Homebrew Mothman Species Details

A mysterious race of beings from a specific region of O'eth, the Mothman, evoke fear and curiosity amongst those who see them. Their race's purpose is unknown, as they are strange, rare and unique even in their home realm of O'eth, often becoming part of folklore more so than society, as they wander around dense forests, and mountain ranges.

Moths Among Us 

Seen from afar or below, Mothman can be easily confused for an Aarakocra or large bird, perhaps giant insect, only when they come close by do their glaring red eyes, tall stature, and humanoid appearance reveal itself. While their true range of size is unknown, estimates report that Mothman to reach a height between 5 to 11 feet, most reports sitting at around 8 feet. They are usually dark colored, most appearing near invisible in the night, with long lanky and slender, yet incredibly muscular frame. Their heads are mostly filled with large glowing red eyes, that resemble the segmented eyes of insects. 

Their dark skin, and large wings, allow them to move incredibly stealthily, and at night can render them near invisible. Their shoulders are large and muscular, and their head seems to be mounted low as though it is inline with their shoulders. It is unknown if Mothman have genders and it is difficult to tell Mothman apart besides size, personality, and how moth-like their behavior and appearance. 

Of Land and Sky

While the origin of Mothman is unknown, they seem to be both comfortable in the land and sky, and can spend long periods of time in the air as a fast moving predator, with their acrobatics and speed, and can become incredibly brutal predators once airborne. 

Mothman often live and spend time alone, though it is unknown if that is by choice, or by nature. However both their insectoid nature, and isolationist actions can lead them with very strange behaviors and personalities. Their magical natures often lead them to be misunderstood as creatures of the Feywild or Monstroties, but are actually warped by magic and are actually closer related to aberrations, or beings from the far realm, with psionic abilities. Perhaps even O'eth isn't their original home.

Insectoid Mannerisms

The resemblance to Insects isn't just physical, Mothman share many personality traits and mannerisms of moths as well. They find themselves drawn towards bright lights, and prefer nighttime far more. They are omnivorous and can draw food from flowers, plants, and fruits as well meat. They are incredibly good at hiding and often camouflage themselves when they feel threatened, and use the small hairs on their body to touch. It is unknown if Mothman have a larval or other stages of life, and their lifespan is unknown.

They can speak languages, but often make a slurping or buzzing noise when excited or to convey meaning, and usually have a dark sense of humor due to their lifestyles and isolationist nature.

Mothman are very claustrophobic and if trapped can find themselves moving erratically in confined spaces.

Mothman Names

As with much of their speech, Mothman names can include noises  to the point that other peoples have a difficult time pronouncing them. As such they often adopt names that they like, and can range widely from Mothman to clicks and buzzes in moth.

Mothman Backgrounds

Backgrounds that are most appropriate for Mothman include the outlander, the hermit, the sage, and acolyte.

Since their origins are unknown, and lifestyles unpredictable many aspects of Mothman are unpredictable and can find themselves in many situations.

Mothman Traits

Mothman are unique creatures, bordering the line between fairy tail, aberration, and in this case player character. Being able to fly at 1st level is exceptionally effective. Furthermore its psionic abilities can be incredibly potent, be wary if using this in your campaign.

Darkvision

They also have darkvision out to 60 feet, but can only see in shades of grey. 

Bringer of Bad Luck

The Moth-man can use an action to locks eyes with the target, forcing the target to make a DC 18 Wisdom Saving throw. If the target fails the target must roll a d4 instead of a d20 for a single d20 roll ( attack, save, skill-check, ect.) that the Mothman can see, for up to 1 hour after being afflicted. (A natural 1 on the d4 is not treated as a critical failure).

At 6 levels the Mothman gets one more usage of this ability, and at 11th level can replace the "d4" roll with a fear effect lasting 1 round. 

At 15 lvl Bearer of Bad Luck gains an additional charge and be cast as a bonus action.

Bringer of Bad Luck recharges on a long rest.

Sunlight Sensitivity

Mothman are sensitive  to sunlight, and become uncomfortable in bright sunlight. They are also attracted to bright lights.

Cryptid Nature

Mothman are notoriously difficult to track down. This is due to the fact that it is incredibly difficult to record anything about them if they are in the vicinity. If a Mothman has line of sight to an individual who is trying to note down details of the Mothman, whether through writing, art, a photography, anything depending on the setting, the target must make a DC 17 Wis save to accurately record information on Motherman. Otherwise, the image will turn out to be fuzzy, or the literature gibberish. 

This effect is involuntary and as such applies to any and all creatures in Mothman's range of sight, but ends as soon as a creature leaves Mothman's vicinity. 

Mothlike Camoflouge

Mothman have proficiency in stealth.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity, and Constitution increase by +2, but you take a -1 to Charisma.

Age

Their Lifespan is unknown however, it is rumored they hit maturity by age 13, and can live up to 300 years.

Alignment

Most Mothman find themselves leaning towards the Chaotic Side of the spectrum, and often seem to fit between Chaotic Neutral, Evil, and occasionally even good.

Size

Mothman are about 8 feet tall. They weight between 180-300 punds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Flight

You have a flying speed of 30 feet. To use this speed, you can’t be wearing heavy armor.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Moth, and Under-common.