Rodentia (5e Race)

Rodentia

Physical Description

By skot johnson

Rodentia appear as anthropomorphized rats the size of humans. They have dense fur covering their entire body. Whiskers thicker than normal rats stick out from their snouts. They have a stocky, well built body build, sometimes on the leaner end, but always ectomorphic. One way to distinguish rodentia from a regular ratfolk would be the texture and smell of their fur. Rodentia fur has a distinct sheen when dry, like a glossy otter pelt. When wet, it feels slimy despite being water proof. It also smells, or as some would say, stinks, of the sea or seawater even when dry if you sniff closely. Due to this characteristic, rodentia are nicknamed "water rats."

History

Rats have been known to be able swimmers, but the rodentia are experts in particular. They are believed to have evolved from regular rats that used to live by the rivers. These rats already were quite anthropomorphic and showed great affinity for the rivers they resided near. The river gods convened and agreed to give the rats their special protection, placing them as special residents near their waters, amongst other races loyal to their domain. This protection granted rodentia the knowledge of how to navigate streams and avoid drowning due to increased capacity for swimming.

Rodentia are a quiet, peaceful folk, who show great loyalty to their River and their friends. However, from time to time, they are seized by sudden wanderlust and the desire for oceangoing. This has led to many of their kind vanishing as well as appearing in the communities of others far, far away. These wanderers occasionally find their way back after some generations, succeeded by their heirs. One particular rodentia was given special place in history due to his return bearing firearms. Thus, the favorite weapon of the rodentia was introduced.

Society

Whilst not as disparaging of society as badgers, rodentia tend to be an independent folk, not given to political intrigues. They live closely with other humanoid animals and anthropomorphic beasts like beastkin or anthromals. They exist like a community in a greater web, with their own autonomy and enclosure. Rodentia society is not so different from human society, with a ruling monarchy and similar hierarchy. The wanderlust that rodentia experience is known as when one finds "their Time." It is a common occurrence to find these individuals gone the next day, without having said a word. They are said to be following the spirit of the rivers, flowing around and emptying into the greater world. And by some miracle of nature, they will return, one way or another.

Rodentia Names

Rodentia are most familiar and comfortable with human names, as they have long lived in ancestry as the rats running underfoot in their cities.

Male: Ralph, Kenneth, Grahame, Peter, Edmund

Female: Lucy, Susan, Denise, Heidi, Josephine

Rodentia Traits

Design Note: This race uses the Firearms (5e Variant Rule)

Rodentia are sensible and level-headed, and they are generally a kind and diplomatic folk, but are quite prepared to swing a cudgel when necessary.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and either your Charisma or Wisdom score increases by 1.
Age. These rats reach maturity at the age of 3, and live to only around 30 years.
Alignment. Rodentia tend towards good and neutral alignments.
Size. They are just short of human height. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet, and you have a swimming speed of 40 feet.
Darkvision. 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.
Aquatic Travel. Guided by the river gods, you gained knowledge of seaworthy vessels. You are proficient with rowed vessels.
Cold Rations. Rodentia, by their vermin ancestry can eat poisoned or diseased food. You are immune to being poisoned by food and drink. You also are immune to contracting diseases by way of food or drink.
Off to The Wild World. You are proficient with one firearm of your choice. Also, you can make a repair check after a misfire without Tinker's Tools. Alternatively, in a campaign without firearms, you are proficient in two ranged weapons of your choice.
Rodentine Skill. As a rat still, you have a nose for trouble, as well as hidden things. You are proficient in the Investigation skill.
Slippery. Rodentia fur changes to a slimy texture when wet, which can make you hard to grab. Checks made to grapple you roll with disadvantage when you are soaked.
Languages. You can speak, read and write Common and one other language of your choice.

Random Height and Weight

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
4′ 0''	+2d6	55 lb.	× (2d4) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

---

Back to Main Page → 5e Homebrew → Races