Homebrew Chiropterran Species Details

Chiropterrans or 'Batlings' as they are sometimes called are a race of small humanoid figures covered with furry skin that range in colours of blacks, browns, greys and whites. Most have large, flattened snouts and rows of small, sharp fangs in their mouths. Their most distinguishing feature are their large, pointed ears which can detect the smallest noise with ease. They have developed a kind of echolocation using high-pitched squeaks and clicks that are imperceptible to most other creatures. This has allowed them to develop limited blindsight that allows them to see around them in their immediate vicinity. They do however also rely on their keen eyes to see beyond this limited range through darkness. Unlike true bats, most chiropterrans have no wings, only vestigial skin flaps beneath their armpits, with many lacking even that. Those who do, tend to hide it beneath their clothing as it serves no real purpose. 

Most Chiropterran colonies are found either within cave systems or large forests, where they can climb up cave walls or tree trunks with ease with the help of their clawed hands and feet. It is here that they are able to build their homes either within the rock or the wood. As such, many colonies are found near to both dwarven and elven settlements and have relatively amicable relationships with these races. 

Chiropterrams have a primarily carnivorous diet made up of insects, other invertebrates and amphibians. They do however also grow and farm mosses, lichens and fungi as well to supplement their diets. Some colonies of Chiropterrans domesticate large insects, amphibians and reptiles as sources of food, mounts and beasts of burden. It can be quiet common to find forest dwelling colonies to have hunting parties ride upon the backs of giant frogs or cave dwelling colonies to have trained giant spiders or even centipedes to aid in the hunt. 

Chiropterrans tend to have inquisitive personalities and tend towards good and neutral alignments. However, as with all races there are outliers who move towards evil.

 

Chiropterran names

Chiropterrans choose a variety of names, usually only consisting of one or two syllables. Most names usually have the phonemes for E or I in them due to the high pitched squeaks and clicks of their language. Chiropterrans have no specific gender names. Some examples are Vek, Zikki, Seeti, and Kywee.

Chiropterran Traits

Your chiropterran character has certain characteristics in common with all other chiropterran.

Sensitive hearing

All chiropterrans have a keen sense of hearing. You gain proficiency in perception and have advantage on perception checks to hear anything. Your keen hearing does give you disadvantage on saving throws to resist being deafened and spells with the thunder damage type.

Ability Score Increase

Your Wisdom score increases by 2. Dexterity score increases by 1

Age

Chiropterrans mature by age 10. They can live up to 70 years.

Size

Chiropterrans are between 3 and 4 feet tall and average about 35 pounds. Your size is Small.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 25 feet. Your climbing speed is the same as your walking speed.

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.

Echolocation

Due to keen hearing and a series of high pitched squeaks and clicks, chiropterrans have excellent echolocation. While not deafened, you have blindsight in a 15ft radius.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Chiropterran. The Chiropterran language uses clicks and squeaks when spoken and a series of grooves and depressions carved into wood, paper and stone when written down.