Homebrew
Fledermaus
The Flederfolk may fly, but they have never soared. The origin of the Batkin is shrouded in mystery, from the Abyssal answer to aarakocra, to a forgotten love saga with the first kenku - but the most commonly accepted version tells of an isolated drow village who turned to worshipping the icon of a bat god in their hour of need. Upon discovering this apostasy Lolth cursed the village forever in their false god’s image, so they would never walk among their cities again.
Leather, Glass and Poison Tooth
Anyone who first gazes upon fledermaus may be forgiven for their double take. Though there are variations (Strellar, Tropic and Nosferatu) all share notable leathery wings, pointed fangs and aversion to sunlight. Upon closer inspection, their claws shine a glossy black and are functionally exact to obsidian. Fledermaus are sometimes hunted for their claws, leather, and poisoned teeth. There may be a difference in size between genders. Markings vary between families, cultures and location.
Flight, or More Flight, or Murder
An innate suspicion of everything is built into the culture of Batfolk. Distrustful and secretive, shunned and hunted, earning their trust is an uphill battle, and to be trusted by one is a mark of patience and good character. Once lost, that trust will never be earned back.
Mannerisms vary among subraces. A Strellar is smaller, often with a larger family, and tends more towards nervousness and fidgeting. They are the most talkative and what they lack in power, they make up for in information that may be shared for a plate of mice or hearty bugs.
Tropic, as per their name, take residence in warmer climates. They feast on fruit, live in smaller groups and prefer relaxation to all things. A Tropic is less likely to distrust you so much as pity someone who needs to work so hard to find enjoyment.
From the deepest Underdark beneath frosted mountains come the Nosferatu. Though any fledermaus can defend themselves with poisoned teeth, Nosferatu are fearsome, literally bloodthirsty warriors and hermits. If more than one pup is born in a roost, the strongest cannibalises the weaker ones. The mother will leave if this happens, content with her child knowing how to kill.
Fledermaus Names
Given their unique use of sound, many members of the Batfolk will have names unpronounceable by any other race. Pronouncing a name properly is a mark of honour for an outsider. For their use in other societies, they adopt names appropriate to themselves and their needs. Some use a name or word that has been used around them frequently.
Any Fledermaus: Screech, Bat, Fang, Screamer, Ears, Leather.
Strellar names: Flick, Bugeater, Fuss, Whistle, Snik, Tap Tap.
Tropic names: Fruit, Sunned, Juice, Hammock, Leaf, Treeborne.
Nosferatu names: Blood, Death, Frost, Slicer, Darkness, Roar.
FLEDERMAUS BACKGROUNDS AND CLASSES
A hermit, folk hero, or outlander would all be appropriate for a typical fledermaus. Think about your character’s place in the world - do they prowl the Underdark? Work as a messenger? Steal all they can to survive in the big city? A ranger would make good use of sonar, as would a rogue. Bloody rage of a Nosferatu lends itself to barbarianism. Perhaps your modern maus is makes use of its bonus intelligence as an artificer. They may believe themselves cursed, but the Batfolk are not without opportunity.
Fledermaus Traits
When choosing a fledermaus as your character ask your DM first. To fly 30ft at first level is nothing to cough at, particularly as that cough also contains sonar.
Darkvision
Your darkvision is 60ft.
Ability Score Changes
Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Intelligence score increases by 1. Your strange appearance, voice and mannerisms give you disadvantage on Charisma ability checks, and your sensitivity to light makes you vulnerable to fire damage.
Age
Like their flying cousins, the aarakocra, fledermaus don’t live nearly as long as humans - a 50 year old Batfolk is rare indeed, but documented in the more peaceful species. Nosferatu are noted to have only died in battle, so it is unknown how long the solitary creatures actually live. Fledermaus are functioning members of society at around five years of age.
Size
Fledermaus have varied heights, weights and sizes. The smallest would be the same height and lighter than a halfling, with the largest meeting eye to eye with a firbolg.
Speed
Your base walking speed is 25 feet.
Flight
You have a flying speed of 30 feet. To use this speed, you can’t be wearing medium or heavy armor.
Poison Fang
Your fangs are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal piercing damage equal to 1d4 + your Dexterity modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike. The target then rolls a DC 10 Constitution save, taking 1d4 poison damage on a failure.
Languages
You can speak, read, and write Common, Undercommon, and Auran. You have 30ft of sonar also active in the air, listed as Tremorsense.
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