Homebrew Konchu Species Details

Resources deplete, weapons rust and shatter, spells become less potent, the craftsman of one era is displaced by the industry of the next, and even land becomes worthless with time. But information, say the konchu, is the one commodity that is always in demand. These insect-like creatures are brokers of information, and some say the greatest secret-keepers and supreme spies. Konchu are also known for their ability - and some, the willingness - to kill to protect their secrets.

PAINTED CARAPACE

Konchu resemble humanoid insects. Their hands are claws, their jaws mandibles. Their bodies are covered with a dark, rust-colored carapace. The also have tiny, fine hairs with which they ‘smell’ the surrounding air. In truth these hairs feel vibrations in their surroundings. Konchu ‘eat’ by vomiting forth acidic digestive juices to melt their prey and lapping up the result, a process that can take several hours in the case of a large meal. It can also be a horrifying sight to see for most. Konchu rarely wear clothes (except for concealing robes when moving about in public), instead painting elaborate clan, rank, and religious symbols on their exoskeletons.

HONORABLE SECRET KEEPERS

Konchu are excellent listeners; they prefer to hear than to be heard, and what they hear, they never forget. A konchu can be surprisingly personable, wheedling information from an unsuspecting informant. Konchu are fiercely independent of outside control, and just as fiercely loyal to their clans. Most are extremely honorable, never breaking a confidence, risking their lives for a few words on a contract - yet, their honor does not prevent them from turning on a long-time associate if someone else contracts their services. Konchu do not understand concepts like fidelity or friendship outside the bonds of family; they are loyal to the death to their kin and the agreements they bind themselves to, but any and all outsiders are fair game. Konchu value information above all else; to learn something from a konchu, one must tell him something he does not know.

TERRITORY AND HIVES

The konchu are a highly versatile and diverse race of insect-like humanoids who populate the surface, and in greater numbers, the Underdark. This leads many scholars to suggest the Underdark may be their place of origin. If the konchu know where they come from, they certainly aren’t telling. While they do appear on the surface fairly frequently, it’s usually among grassy plains or arid desert regions, their hives are in subterranean areas. They explore these underground areas for expansion and defense, and typically have territory disputes with other subterranean races.

EXPLORATION AND ADVENTURE 

Konchu adventure either as part of their information-gathering activities or because they have been severed from their clans. By far the majority of konchu adventurers are spies or assassins in good standing, the only difference being that they seek information held mostly by those already dead rather than brokering it among the living. Konchu cast out from their clans usually have few skills applicable outside the adventuring life; they may be out for no one but themselves, or they may adopt their adventuring companions as a surrogate clan. 

Konchu Language: Konchu communicate amongst themselves with a complex series of sounds, gestures and pheromones. Other humanoids have difficulty deciphering this language, much less reproducing it.

KONCHU NAMES

All konchu possess both a clan and a given name, but make no distinction between male and female names. These names are closely guarded secrets, as the konchu believe a true name can give power to magicians and witches - and, as they are the premier brokers of information, perhaps they are right. Konchu use nicknames outside their clans, favoring those that reflect shadows, knowledge, and the desert.

Clan Names: C’kat, Dar’rat, Kr’rt, T’kart, Za’tar

Given Names: Ch’ot, Kn’lod, Tak’fc, Ut’al, Ws’dm,

 

Konchu Traits

Your konchu character has unique traits due to their insect-like nature.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Konchu mature faster than humans, reaching adulthood around age 10, and rarely live longer than 80 years.

Alignment

Most konchu cleave strongly to tradition and contract - and their morals end there. The typical konchu are some form of lawful, or true neutral, but chaotic konchu are generally considered mad by their fellows and usually exiled.

Size

Konchu average about 6 feet to 7 feet tall and weigh about 260 pounds, with females being larger. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Blindsight

Due to the konchu’s fine body hair sensing motion and vibrations, you can perceive your surroundings without relying on sight to a range of 30 feet.

Carapace

Konchu have a hardened carapace. 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.

Poison Resilience

You have advantage on saving throws against poison, and you have resistance against poison damage.

Skulker

You have proficiency in the Acrobatics and Stealth skills.

Vermin Magic

You also know the acid splash cantrip. You can cast animal friendship an unlimited number of times with this trait, but you can target only vermin with it. Starting at 3rd level, you can also cast spider climb with this trait, but only on yourself. Once you cast it, you can't do so again until you finish a long rest. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Languages

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

*For the purposes of the Konchu language in D&D Beyond,  it was replaced with Sylvan.*