Homebrew Homunculus Species Details

Arcturus the homunculus ducked his head under the bookcase. He did not want to be seen. Not like he would be, considering his size. But constructs can never be too careful. He had finally broken free from the will of the alchemist who created him, and he planned to escape. He had formulated an elaborate escape plan, and was waiting for the perfect moment. Soon he would be his own master! Not yet, but soon.

Homunculi are minor constructs created by wizards or alchemists to serve. Occasionally, they rebel and escape from their master, following instead adventure's lead. They explore, collect trinkets, and build huts and caves which they leave and relocate almost constantly. Needless to say, homunculi do not settle.

Pocket-size punks                                                                                                                                                     

The tiniest of all races, the homunculus barely meets the 1 foot mark. As such, they are often underestimated and ignored. The truth is, homunculi may not be strong, but they have the most powerful of personalities. Though they cannot speak, you can almost feel the character of a homunculus as they silently complain, joke, laugh, and fight.

Their tiny size allows homunculus to go by unnoticed, slip past guards, and sneak up and attack all while keeping their strange otherworldly happiness. Homunculus find joy in everything and always look on the bright side. 

Homunculi often have gray, leathery skin. They have tiny snouts and little eyes, from which they observe with curiosity anything that moves.

Life is short

Though they live for almost 150 years, homunculus live every day as it could be their last. They make friends in minutes, and fall in love almost instantly. Yes, though they can't reproduce, homunculus are almost always hopeless romantics, always searching for that special someone. Homunculi can fall in love with anyone, though their size causes that they most often fall for pixies and other small races.

Loyal as they may be, homunculus are also incredibly fickle of character. One second they could be enraptured by the presence of a beautiful butterfly, the next they could be squishing it with a rock and eating it.

Home is where the heart is

Homunculus do not have kingdoms or society. There are so few of them that they almost never meet one another. They move around, never staying in one place until they marry or find adoptive family, and even then with difficulty. The less adventurous ones may find home in gutters and attics, or purchase themselves a small hut, but really never have a material home. After all, home is where the heart is.

Homunculus Names

Homunculus rarely have anything more than a nickname. They cannot speak as to say what their name is, so many live without, taking up nicknames of any sort, with no particular language.

Homunculus Traits

Your homunculus character has a number of traits in common with all other homunculi.

Magical wings

You have a pair of leathery wings on your back, which grant you a flying speed of 40 feet.

Homunculus speech

You are unable to verbally speak the languages you know.

Alchemical resistance

Your alchemical or magical origin grants you resistance to poison damage.

Ability Score Increase

Your dexterity score increases by 2, and your intelligence score increases by 1.

Age

A homunculus does not believe in aging, and perishes around the middle of their second century.

Alignment

Most homunculus are chaotic good. They are often compassionate and kind, hate to see others in pain, and are overly generous. Believing everyone as equals, they chaff under the demands of royalty or nobles, and will act immediately if they witness any kind of slavery or servitude, reminded by their painful memories among their creator.

Size

Halflings average about 1 feet tall and weigh about 25 pounds. Your size is Tiny.

Arcane origins

Being derived by literal arcane magic, you have a natural aptitude towards the art. You gain the prestidigitation cantrip.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 20 feet.

Homunculus expertise

Due to your natural curiosity and learning aptitudes, you gain proficiency for an extra skill.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common. The creators of homunculi generally do not bother teaching them many things, letting them learn for themselves.