D&D 5E Turtle Race for 5e (From WotC Forums)

[TheWhiteSpark]

DrOct, here is my attempt so far at a turtle race, i really liked your idea of the stealth thing, as they are stealth hunters, but i haven't worked that in my idea yet.


Also, i'm basing this on Coronoides analysis of racial abilities and the point values he assigned. At least, mostly, some of the stuff i'm not sure on.

Turtlemen

+1 Wis (2 points)
-1 Dex (-2 Points)
Amphibious: Swim speed of 30 ft. Hold breath for CON score minutes (0 Points)
Shell and scales: +2 AC, stacks with other sources of AC (12 Points)
Land speed of 25ft (-4 points)

Total: 8 Points

Pick a subrace:

Shell-dwellers
Retracting Shell: When using the Dodge action you don’t have to see the attacker to apply disadvantage to their attacks, and can use it with a movement speed of 0. Additionally, when attacked you can use a reaction to take a Dodge action (before seeing the roll), applying disadvantage only to the triggering attack. You must be aware of the attack to use Dodge as a reaction in this way. (4 Points? I have no idea, its like Warning Flare but unlimited use, so its probably too good for 4 points, needs balancing)

Strong Jaws
Bite attack: You have a natural bite attack. As a standard action, you can make an attack (STR based), adding your proficiency bonus. This attack deals 1D10+(STR) (2.5 Points)
+1 STR (2 Points)


Shell-Dwellers would be at 12 points, unless Retracting Shell costs more.

Strong Jaws would be at 12.5 points.

I based the two subraces on Wood Turtles and Snapping turtles. Did you know Snapping Turtles cannot retract into their shells? Crazy. Convenient for balancing and concept though.

 

[Coronoides]

Tempted to do one based on the Australian long-neck turtles, reach bite attack maybe?

Another tool that might be useful...
If you read the article you'll see I provide a 'safety star' rating system. Not to reflect balance, but how sure we are of the evidence. This is worked out from the lowest rated trait. The star rating and trait evidence ratings are useful pieces of information for referee's, novice referee's might only allow 4-star safe races, while another more daring DM might allow even 2-star races but warn players such characters are a play test.
For example +1 Wis is rated (P 2), indicating the value was determined using evidence from something the PHB tells us directly (P for primary).
For example my version of goblin, **1/2 stars ('playtest') because it's most unsure trait is Inferred (I). It gains a half star because its Dex +2 (P 4) and stealth skill (P 2) give it at least 6pt of P rated traits.

Goblin
** ½ Small humanoid (goblinoid) (X -2). Speed 30ft. Languages Goblin, Common.
Str -2{2-16}, Dex+2{3-20}, Con +0 {3-20}, Int+0{3-20} Wis +0{2-16} , Cha+0{2-16} (P 0).
Traits: Nimble escape (I 10). Proficiencies: shortbow (X 0.5), shield (F 2), stealth skill (P 2). Total 12.5
Lesser Traits: Darkvision 60ft (X 0).

 

[DrOct]

Hey everyone! I'm glad my post has sparked so much discussion! I haven't had time today to dive into things too much, but I'm very glad to see interest in this concept! When I have some time to really dive into the system Coronoides has developed and such I'll have more to say. Thanks for all the thoughts!

 

[cmad1977]

The fact that you forgot to add ninja skills acquires during their teenage years disappoints me.

 

[Coronoides]

It IS a good concept. I'd love to do an ancient hermit turtle Druid

 

[DrOct]

The fact that you forgot to add ninja skills acquires during their teenage years disappoints me.

That's a fair criticism. One could certainly recast the stealth skill to connect with that...

 

[cmad1977]

That's a fair criticism. One could certainly recast the stealth skill to connect with that...

I think the 'rat trainer' background and the monk class could do it.