Homebrew Kercpa Species Details

“Are you kidding, there are zero quotes about these things.” —Some *******, The Internet

The kercpas, a reclusive race of intelligent squirrel-folk, inhabit dense forests far from human civilization. Shy of most races except elves, and skilled at remaining undetected, these small archers are rarely seen, even when their homes are nearby.

Fast and Furtive

The squirrel-folk live by foraging. Dozens of small bands strike out daily from early spring to late fall to gather food, water, and other necessities. Surplus is stored away for the winter. Unlike true squirrels, kercpas do not hibernate. They are less active in the winter, and often sleep for much greater lengths of time. At least a third of the tribe remains active at all times in the event of a threat.

Kercpas are strictly vegetarian; despite their archery skill, they do not hunt. Foraging expeditions rarely take them more than 10 miles from the village. If a tribe becomes too large for the immediate area, a group, mainly younger couples, breaks off to found a new village.

Natural Celebrants

The simple kercpa religion pays homage to a single deity, an earth goddess. The goddess, while said to be able to take any form in nature, is usually depicted as a vast oak tree. Religious ceremonies are few compared to those of most other races, and pious obligations are fulfilled simply by living in harmonious accord with nature.

Tribes in the same region meet on an annual basis (usually summer solstice) for a great festival. These celebrations last several days. The tribes renew familial ties, hold council on matters of mutual concern, introduce young adults to possible mates, and exchange goods and information. Music, song, dance, story-telling, friendly contests of archery, tumbling and speed, as well as an overabundance of food and blackberry wine, round out the festive nature of the gathering.

Safety in Seclusion

Strangers traveling through kercpa lands will be trailed and their actions scrutinized—ideally, without the kercpas revealing their presence—and allowed to pass unhindered if they do not cause harm to the forest. The only exceptions to the kercpas’ elusiveness include certain sylvan neighbors who share an interest in preserving the woodland. Kercpas have ties of friendship and alliance to elves, sprites, and treants. They are indispensable to their elven neighbors, as they convey messages between camps, run errands, and keep them up to date on the latest happenings of the greater forest. In exchange, the elves serve at times as guardians and mentors for the squirrel-folk’s children. Young kercpas delight in the company of these elegant, graceful beings, running amok through their homes and pestering their elves friends with endless questions and requests for talk of “olden times”. Most elves seem to genuinely enjoy the kercpas’ company as well.

The presence of kercpas is virtually unnoticeable; forests inhabited for twenty generations appear as virgin woodland even to careful scrutiny. As even the concept of money is unknown to kercpas, they have produced and amassed little that others are interested in acquiring. This has not prevented evil creatures from hunting them out of sheer malice, however.

Guiding Allies

On infrequent occasions, some human rangers and druids have made contact with and befriended the kercpas. A few bolder kercpas have been known to befriend parties of good-aligned adventurers, especially those containing elves, acting as guides and otherwise helping with their knowledge of the wilderness. Such examples of eccentric behavior are uncommon.

Kercpa Names

Kercpa names are as light and chirping as the language they derive from. They are typically short, with only one or two syllables, but repeated sounds are common. Most kercpa bear a single name, though a markedly revered defender or shaman may be given a byname based on their deeds. These are strictly used by others, as a kercpa referring to themselves with their byname would be seen as extremely haughty. Generally, outsiders will only hear the Common translation.

Kercpa Names: Chirr, Nitsa, Rikiki, Skichi, Tsirp

Bynames: Farseer, Hawkfeller, Raincaller, Sharpeye

Kercpa Traits

As a kercpa, you have certain traits in common with your people. Kercpa are much smaller than most player race and may be difficult to balance in a normal campaign. As such, playing a kercpa requires special consideration by your DM.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2.

Age

A kercpa reaches maturity at 15 years, and usually marries soon after. On average, they live to the age of 60.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Kercpan, and either Elvish or Sylvan. Kercpan is a light, chattering language that easily blends into forest sounds to those who do not speak it

Alignment

Kercpa tend toward Neutral to Chaotic Good.

Size

Kercpas stand between 12 and 18 inches tall. Your size is Tiny.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 20 feet.

Quadruped Sprint

Your base walking speed is 20 feet. When wearing light or no armor and both hands are free, this is increased to 40 feet. Your base climbing speed is equal to your base walking speed.

Woodland Grace

You are proficient in Acrobatics, Athletics, and Stealth.

One With Nature

Whenever you make an Intelligence (Nature) check, double your normal proficiency bonus.

Attention to Detail

You are proficient in Perception. If an enemy attempts to surprise you, roll a d20. You are only surprised if you roll a 1.

Second String

You have proficiency with all ranged weapons.