Homebrew Batfolk Species Details

Batfolk colonies cling to the rooftops of cliff-side cities, the upper reaches of ruined towers, and the vast ceilings of cave systems that plunge deep below civilized lands. They are most active at dusk and dawn, serving as natural scouts and messengers in settlements that welcome them, and as feared raiders in those that don't. Despite an unfortunate reputation built on centuries of misunderstanding, most Batfolk lead orderly social lives governed by strict colony hierarchies and an almost ritualistic sense of obligation to those they consider kin.

Their echolocation is not merely a hunting tool — among Batfolk, subtle variants in their sonic calls carry emotional meaning and social nuance that other species cannot perceive. The clicks and pulses that sound like noise to outsiders constitute an entire secondary language, used for private communication even in the presence of others. Many Batfolk find the silence of their own minds during periods of deafness to be disorienting and distressing.

Batfolk who venture into the wider world often struggle with how their appearance is received. The combination of fangs, claws, wings, and silent approach makes even well-meaning Batfolk unsettling to those who have never met one. Many learn to announce their presence loudly, adopt exaggerated friendly gestures, or lean into dark humor about their own appearance as a social coping mechanism.

The Draining Bite that Batfolk possess is not predatory by nature — in their home culture it is used primarily for defense and, rarely, as a last resort when starving. Batfolk who use it offensively in public often face significant social friction, even within colonies, as it crosses a clear cultural line.

Batfolk Traits

they have dark vision and flight

Darkvision

Accustomed to hunting by night, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. 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.

Natural Flight

You have a fly speed of 30 feet. You can't use this fly speed while wearing medium or heavy armor.

Echolocation

Your large ears and natural sonic sensitivity grant you blindsight with a range of 10 feet. Additionally, you have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing. You lose the benefits of this trait while you are deafened.

Draining Bite

Your fangs are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal piercing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength or Dexterity modifier (your choice), instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Claws

Your claws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Dexterity modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Roost

You can hang upside down from any surface you can grip with your feet, such as a ceiling, beam, or rocky overhang, without the need for a check or action. While roosting this way you are considered prone, but you can release and fly as part of any movement without expending an action. You can also sleep while roosting, gaining the benefits of a long rest normally.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and one additional language of your choice.