Homebrew Cicada Species Details

Day 126.

Truly, I have had the most shocking yet pleasant surprise today. As I continue on my journey of searching for new interesting lands and creatures, I stumbled across an odd sound. A loud buzzing that shook me to my core, beautiful yet chilling. Whether it be my fear or curiosity I stood there, still, silent, waiting for a beast to appear. But rather than a beast, a bug dug up from the ground, a bag with cut out holes to see through, over her head. She apologized and introduced herself, Cloth. She was shy and nervous at first, but began to warm up the longer we talked. We shared stories, I showed her my journal and I think she would like to join me. While I am one for journeying alone, I have to admit, I think I would really enjoy her company.

— Nola, The Explorer

Cicadas are a helpful yet shy bunch of bugs. Renowned for their skills as tunnel makers and knowledge of what lurks underground, they provide great knowledge to adventurers or miners. However, because of their reclusive nature they are also very hard to find.

Gentle Giants

Bold and hardy, cicadas are known as skilled warriors, miners, and workers of stone and metal. They stand well over 8 feet tall, with muscles and a hardened shell to back it up. Cicadas are so broad in fact that they can weigh as much as a garpedle standing nearly two feet taller. Despite their harden and often intimating exterior, cicadas are shy creatures, but do not let that fool you. They are more than capable of taking down the toughest of enemies with one good hit.

Cicada are very similar in appearance to their common bug allies. Their shells vary from blues, blacks, browns and greys; a white, mask like face with a visible mouth or pincers. Unlike most common bugs, they do not have horns or fur. Cicadas also have wings, while they are too small and rigid to fly, they help to create odd melodies and act as a form of communication to all who understand their buzz.

Clans of Clouds

Cicada groups, often referred to as clouds, can be found secluded from the bustling and intimating cities and kingdoms. Found deep underground, cicadas tend to form smaller towns and close-knit communities with one another, living off of scavenged and traded goods from passers by. Cicada Choirs are known for their spontaneous singing, usually happening when one Cicada starts a tune while working and another hears it and joins in. This continues until the tune or song is finished. This singing, if loud enough, can be heard by surface dwelling bugs, who sometimes can find it annoying since it can happen no matter the time of day or night. It is rare to find other bugs within these communities, but trustworthy members of other races are welcome into these clouds, though some areas are off limits even to them.

Cicadas in other lands are typically artisans, especially weapon smiths, armorers, and jewelers. Some become bodyguards, highly sought after for their strength and intimating exterior.

Creatures of the Wilds

Cicadas are built strong and sturdy for a reason, in most cases, they live in the far wilds away from the structure and security of cities. In the past, Cicadas have mainly foraged their own food. However, as a result of the developing and growing kingdoms of other bugs Cicadas have been scared off of their usual habitat and force to find residence elsewhere, unless they wish to try and adapt to city life. Over time Cicadas have developed the skills to become scavengers as well as foragers, taking advantage of the thrown away items or utilizing natural materials from hunts to be put to use in creating tools they need to survive. It also has become a tradition for these Cicada to treasure their first scavenged item when they are young, as it’s a show of the start of their transition into becoming an independent adult. Depending on the item, the young cicada may carry or wear it on their person or have it displayed in their home.

Big Hearts

Cicadas are mostly independent creatures, only having a few connections to other bugs. These bonds however, are strong. Cicadas are determined and loyal, forming strong bonds that will last a life time, if not longer. True to their word and decisive in action, sometimes to the point of stubbornness. If one is to take up the adventuring life, it is best that other bugs stay on their good side and work along side them, as in most cases, a cicada will always have your back, even in the toughest of places. For those who have lost friends in combat, they will do whatever they can to honour their life or seek revenge; doing right by them in anyway they know how until they can meet once more in the after life.

Strong yet Shy

Cicadas get along passably well with most other races, though interactions are limited. Their recluse nature makes them hard to find, but when a well-intentioned connection is established, those bond stay strong.

Butterflies. “They are very stunning and talented, but I don't think they could last too long in the wilds. It is much harsher out here than the city. They seem kind; maybe we can even sing together."

Mantis. “Hardened and skilled warriors, amazing to spar with! they are often confined to their home and tribe, and so am I, so it is rare that we cross paths. They’re pleasant folk. Very quite, I like that; their ability to hunt is also very admirable. I guess we aren't so different, well other than size of course.”

Common bugs. “So many bugs, good, bad. It's hard to say. They are a passionate group, always pushing to go further, to succeed. Their cities and technology can tell you that much. They tend to tell some amazing stories too of their adventures and sights they have seen. Sometimes I envy their bravery and large colonies.”

Names

A Cicada name is granted by an elder, and is often biased off of an attribute or item they acquired from their youth. More often than not, this could mean a young cicada who wears a burlap sac as a garb may be called burlap. Names are fairly androgynes as a result of the naming system, though it isn't uncommon for cicadas to adapt a new name later on in life.

Names: Burr, Claw, Click, Cloth, Dolly, Ember, Feather, Grumble, Mask, Stone, Sneeze, Thorn, Thread.

Cicada Traits

Your cicada character has an assortment of inborn abilities, part and parcel of cicada nature.

Ability Score Increase

Your Constitution score increases by 2.

Age

Cicadas mature at the same rate as common bugs, they reach maturity in their first century. On average, they live about 210 years.

Alignment

Most cicadas are lawful, believing firmly in the benefits of a well-ordered society. They tend toward good as well, with a strong sense of fair play and a belief that everyone deserves to share in the benefits of a just order.

Size

Cicadas stand between 8 and 10 feet tall and average about 200 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 25 feet. Your speed is not reduced by wearing heavy armor.

Tunneling

Your base tunneling speed is 15 feet. Your speed is not reduced by wearing heavy armor

Darkvision

Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you 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 gray.

Heavy Weight Combat Training

You have proficiency with the large club, battleaxe, handaxe, light hammer, and warhammer.

Burrowing Bug

As a cicada you have the ability to take one action to dig underground, giving yourself three-quarters cover and a d4 bonus to stealth (Though you must be still). However, while you are hidden, your perception of the world above is hindered; limiting your sight and rolling at disadvantage for perception checks. In combat, if an enemy is within a 5 foot radius, and you make a successful perception and AC check, you can leap from the earth grapple onto or attack them.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and communicate through buzzing. A cicadas buzz is full of high pitched clicking and buckling sounds, that can be heard by all for miles around. Different variations of the buzzing can evoke different different thoughts and feelings but can only be understood by other cicadas. 

Cicada Song

With your action you can unleash a loud buzzing war cry for all to hear in a 30 foot radius. You can pick up to three creatures of your choice, Whenever a target makes an attack roll or a saving throw before the spell ends (1 minute), the target can roll a d4 and add the number rolled to the attack roll or saving throw. Conversely, you can pick up to three creatures of your choice to make a DC Wisdom save. If they fail, they are [Tooltip Not Found] for one round. This can be used once per long or short rest.