Homebrew Gastrosapien Species Details

Gastrosapiens are said to have originated from the snails that lived in what is now their swampy homes. These snails allegedly gained a higher intellect after a roaming band of mages abandoned stock of potions near the water's edge. Soon after, these enlightened snails' bodies grew with their minds and became the beings that are seen today. They are commonly and erroneously thought to have come from the Feywilds.

 

Gastrosapiens were once thought by ancient peoples to be walking stomach sacs, hence their given name, which is literally "wise stomach." Today, they can be seen in large bogs and swamps in the far south in crude villages made from the rotten wood and damp earth that surrounds them. These villages are governed by a council of elders, who are fiercely respected by villagers. Occasionally, a few will leave their homes in search of supplies for their village, or to find adventure away from their humble start. Regardless of their motivation, a Gastrosapien will venture tirelessly until they have accomplished their goal.

 

Gastrosapien names are usually soft and vowel filled, such as "Uugo". As Gastrosapiens are hermaphrodites, like normal snails, they don't worry about male or female-specific names.

Gastrosapien Traits

Your genasi character has certain characteristics in common with all other genasi.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Gastrosapien. Gastrosapien is a sibilant language that uses the Elvish script.

Ability Score Increase

Your Constitution score increases by 2. Your Intelligence score increases by 1.

Age

The average lifespan of a Gastrosapien is comparable to that of a human.

Alignment

Most follow a neutral path and will act within reason of their current situation.

Size

A Gastrosapien's height may range from around 5'4 to as tall as 6'2. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 25 feet. In addition, you may pass through swampy environments or areas of waist-high water with no difficulty.

Soft Bodied

Your soft body is more malleable than other bodies and harder to infect with toxins and such. You have an advantage in saving throws against being poisoned and disease.

Hard Shelled

As an action, you may retreat into your shell. While in this state, you have a +4 bonus to your Armor Class, and you have an advantage on Strenght and Constitution saving throws, but every foot you move costs 4 additional feet, and you are prone. You can't take reactions, and the only action you can take is a bonus action to emerge from your shell.

Slick Mucus

Creatures attempting to grapple you have a disadvantage to doing so due to the thick coating of mucus. You may offer willing allies a coating of mucus to share this ability, however, they have a disadvantage on Charisma checks while they are coated. This lasts for an hour, or until the ally bathes.