Homebrew Slothkin (CAD 2018) Species Details

We spent days wondering why the people of Phandelin we're clinging those cute but strange animals... By the time we reached the capital just about everyone we came in contact with had one draped around their necks. It wasn't until we picked one up ourselves that we really understood... now we live and die....for the Slothkin!!

— Dram, Half-Orc Host

 Slothkin give the appearance of being quite cute and adorable, when reality they hide a secret. Luring and coercing prospective hosts to pick them up and carry them, they take control of them to do as they will. 

A Means to An End

Slothkin overcame their psychical inabilities and slow movement speed by adopting the traits of their hosts. Mentally superior to most races and extremely charismatic, Slothkin for centuries have been using this psionic method as a means of survival.

Before hosts were the norm however they were unable to truly experience what the world had to offer. Slow movement hindered their ability to travel cutting them off from trade or outside goods. Many races didn't even think them to be intelligent. Living in forested seclusion many Slothkin we're inevitably captured as nothing more than pets. Kept in city zoos for children of other races to gawk at and throw peanuts to. 

As they sat however they plotted. Honing their telepathic skills until one day they rose up and took control. Hosted, they now have the ability conquer whole lands should they choose to and learn things they would never have learned perched on some tree in the forest.

Bonding Time

Before Slothkin can take control of a host they must spend several days in close proximity melding their minds as one. This usually begins with a Slothkin making an extremely adorable smile towards their potential target, and then urging them to pick them up. Once attached to the host the Slothkin begins to coo, eliciting the psionic response in the subject of needing to be pet and cared for. 

Once pet however very small algae on their fur reacts with the hosts skin and over the course of three days, the Slothikin gains control of their new host.

This bond lasts until the host or the Slothkin passes on. Longer lived hosts such as Elfs and Dwarfs are tended to be passed down from family member to family member much they way other races would pass down a pet bird or a horse. The inherited takes on the role of the original host just where is his predecessor left off.

Slothkin Names & Professions

 Slothkin parents take an extremely long time to name their offspring and have been known to be quite indecisive. This is why many Slothkin choose not to have a name until they take a host, then they adopt the host's name to avoid suspicion. This also can be true when choosing a profession as many of the host's original confidants might find it odd if one day they decided to become a wizard when they used to be a baker.

Slothkin (CAD 2018) Traits

Your Slothkin character has the following racial traits.

Ability Score Increase

Your Charisma score increases by 3, and your Dexterity score decreases by -2.

Age

Slothkin have short lived lifespans despite the fact they move quite slow. One would assume they are much like a tortoise or elephant however, a Slothkin reaches adulthood around their first year of age, and the oldest of them can live for about 30 years. No one and quite explain why.

Alignment

Slothkin despite their cute and fuzzy exterior are most of the time Lawful Evil. Their psychic abilities giving way to their true intentions, as they use them to control their hosts and conquer entire cities. They then use the mind controlled people to construct lavish habitats for them and to wait on them hand and foot.

While Good Slothkin can exist, due to their highly lax culture it is rare for one to break away from the norm.

Size

Slothkin are between 2 and 3 feet tall and weigh between 15 and 30 pounds. Your size is Small.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet, while on your host. 5ft if you are without your host. You are knocked off your host if hit by a critical hit.

Host's Synergy

A Slothkin's host is just as important as choosing a mate or what to eat for the day. Your host is where you will be perched for the majority of your adventures. They are considered pets by the Slothkin, however your psionic bond with them makes it unnecessary for them to require food or drink. Once a Slothkin attaches to a host, they gain some of the traits of their host's race. This has proven to be most beneficial to the Slothkin and has been done for hundreds of years. There are however races that a Slothkin just will not bond to out of spite or civil disagreement.

Your host is nothing more than a commoner you have coerced into letting you ride them. Should you become dismounted by way of a critical hit, you lose the abilities of that race until you spend your action to remount them.

During this time the host is vulnerable to attack and has the potential to die. Should this occur a new bond must be formed with a new host with your Bonding Time ability. (You may add the commoner as a mount in the creatures tab, by selecting mount and then commoner)

Bonding Time

In the event your host dies you may attach to another humanoid creature within 5ft of you as an action, as long as it is one of an acceptable race. The new host makes a CHA save DC = 8 + CHA Modifier + your Proficiency Bonus. On a failed save the creature becomes your new host. You may use it to regain your 30ft movement speed, however 3 long rests must pass before you can fully bond with it and use its racial abilities.

Once the bond is complete you may select the race of your new host as you did when choosing your first host.

Enduring Charm

As a bonus action, you can use your Enduring Charm to cast Charm Person without expending a spell slot. You can’t use it again until you finish a long rest.

Perfectly Still

Your total lack of movement makes it easier to hide and for others to not notice your presence. You may add your proficiency bonus to stealth checks when attempting to hide.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, and Telepathy