Homunculus Folk

Homunculus folk, as called the homunculi, are originally alchemical creations, made by transmuters long ago. In the many generations since then, however, some of them have gained freedom and found their own way in the world. As this process unfolded over the centuries, these creatures have grown from tiny to small. The homunculi are roughly humanoid in shape, with round torsos and short, thin arms and legs, and bat-like wings that grow from their backs. Their skin resembles a lizard made of clay.

Ancestral Traits

All homunculi have certain traits.

Age. Homunculi reach adulthood in 15 years and live to about 60 years.

Size. Homunculi are two and a half feet tall, weighing 30 pounds. Your size is Small.

Speed. Their short legs struggle to move the homunculi very quickly, though their wings compensate. Your base speed is 20 feet and your flying speed is 30 feet.

Limited Flight. Homunculi have leathery wings that can provide them limited flight, as long as you are not wearing medium or heavy armor. You may remain aloft for up to 2 hours per day, all at once or in several shorter flights. You regain one hour of flying time when you complete a long rest.

Cultural Traits

Homunculi sometimes form small congregations of their kind, though they are also happy to live with people of other ancestries. Their communities tend to be calm and harmonious places, with their members focused on study or crafts, coming together to share updates on their latest projects. Indeed, their villages quite often have a studious and quiet air, with whole days passing without anyone doing much of anything aside from working happily on their chosen tasks.

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2 and your Intelligence by 1.

Alignment. Homunculi were once created to serve others above all else. Now that they are their neighbors are free, they are no longer constrained, but they still prefer order and harmony with one another, thus favoring law.

Alchemical Tradition. Homunculi embrace their alchemical heritage, studying the science themselves. You have proficiency with Alchemist’s Supplies.

Psychic Connection. The long history of homunculi serving wizards as familiars have taught them certain secret magical techniques for joining minds, techniques that they now teach to the children in their communities. As an action, you can join hands with a willing creature and forge a telepathic link. For 24 hours, as long as the two creatures are within one mile of each other, they can telepathically communicate through the bond whether or not they have a common language. Creatures with Intelligence scores of 2 or less aren’t affected by this trait.

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