Ratfolk (5e Race)

Khemed had heard stories of these rats,capable of standing on two legs and speaking his language. He never once thought he would see one with his own eyes, however. The stories made him think they would be larger, more terrifying - but these creatures were shorter than halflings and were far more likely to skitter away than try to put up a fight. When he finally approached them and spoke, their replies were simple and understandable, far from the barbaric encounters that others tell. Perhaps these creatures are merely misunderstood?
Ratfolk are, as their name proclaims, humanoid rats.
Shaped by their bestial nature, most ratfolk live only with their own kind, rarely venturing to the cities and towns of other races. Originally a race that lived in caves and crevices deep beneath the surface, some ratfolk have ventured into the world, creating tribes and conquering what they can. Still others remain beneath the earth, keeping with the traditions of their ancestors.

Rat Kin

Ratfolk look very much like the rodents they were named for - they are covered in coarse fur, and they have perky ears and strong noses. Their fur comes in a variety of colors, such as greys, browns, yellows, blacks, and even some whites. They are short and thinly built, only reaching heights of 2.5 to 3 feet tall and weighing between 35-40 pounds. Their hands and feet are clawed, whit three fingers and a thumb on each hand. Many Ratfolk also revere and respect their kin, keeping normal rats as common pets and familiars.

Tribal Society

Ratfolk live in large tribes, often numbering in the hundreds, or even in the thousands for especially big tribes. Ratfolk rarely adventure or live alone, and the ones that do are often outcasts among their race. The vast majority of Ratfolk live in these tribes, often spending their entire lives within a few miles of where they were born.
However, there are still those few that join adventuring parties with the other races. Whatever the reason they departed from their tribe - perhaps due to its destruction or simply the desire to do something greater - the ones that are markedly different from their traditional brethren. They often take on more human customs and clothings, ingraning themselves into the more civilized society the other races.

Ratfolk Names

Ratfolk generally have child names that are given to them by their parents, but they will usually abandon this name and select and adult name by the age of 10. When naming, gender is often completely ignored.

Ratfolk Traits

Ratfolk share certain traits derived from their rodent ancestry.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity Score increases by 2.
Age. Ratfolk generally reach adulthood at the age of 15 and live 50-60 years.
Alignment. Ratfolk do not specifically tend towards the good or evil alignments, but most do tend towards chaos.
Size. Ratfolk average slightly bleow 3 feet tall and weigh about 40 pounds. Your size is small.
Speed. Your base walking sped is 25 feet. If your hands are free, you can walk on all fours with a speed of 30 feet.
Keen Smell. You have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
Nimble. You can move through the space of any creature that is of a size larger than yours.
Darkvision. As a naturally nocturnal creature, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. 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.
Naturally Stealthy. You can attempt to hide even when you are obscured by a creature that is at least one size larger than you.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice.
Subraces. Two subraces of Ratfolk are found among the worlds of D&D: Overfolk and Underfolk. Choose one of these subraces.

Overfolk

The Overfolk are Ratfolk that have established themselves on the surface, creating warrior tribes that can conquer the surrounding landscape quickly and efficiently. These Ratfolk are stronger braver, and all-around more fit to be a warrior.
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 1.
Overfolk Weapon Training. You have proficiency with the shortsword, rapier and shortbow.
Brave You have advantage on saving throws against being frightened.

Underfolk

The Underfolk are Ratfolk that have remained underground, populating vast caverns and cave systems with their expansive tribes. These Ratfolk are more suited for the basic tasks of surviving in their dark, subterranean homes, and have larger claws that assist in climbing the rocky caverns where they hunt.
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 1.
Climber. Climbing does not halve your speed.
Claws. You are proficient with your unarmed strikes, which deal 1d4 slashing damage on a hit.