulfilled your daily water requirement. You can take an hour to produce 1 vial of slime which can heal someone 1d10.
Shell Defense
As an action or a reaction, you can withdraw into your shell. Until you emerge, you gain a +3 bonus to AC, and you have advantage on Strength and Constitution saving throws. While in your shell, you are prone, your speed is 0 and can't increase, you have disadvantage on Dexterity saving throws, you can't take reactions, and the only action you can take is a bonus action to emerge from your shell.
Salt Vulnerability
Salt is detrimental to gastrosapiens. You cannot consume any foods that have salt, nor can you come in contact with saltwater.
Monstrous Nature
You are a blobby snail that only vaguely has some limb arrangement. Your creature type is monstrosity instead of humanoid. As such, you are immune to spells like crown of madness or dominate person because they specifically target humanoids.
Languages
You can speak, read, and write Common and Gastrosapien. Gastrosapien is a sibilant language that uses the Elvish script. It makes use of slurping noises in addition to other syllables.
Mobile Home
You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push or drag.
Well-Travelled
You are proficient in the Nature and Survival skill and can hold your breath for up to 1 hour at a time.
Previous Versions
| Name | Date Modified | Views | Adds | Version | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6/27/2025 12:57:45 AM
|
4
|
0
|
5e
|
Coming Soon
|
Comments