Homebrew Formica (Ant-Folk) Species Details

Formica colonies are found within the depths of the underdark. Made up of a series of tunnels of their own creation, a Formica colony is one of the most well defended places within the dark corners of the underground. Protected by well-trained warriors and with entrances littered with traps and choke points, a truly monumental offensive must be taken on to breach these sanctums. Within, Formica live within a matriarchal society led by a noble Queen and succeeded by her daughters, her sons left to either live as they please within the colony or given the opportunity to decide what occupation they may work within the colony walls. All other Formica citizens have their jobs determined by a series of tests given to them early in life just after pupating. Young Formica are then given a mentor that will take them through the ins-and-outs of their new lifelong occupation. Formica that show that they are not cut out for their determined lot within the colony will often be moved to less intensive jobs. Many jobs are held at a high esteem within the colony, from the warrior women that defend and protect the winding halls of their society to the undertakers that dispose of those that pass on within the colony walls to the humble traders that hand over the deceased to any local Myconid colony in return for food. Formica and Myconid almost always find themselves working in mutualistic relationships within the underdark. The Formica undertakers will inoculate the deceased with Myconid spores to turn them into spore servants, while Formica traders will deliver these new fungal servants to the Myconids in return for a steady supply of food and agricultural assistance. Once a Formica society reaches a truly monumental size, the current Queen’s eldest daughter may take half of the colony’s population with her to go and settle a new colony far from their existing one to ensure a continued spread throughout the underdark and a maintaining of crucial supplies for both colonies.

Formica (Ant-Folk) Traits

Ye Be Mighty

Ye Be Mighty

You count as two sizes larger regarding your carry capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift. You also do not gain disadvantage when using a weapon with the Heavy trait.
Colony Minded. When you take the Help action to assist an ally, you can add your Strength modifier to their roll.

A Job for Everyone.

You were given a job when you were able to work, gaining a mentor that taught you everything they know.

Cantrip

You can cast the Acid Splash cantrip.

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength score increases by 2 and your Intelligence increases by 1

Darkvision

Accustomed to living deep underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet 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 grey.

Age

Formica spend a year as a worm like larva, then 2 years as a pupa before emerging as a Formica child, aging and growing at roughly the same rate as humans. Royalty in their colonies are known to live twice as long.

Size

Formica are between 3 and 4 feet tall and average 100 pounds. Your size is Small.

Language

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

Proficiency

You gain proficiency with one type of Artisan’s Tools.
Language. You can speak, read, and write Common and Undercommon.

Colony Minded

When you take the Help action to assist an ally, you can add your Strength modifier to their roll.