Homebrew Lepiccoda (Mothfolk Insectoid Race) Species Details

Hidden deep with in forests, these hulking insectoids are a sight like no other. Sometimes called mothfolk, they tower over most humanoid races and their fluffy manes and scaley skin make them appear alien to both mammalian and reptilian races. They have mysterious origins, not quite from the material plane and not quite from the feywilds, spawning from somewhere in between.

The Tempting Flame

Lepiccoda have a unique relation to light. Their eyes have adapted to the dark by seeing contrast above all else. As a result, they are often distracted by the brightest light sources. Some find a comfort or bliss as they stare into bright lights like these, some feel a draw that, to them, feels sinful. Most lepiccoda refer to their morals as light or dark, "flying toward or away from the light" for example.

Nocturnal Nomads 

Due to their sensitivity to light, the lepiccoda are most active at night. Their shadowy forms flicker through the dark forests, twirling through tree branches and bouncing around the canopy. They travel far at night, almost like pilgrimages or migrations. They gather in sacred groves to annoint one another and share knowledge. Adventurers who know of these groves will often attempt to attend these moonlit gatherings, in hopes of garnering information about the woods or learning information about the surrounding lands.

Insectoid Mannerisms

The lepiccoda have an unusual lifecycle, existing as pupa, coccooning, and then emerginf fully grown. Without access to their adult antennae, they don't often have chances to connect with other non-insectoid creatures before their metamorphosis. During their coccooned state the can only communicate simple ideas telepathically. such as fear or charm. as a means of self-defense. As a result they often have trouble forming bonds with non-insectoids, and often prefer to stay secluded in their home forests.

Their mouths aren't suited to speak the languages many creatures use to communicate, but they are equipped to communicate with other insectoids. Even when telepathically communicating, the lepiccoda may make subtle clicks or buzzes as they communicate to get creatures accustomed to their bizarre patterns.

Lepiccoda have a habit of creating small silky threads in places they stay as a sort of nesting instinct of sorts. On the rare occasion that these creatures stay in an inn the keeper will usually have to clean the room thoroughly after a lepiccoda stays more than one night. Some creatures find comfort in the soft, albeit sticky, threads and sleep better around these gentle woodland giants.

When threatened, the lepiccoda try to puff up their fuzzy collars and spread their wings to make themselves appear even larger. This tactic usually works on smaller beasts of the woodlands, as a nine foot hulking shadow in the branches of a tree can be scary to even the toughest humanoid. However, in social settings where lepiccoda are out of their element, this natural response may only serve to make them less welcoming while they try to fit in.

Lepiccoda Names

As with many insectoids their names are often hard for non-insectoids to pronounce, consisting mainly of clicks, buzzes, and chirps. Typically, a name has two to three of these sounds. When interacting with other races, lepiccoda may use nicknames based on their home forest, the patterning of their wings, or a nickname given by a creature they consider a friend.

Lepiccoda may have some of these common names: Akiki, Auun, Brrint, Driit, Druka, Errk, Ikki, Kudrr, Quii, Quierk, Shku, Urreek, Zeed, Ztuti. 

LEPICCODA BACKGROUNDS

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

Lepiccoda usually live in solitary, but often build spread out communities in forests. These communities meet and annoint one another before going their separate ways. They continue to communicate until their telepathic annointments fade, but they use it to share knowledge and information about their home forests.

 

Lepiccoda (Mothfolk Insectoid Race) Traits

As a Lepiccoda, you are a strange forest creature. Your eyes are perceptive, but are easily distracted by bright lights. Your wings allow you to fly, but you fly with a spledid lack of grace. As with any hombrew, ask your DM before playing a Lepiccoda.

Ability Score Increase

Your Wisdom score increases by 2, and your Dexterity score increases by 1.

Age

Lepiccoda are born as pupa and they coccoon around the age of 6. They remain in their coccoons for 3-5 years and emerge as winged young adults. Lepiccoda have an average lifespan of 35 years.

Alignment

Lepiccoda are often unpredictable and most are chaotically aligned. They often choose a path of good or evil, rarely being neutral.

 

Size

Lepiccoda range from 7 to 9 feet tall. They appear to have large builds, but they are mostly covered in lightweight scales and fur, weighing between 80 and 100 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Starkvision

Your vision has evolved to focus on contrast in dark conditions. You can see in any light, bright or dark, within 120 feet of you as if it were dim light. You can't discern color, only shades of gray.

Flight

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

Erradic Flight

Lepiccoda fly in a baffling, wild pattern. Their movements through the air may not be the swiftest, but their unpredictability makes it easier for them to dodge projectiles.

While flying, you can use a bonus action to cause ranged attacks against you to be made with disadvatage.

Languages

You can only speak Insectoid, which sounds like a combination of buzzes and clicks. You undesrtand and can read Common, Sylvan, and Auran.

Empathetic Antennae

Because communicating with creatures has proven difficult in insectoid, the Lepiccoda have developed telepathy. You can annoint a creature with your antennae to establish a telepathic connection. You may communicate telepathically with these creatures so long as you share one language with the creature and you are both on the same plane of existence.

This connection lasts up to a number of hours equal to your proficiency bonus, but ends if you are no longer on the same plane of existence. 

Sunlight Sensitivity

You have disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight when you, the target of your attack, or whatever you are trying to perceive is in direct sunlight.