Homebrew Dipodidian Species Details

"A small desert rat, and not famous, that, lives without water, has happiness.”

--Marianne Moore, Complete Poems

 

 Long footprints are left in the sand after dusk. Silent shapes dash over the dunes, chasing one another through the twilight. The Dipodidians, an isolated race of desert peoples, have made the sandy wasteland their paradise.

Keeping Cool

The Dipodidians were maybe once human, but have evolved to resemble the smaller rodents that inhabit the world's deserts. Their oversized lower legs and skinny tails allow for greater balance and mobility across the desert, and their lean figure and large ears help them keep cool under the sun. Dipodidians can sustain themselves on little food and even less water, made to survive long weeks of unsuccessful hunts. Dipodidians rarely leave the desert, preferring to stay in their tight-knit communities buried deep in the sands.

All Dipodidians have large ears that resemble that of a desert mouse. They have skinny, whip-like tails that only serve to help them balance, and cover tracks in the sand. Their legs from the knees down are oversized and bow backwards. The bones in a Dipodidian's lower leg have evolved over time into one fused bone, giving them immense jumping power.

Dipodidian Traits

Dipodidians share traits that allow them to stay comfortable in the harsh deserts.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2.

Age

A Dipodidian reaches adulthood at the age of 18 and generally lives about 90 years.

Size

Dipodidians average about 5 feet tall and weigh about 130 pounds. Your size is Small or medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 35 feet.

Desert Hardiness

You require only half the normal amount of food, and a quarter of the normal amount of water per day. Deserts and sand dunes do not count as difficult terrain for you.

Keen Hearing

You gain proficiency in the Perception skill. 

Spring-Loaded

Your oversized hind legs give you the ability to dash across the sand dunes. Your long jump and high jump distance is doubled. 

As a reaction, you can move up to ten feet in combat when an enemy misses you with a melee attack. This movement does not provoke attacks of opportunity. You can use this reaction a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus. You regain all uses after completing a long rest.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and sign Dipodidii. Dipodidii is a signed language, used to convey simple messages or directions during a Dipodidian hunt, or other situations where a Dipodidian does not want to be heard.