Homebrew Chiropterae Species Details

Tucked within the forests, in the deepest parts of the dampest caves, you may find a colony of the Chiroptera people. They have large, triangular ears, upturned snouts, and squinted eyes. Their bodies are usually neutral in tone, with short, stubby legs, claw-like feet. Leathery skin is stretched over bones extending from their arms to create wings. These batfolk are mostly nocturnal and dwell in small spaces where they can tuck in close with one another. To a chiroptera, their colony is everything, and they tend to be fiercely defensive of their clans despite being primarily pacifists. They migrate in a cycle between their summer and winter homes. Outside of this migration, however, they do not travel much and live mostly domestic lives, although this may incite wanderlust in some eager Chiropterae.

Tight-Knit Society
Chiropterae live in colonies of approximately thirty. All colony members know each other and they tend to be wary of but cordial towards non-Chiropterae. Batfolk are traditionally particularly close to their family. They live in matriarchial societies, although colonies have no formal leader. The eldest females of each family in a colony convene to make important decisions. As a colony, they share all material resources. Chiropterae clans, on the rare occasion that they interact with other clans, are friendly and diplomatic with each other. Centuries ago, when the colonies separated into different geographical locations, they made the Vesper Pact that created peace between colonies and designated land to the clans.

Dedicated Mates
Only death or a horrid act from one towards the other could drive a Chiropterae couple apart. Their romantic relationships are monogamous and usually for life. Annual flight displays occur in the spring and act as marriage proposals. Should the recipient choose to accept, Chiropterae symbolically marry in autumn in grand, colony-wide celebrations. If they are in a committed relationship, batfolk are fiercely loyal to their mates, defending them with their lives. They usually have 2 to 3 children over their lifetimes.

Jovial Nature
Chiropterae are usually warm natured. They treat others with kindness and quickly earn the trust of others. However, they are wary of non-Chiropterae they do not know intimately and it takes much time, dedication, or both to fully earn the trust of a Chiroptera. If one manages to earn a Chiroptera's trust, they will treat that person as if they are a colony-mate, sharing their posessions and knowledge. They would give almost anything for a loved one, outsider or not. From an early age, batfolk are taught that their word is sacred, and promises must be upheld at all costs. A promise or vow from a Chiroptera is one of the most valuable things in the world to have.

A Skilled People
While they are not fighters and choose to work through adversity with diplomacy over a warm cup of tea, a few select members of each clan are usually trained in combat for emergency situations. The rest of the colony members tend to take up more domestic skills, usually involving plant life, such as woodworking or herbalism. They are a practical people, and therefore prioritize immediately useful skills, but music and fine arts are present in Chiroptera culture. Their art is usually integrated into tools and utensils and features natural motifs like leaves and fungi. Music is made through combining their high-pitched chirping with organic sounds.

Chiropterae Traits

+2 to Dexterity and +1 to Charisma, Winged Flight, Nimble Feet, Echolocation, Expert Hearing, Sunlight Sensitivity

Winged Flight

Your flying speed is 40 feet, however, your wings are attached to your arms. While flying, you can cannot use items with your arms. Additionally, to fly, you cannot be wearing Medium or Heavy Armor. 

Nimble Feet

Your feet are designed for grasping and manipulating items after years of hanging upside down in your sleep. You can manipulate and hold up to one item or spellcasting focus with your feet during flight. 

Echolocation

Due to your keen hearing, you have Blindsight to 30 feet. You cannot use this Blindsight if you are under the Deafened condition.

Expert Hearing

You have advantage on all Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing.

Sunlight Sensitivity

Due to being well-adapted to dark environments, their eyesight is not well suited to daylight. While in sunlight, you have disadvantage on all Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.

Alignment

They are generally cheerful people and tend towards a good alignment.

Size

Chiropterae average 3 feet tall. Your size is Small.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 20 feet.

Creature of the Night

Chiropterae primarily function in the wee hours. Instead of sleeping at night, you sleep for at least 4 hours during the day. 

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Chiropteran (a language comprised of high-pitched clicks and whistles), and one other language of your choice.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2 and your Charisma increases by 1.

Age

Chiropterae age twice as fast as humans until adulthood at age 12. Their lifespan is approximately 65 years, but there have been records of Chiropterae living to 75 or 80.