Homebrew Otterfolk Species Details

I wasn’t quite sure what I was witnessing when I first entered an Otterfolk village. One was chasing many, and then many were chasing the one. Several slid down a muddy river bank, while wearing no clothes! It all looked quite enjoyable, so I dropped my robes and joined in the fun!

-Volothamp Geddarm

 

Large Hearts

These humanoids establish quick and trusting relationships with acquaintances they work with or deal with frequently. Otterfolk merchants are typically the most honest, trustworthy, and fair-priced.

Instant Charmers

Friendly creatures, the Otterfolk accept creatures for what they are. They see the good in everyone until they are proven wrong. Often the center of attention, they exude a positive, friendly aura and are extremely sociable.

Playful Creatures

Otterfolk enjoy playing games and practical jokes. It’s common to witness Otterfolk wrestling or chasing one another around in their villages. This same sight is quite surprising when witnessed in other humanoid cities and establishments. Though not typically gamblers, those who become adventurers often develop addictions to games of chance.

Strong Bonds

Otterfolk traveling away from their families and villages find the loss of the familial bond emotionally painful. To counter this loss, they often select one companion with which they travel, expressing this new bond by grooming them, holding their hand, staying near them, or other expressions of affection.

Not So Fast

Though acrobats in the water, Otterfolk tend to be clumsy on land. Their webbed-feet, short legs, and lanky bodies aren’t built for land travel, causing them to be a tad slower than most other humanoids. Still, they have quick reflexes and are quite nimble and stealthy.

Otterfolk Names

The Otterfolk language (Otterian) is a series of chirps, growls, squeals, clicks, purrs, and guttural noises. An example of a native Otterfolk name is Click-Gur-Click-Click Their native name is not often used when interacting with other humanoids. Instead, Otterfolk use names from other races when they venture outside their villages. Examples include Grun’tog the Mighty, Storm Redbeard, and Beatrix.

Quirks

Otterfolk have many habits that most other humanoids view as quirks. Some of these are:

• Eating with your mouth open
• Making noises while you chew
• Having a distinct, animal scent
• Rubbing the scent glands located on your cheeks with your hands
• Tending to your fur

Otterfolk Classes

Their charismatic nature tends to lead Otterfolk to chase careers as Bards or Paladins. Though Ranger and Druid have also been popular career paths for the adventuring Otterfolk. On occasion, an Otterfolk rogue is met, but they are typically of the Swashbuckler sort.

 

Otterfolk Traits

Your Otterfolk character has the following racial traits.

Ability Score Improvement

Your Charisma score increases by 2 and either your Dexterity score increases by 1 or your Intelligence score increases by 1.

Age

Otterfolk reach adulthood at age 18 and live up to age 85.

Alignment

Otterfolk are typically good, as they trust those they meet until that person proves them wrong.

Size

Otterfolk are between 5 and 6 feet tall and weigh between 125 and 185 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 25 feet, and you have a swimming speed of 30 feet.

Bite

Your powerful maw, filled with needle-like teeth, is a natural weapon, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit, you deal piercing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Cute & Cuddly

You have proficiency in the Persuasion and Performance skills.

Hold Breath

You can hold your breath for up to 8 minutes at a time.

Natural Acrobat

You have proficiency in the Acrobatics skill.

Protective Pelt

You have a thick pelt. When you aren’t wearing armor, your AC is 12 + 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.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Otterian, Common, and one other language of your choice.