Homebrew Geckofolk Species Details

Despite their name, Geckofolk tend to share more characteristics with salamanders than geckos. In any case, these small humanoids tend to live in modest, nomadic communities on a semi-aquatic voyage to some unknown location, presumably a holy land. However considering their continued nomadic lifestyles, it is clear that maybe the destination is unknown to the communities as well, and the perpetual voyage continues simply by virtue of it being ingrained in their culture.

Their alien understanding of the world, and the fact their 'language' seems entirely indecipherable to linguistic scholars may be owed to their incredible scarcity. Only a handful of Geckofolk tribes are known, and as such cultural and linguistic evolution occurs rapdily, unhampered by societal norms. These ephemeral customs mean that very little can be known about the Geckofolk, as any new information is very quickly made obsolete.

Frog Brained

Geckofolk seem to have a very uncharacteristic approach to society, with small, nonhierarchical, seemingly anarchist tribes that all follow a collective goal that is unfettered by internal discourse or bickering. Despite being sapient, a casual observation of their single minded focus might lead you to believe they are nothing but instinctive creatures. A single Geckfolk can display remarkable independence and aptitude in learning even complex tasks, even if how they communicate and solve a given problem is beyond classical comprehension.

Neither Predator or Prey

Geckofolk would seemingly make excellent prey - small, apparently defenseless and pretty good pickings (they are a plump and well fed species) - however their appears to be some agreement with the immediate natural world such that even the most voracious or emaciated local predators dare not attack these roving amphibians. It has even been recorded that scholars that spend considerable time in the vicinity of Geckofolk during their research become increasingly unable to think any ill thoughts towards them.

When a non-local wolf was introduced however, it did go after a Geckofolk tribe. Before the researcher in question was able to halt the beast and the attempted Geckofolk genocide (there was only one other tribe known at that time), a flurry of magical attacks originating from a few nondescript Geckofolk severely debilitated it. The tribe moved in without much further notice.

Geckofolk themselves are almost entirely herbivorous too. They subside of edible leaves, roots and fruits that have fallen to the ground. Occasionally they will partake in consuming ants and other small insects when present, but they do not hunt or prey on any creatures.

Innately Magical

Despite the infrequency of its use, it does appear as if at least some Geckofolk have some innate arcane connection. It is unknown whether all members have them, but through limited observation it seems they exhibit a greater frequency of inherently magical individuals than many other sapient races.

It appears this kind of magic is predominately elemental, and may provide some indication as to their ancestry. Some believe they are originally borne of the Salamanders from the elemental planes. This is unconfirmed.

Environment

Geckfolk tribes have only been observed in temperate to subtropical regions with high precipitation and low frost prevalence. They traverse almost exclusively by riversides and only move to the dryer lands when a flood seems likely. Whilst they have no preferred direction (upstream or downstream) to their voyages, once they reach a large body of water such as the ocean or a lake feeding the river, they reverse their course. However, one tribe has been observed moving in an apparently perpetual voyage around the edge of a stagnant lake.

Geckofolk Names

Geckfolk may refer to each other with strange squeaks and squawks, however due to the fact the understanding of their language is incredibly limited, it is unknown if these are actually names, or if they use names in the first place.

Researchers tend to give the Geckfolk they research names as if they were pets - such as Fidget, Percival, Shiny etc. - due to their cute demeanor.

Geckofolk Traits

Your Geckofolk character has the following racial traits.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity, Charisma and Constitution scores all increase by 1. Your strength score is reduced by 2

Age

Geckofolk reach adulthood at age 3 and have been observed to live over 80 years.

Alignment

Geckofolk are typically neutral both with respect to order and to morality. They are typically singularly focused on their tribe and community.

Size

Geckofolk are between 18 and 30 inches tall and weigh between 10 and 15 pounds. Your size is Small.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 20 feet. You also have a swimming speed of 20 feet.

Amphibious

You have an oozy membrane on your skin that facilitates your sub-aqueous breathing, you can breathe normally in both air and water.

Due to some perpetual dampness, you are also resistant to fire damage.

Indecipherable

As your nature and language is so alien, other creatures have difficulty understanding your thoughts and actions. Any insight check made by a creature who doesn't understand Geckofolk to determine what you are thinking or saying is made at disadvantage. Similarly, when you cast a spell with a verbal component, any arcana check made by a creature who doesn't understand Geckofolk to determine what spell is being cast, is made at disadvantage.

Lovable

Due to some unknown arcane warding, creatures that spend a continuous month in your presence (like a traveling companion or pet) cannot willingly harm you. This effect resets if you act aggressively towards them at any point during or after the continuous month. What is considered aggressive is determined by your DM.

Languages

You can speak, Geckofolk (there is no written script for this language). You can understand, read and write Common, but you cannot speak it, nor any other languages you may learn.