Homebrew Chirrikin v2 Species Details

Chirrkin are a scavenger-race, not in the sense of desperation, but in the sense of taking only what is needed and making the most of what is found. They are hoarders of knowledge, trinkets, and tales, often trading stories as currency. While they do engage in traditional trade, a truly rare tale, clever joke, or unique bit of lore can be worth more than gold in their society.

Chirrkin settlements, often called Scurries, are labyrinthine affairs—woven from branches high in the treetops, burrowed deep into cliff faces, or hidden beneath moss-covered earth. A Scurry is not a single village but a network of tunnels, rope bridges, and hideaways, allowing the Chirrkin to vanish at a moment’s notice should a threat appear.

Each Scurry is ruled by a Nestkeeper, an elder chosen not for strength, but for their wisdom, cunning, and storytelling prowess. The best Nestkeepers can recite the entire history of their people in one sitting, passing down knowledge in rapid-fire riddles and rhymes.

Chirrkin often take on rogue, bard, and ranger roles, using their agility and cunning to their advantage. However, druids and sorcerers are not uncommon, as some Chirrkin tap into the natural magic of their woodland homes. Their natural curiosity sometimes leads them into trouble—but just as often, it leads them to adventure.

Chirrikin v2 Traits

Chirrkin (Chipmunk-Folk) Traits

Appearance

Chirrkin resemble humanoid chipmunks, standing between 2.5 and 3.5 feet tall. Their fur varies in shades of brown, tan, and gold, with distinctive dark and light stripes running down their backs. They have large, expressive eyes, dexterous paws, and bushy tails that aid in balance.

Lifespan

On average, your kind lives around 40 to 50 years. Very rare are their individuals that live up to 100 years old.

Language: Chirrkin Chatter

You can speak, read, and write Common and Chirrkin (a language made up of high-pitched chatter, clicks, and rapid squeaks). Additionally, you have advantages on Charisma based ability checks when communicating with small mammals.

Nimble Scurry

When you take the Disengage or Dash as an action or a bonus action, immediately +10 your movement speed.

Tree-Runner

You have a climbing speed of 20 feet, and you can move through nonmagical difficult terrain caused by foliage without extra movement cost.

Puffed Cheeks

You can store up to 5 non-weapon / non-magical small objects (such as coins, gems, or a vial of liquid) in your cheek pouches. You can retrieve or stow an item as a free action once per turn.

“Tale-Touched” Feature (Optional):

Gain one Cantrip from Bard or Druid list (Charisma or Wisdom as casting stat) to reflect lore-focused curiosity

Ability Score

You have +1 in Dexterity, +1 Wisdom and +1 Charisma but -1 in Strength.