Homebrew Bugfolk Species Details

It’s a rare occasion that you might come across a Bugfolk in your travels. Small in stature, and skin ranging from light green, to charcoal black, they turn heads wherever they go. But only a fool looks at the Bugfolk and sees nothing more than bug like  humanoids. Their physical shape notwithstanding, Bugfolk have more in common with ants, or bees than they do with humans, dwarves, or elves. They will kill without hesitation if it helps the colony.

Despite their alien outlook, some Bugfolk make an effort to understand and, in their own manner, befriend people of other races. Such Bugfolk make faithful and skilled allies.

Hive mind

The colonies of Bugfolk are ones of order and precision. They use one mind to hunt, attack, grow food, and trade. Every Bugfolk in a colony comes from their one queen. Each one has a job. These jobs are worker, soldier, and politician. Each works to help the colony thrive and grow. Everything is connected to move the colony along. 

Ruthless minds

Bugfolk believe in the value of community and life, and will do anything to protect it. It is best to befriend the Bugfolk, because if not, you are considered an enemy. Bugfolk attack in groups, to overpower those who are much larger then them. Most monsters steer clear of Bugfolk, in fear of their full power. It follows, too, that Bugfolk aren’t inclined to carry grudges. A warrior might react with sudden violence to an insult, but when the fight is over, the insult is forgotten—along with the vanquished foe.

Names

Bugfolk prefer simple, non-gender-specific names that are usually no more than two syllables. These names are for those who don’t speak Terran. True Bugfolk names are a series of clicks, clacks, and foaming of the mouth.

Male and Female Names: Noku, Gar, Gara, Ini, Jha, Kleik, Krug, Lim, Lop, Nork, Nulka, Olox, Ploxwat, Quee, Queg, Quott, Tib, Uboh, Uhok, Wabu, Xelbuk, Xopa, Yog

Bugfolk Traits

You gain these traits most commonly found in the bugfolk race.

Ability Score Increase

Your constitution score increases by 1.

Darkvision

You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Unarmed defense

You have a tough, hard exoskeleton. When you aren’t wearing armor, your AC is 13 + your Dexterity modifier. You can use your natural armor to determine your AC if the armor you wear would leave you with a lower AC. A shield’s benefits apply as normal while you use your natural armor.

Barbs

Your barbs are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Hive mind

Being born in a hive links you together with your brothers and sisters. When within 30 feet of another Bugfolk, you gain advantage on anything that relies on sight.

Size

Aarakocra are about 4-5 feet tall. They have thin, lightweight bodies that weigh between 80 and 100 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Alignment

Most Bugfolk serve their queen, so they tend towards lawful, but rarely try to contest moral struggle, so neutral.

Age

Bugfolk reach maturity in the same year they are born. Compared to humans, Bugfolk don’t usually live longer than 50 years, besides the queen, who lives for hundreds of years.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Terran.