Homebrew Crustacear Species Details
“THAT'S MY SHINY PEBBLE WITH A HOLE IN IT! CLAWS OFF!"
—Gorse the Grouse
Though sitings of solitary crustacear are common along the coasts of Piffling, it is unknown if they have a society of their own under the waves. Individual crustacear are often hostile and territorial, though some choose to live amongst the other peoples of the Piffling, often working as fishermen or sailors. It is not uncommon for crustacear to be found as younglings and raised by other races.
The history of the crustacear is as mysterious as their culture. Sailors stories vary wildly, though the more common theories are that they are some natural creature of the ocean floor, escaped magical creations, servants of the illithid, or arrivals from some other world.
Carcinisation
Like the wild creatures with whom they share traits, crustacear have tough armoured hides, raised eyestalks and powerful claws. Their claws are surprisingly dexterous... for a crab.
Crustacear have four lower limbs which they use for their distinctive sideways gait. In addition to their powerful claw arms, they have four short lower limbs on their abdomen which can be used alongside their upper arms to complete tasks that other races would use opposable thumbs for! Though not well suited for detailed work or handling delicate items, crustacear can complete most tasks given a bit of time. Their personal belongings tend to be adapted to suit this unique physiology.
Crustacear Traits
Your crustacear character has the following traits. A few of the traits give you a choice.Ability Score Increase
Your Constitution score increases by 2, and one other ability score of your choice increases by 1.
Age
Crustacear are known to live to be at least 200, though possibly much longer.
Alignment
Crustacear have a reputation for aggressive behaviour, though this is not always deserved.
Size
Crustacear continue to grow slowly over the course of their lives, shedding their shell every few years as they outgrow it and forming a replacement over the next few days. Crustacear tend to be very shy while forming a new shell but very proud of it once the process is complete.
Your size is Medium. To set your height and weight randomly, start with rolling a size modifier:
Size modifier = 1d4 for every decade you have been alive
Height = 4 feet plus your size modifier in inches
Weight in pounds = 270 + (4 × your size modifier)
Speed
Your base walking speed is 30 feet. Your base swimming feed is 30 feet.
Ocean Native
You are a native of the ocean floor, represented by the following benefits:
- You can breathe underwater.
- You have dark vision out to 30 feet.
- You have a swimming speed of 30 feet.
- Many crustacear move sideways when walking, though there are exceptions.
- You have advantage on saving throws to move you or knock you prone against your will.
Pincers of Power
Your weapons are always in reach! Instead of using a weapon to make a melee weapon Attack, you can use your pincers. On a hit, your pincer attack deals piercing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier. You are proficient with your pincer strikes.
Your pincers do not prevent you from making unarmed strikes if you wish. You can still attack with a head-butt, kick, elbow strike or similar forceful blow (none of which count as weapons).
Enduring Exoskeleton
You have a natural defensive exoskeleton, which can be enhanced with armor:
- You gain a +1 bonus to Armor Class.
- You can don only armor with which you have proficiency. To don armor other than a shield, you must use your claws to shape it to your body over the course of 1 hour, during which you remain in contact with the armor. To doff armor, you must spend 1 hour removing it. You can rest while donning or doffing armor in this way
Crab of all Trades
You gain one skill proficiency and one tool proficiency of your choice.
Languages
You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice.
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