Mossfolk (5e Race)

Mossfolk

“	The moss has eyes...	”
—Unknown explorer, lost diary found

Physical Description

By Kim Simonsson

Mossfolk are humanoids without a trace of real hair or skin on them. Their entire bodies are made of moss and dirt which lies under the moss. Some say they are a bit slimy to touch. Many have hair and other features shaped of moss but it isn't real. Where the mossfolk appear to have eyes is a layer of moss covering jade gems embedded in their head which acts as their oculus. Mossfolk are typically the size of human children and often are seen to look as such. It is unknown why adult shaped mossfolk have not been sighted.

History

Mossfolk are believed to be an influence of the Feywilds on the local moss in Prime. Some say mossfolk are born of the souls of children who died of starvation being lost in the woods. It would certainly explain their appearance. People have been spooked seeing them wandering the woods with blank expressions. They are not known to be violent, just unsettling. The third theory on mossfolk is that they were created either by a nature god or druids to help maintain and patrol forests. They are not very strong, so they are more like scouts, which can alert sentinel golems posted in the same area.

Society

Mossfolk have been seen gathering in numbers in the forests and woodlands, though without any real civilization. They comprehend speech but are very quiet and not known to speak to anyone. It seems they communicate with one another nonverbally.
They are usually seen roaming about aimlessly, though sightings of interactions with elves have been seen. Lost travellers who don't run at the sight of mossfolk often recall being helped by the quiet creatures, which help them find their way. There are some instances where mossfolk will suddenly react erratically and open their mouths and scream like a banshee. This is believed to be a warning sign that danger is near, perhaps for the forest or a perpetrator in the sylvan setting. Generally, mossfolk live symbiotically with the forest they inhabit and will die with it, remaining there for most of their lives. It is not unheard of, however, to hear of mossfolk who migrate to new forests.

Mossfolk Names

Mossfolk often have nature-based names like firebolgs. But they never tell it to anyone save in super confidential whispers.

Male: Kelu, Ellar, Harven

Female: Oladove, Reqywn, Xilareth

Mossfolk Traits

A race of peaceful and quiet forest dwellers.
Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom increases by 2, and your Dexterity score increases by 1
Age. Mossfolk typically live to about 300. Rare rumors tell of those nearly 600 in age.
Alignment. Mossfolk are very neutral but they do the occasional good deed.
Size. Being children, mossfolk are only sometimes slightly taller than dwarves. Your size is Small.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 25 feet. You have a climbing speed of 30 feet.
Darkvision. Your gem eyes see well in the dark. 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.
Plant Makeup. Mossfolk are essentially plants. Your creature typing is both humanoid and plant. Spells that affect humanoids still affect you. You have disadvantage in saving throws against fire damage.
Mossy Back. Because they're all green, it's easy for them to blend into sylvan environments. You have advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide in forest or jungle environments.
Metabolism. Moss is a material that requires little upkeep. You double the days you can go without food and water without incurring exhaustion.
Nature's Guardians. You are knowledgeable about your natural surroundings. You are proficient in the Nature skill.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common, Elvish and Sylvan.

Random Height and Weight

Table: Mossfolk

Base Height	Height Modifier	Base Weight	Weight Modifier
4′ 0″	+2d8	110 lb.	× (4) lb.

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