Homebrew Gator Folk Species Details

Deep in the darkest swamps of the world, where no sane thinking being could live, dwell a large society of Crocian known as "The Gator Folk". Surrounded by a deadly environment, savage predators, unforgiving disease, and impossible isolation, the tribal reptilians have managed to not only survive, but thrive.

The Gator Folk spend much of their time just floating or relaxing in the sun, enjoying good food, warm sun, and the company of their friends and family. The rare outsider who has seen them generally describes them as lazy, slow, and stupid. However, that could not be further from the truth.

When the need arises, a Gator Folk can move with astonishing swiftness, prepared to unleash a savage ferocity that matches their fearsome appearance. Cunning and vicious, these scaled warriors strike hard and fast. Some among the Gator Folk even revel in cruelty, toying with their prey for hours on end.

Alone In The Muck

Nestled upon the mud banks alongside the rivers and streams of the deep swamp, villages of Gator Folk dot the ill-defined coastline. The muddy terrain, fluctuating randomly between ground and water, is difficult to navigate for purely terrestrial or aquatic species, but it is perfect for the xenophobic Gator Folk.

Friendly and welcoming with each other, Gator Folk are very distrustful of outsiders. They will generally sneak into the dark waters when they suspect someone is approaching, and watch silently. if it looks like the visitors will simply pass on through, they are allowed to leave unmolested, But if the trespassers attempt to stop or rest in Gator Folk territory, they'll likely be the target of a small war party.

These war parties will also be formed when a large or numerous amount of beasts threaten a clan, sometimes even an entire delta. Trolls, Naga, Bullywugs, and even the occasional Black Dragon have been known to find themselves on the receiving end of a Gator Folk attack.

Dark Gods and Bright Trumpets

The Gator Folk worship a peculiar set of spirits, known as the Vo'dahn. In their minds, the gods themselves are too far away to bother with mere mortals, but the Vo'dahn can be persuaded to interfere when called or bribed. Vo'dahn Priests occupy a strange place in the Gator Folk community. Although they are respected and praised for their benevolent magics, they are also feared for their strange rituals and forbidden knowledge.

Arcane magic is not unheard of amongst the Gator Folk, either. A warlock may make a pact with one of the Vo'Dahn or lesser spirits, while the rare sorcerer intimidates the commoners with his obscene powers. The Gator Folk can be a celebratory, friendly bunch when there are no enemies nearby, making a bard a very well-loved member of the clan. Only wizards are truly unknown, as there is no formal school of wizardry in the deep swamp.

The Vo'dahn

Dambala: Domains: Trickery and Arcana. Alignment: Neutral Evil. Appearance: Serpent.

Legba: Domains: Knowledge and Light. Alignment: Chaotic Neutral. Appearance: Cockeral.

Lukoa: Domains: Life and Nature. Alignment: Neutral Good. Appearance: Bluebird.

Ogoun: Domain: War. Alignment: Chaotic Neutral. Appearance: Boar.

Samedi: Domain: Death. Alignment: Lawful Neutral. Appearance: Turtle.

Shango: Domain: Tempest. Alignment: Chaotic Nuetral. Appearance: Winged Snake.

Gator Folk Names

Gator Folk names tend to be difficult for outsiders to pronounce, with a lot of silent letters and illogical phonetic combinations. They rarely refer to each other by their given names, preferring to use nicknames and pet names.
Male Names: Alcide, Badeaux, Clarence, Delacroix, Etienne, Henri, Juste, Maurice, Papite, Placide, Telemaque.
Female Names: Adele, Babin, Clothilde, Enola, Jehane, Lafelur, Mattie, Odalia, Sherri, Therese, Vallier.

Gator Folk Height and Weight

Greenscale Base Length: 11'10". Length Modifier: +2d8. Base Weight: 150 lbs. Weight Modifier: x5.
Brownscale: Base Length: 12'4". Length Modifier: +3d6. Base Weight: 165 lbs. Weight Modifier: x6.
Blackscale: Base Length: 10' 5". Length Modifier: +2d6. Base Weight: 135 lbs. Weight Modifier: x4.
Greyscale: Base Length: 12' 0". Length Modifier: +2d8. Base Weight: 155 lbs. Weight modifier x5.
Jadescale: Base length: 10'9". Length Modifier: +2d6. Base Weight: 140 lbs. Weight Modifier: x4.

Gator Folk Traits

Formidable Swamp Dwellers

Powerful Jaws

You possess a Bite attack & can grapple as a bonus action.

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength score increases by 2.

Natural Swimmer

You gain advantage on any Strength (Athletics) check made in the water, and have a swim speed equal to your walking speed. In addition, you can hold your breath for 30 minutes.

Sobek's Touch

You gain advantage on perception checks involving touch and on perception checks in the water.

Tough Hide

Your thick scales provide a strong natural armor. When unarmored, your AC is equal to 11 + your Dexterity modifier.

Great Size

Much like their related crocodilian kin, Gator Folk grow to immense size.