The Thri-Kreen is based on an insect -- usually resembling a mantis or grasshopper with a protective carapace, though other types exist. They have two legs, and four arms, and communicate through a series of clicks and motions of their various appendages that other creatures can not understand. Nor could Thri-Kreen communicate with other creatures if they could not do so telepathically.
One especially interesting aspect of the Thri-Kreen is that while many folk describe them with terms like "bug people", "hive minds" and consider them to all be the same, they are quite differentiated in personality and ability. There are as many brilliant philosophers, talented scholars, and heart-tugging artists as there are aggressive warriors. In fact, Thri-kreen musicians are praised for their ability to play multiple instruments at once, or to play complex instruments that are unique to their kinds, and they are especially praised for their rhythmic ability, which derives directly from their language.
| Detail |
Description |
|---|
| Size |
Medium or Small |
| Speed |
30' |
| Attributes |
+2/+1 in any stats |
| Ability: Sleepless |
Thri-Kreen do not need to sleep and can choose to remain conscious during a long rest, though they must refrain from strenuous activity to gain the benefit of resting. |
| Ability: Chameleon Carapace |
Base Armor Class is 13+dexterity mod, which does not stack with armor but does stack with a shield. As an action, you can change the color of your carapace to match the color and texture of your surroundings, giving you advantage on Dexterity(stealth) checks made to hide in those surroundings. |
| Ability: Darkvision |
Darkvision 60' |
| Ability: Secondary Arms |
Thri-Kreen have a second set of arms. While smaller, they can manipulate an object; open or close doors, containers, etc.; or wield a weapon that has the "light" property. This last ability allows a Thri-Kreen to dual-wield AND use a shield. |
| Ability: Thri-Kreen Telepathy |
Thri-Kreen are unable to speak languages other than Thri-Kreen without the aid of magic. However, they have innate telepathy with any willing creature within 120 feet that they can see. The chosen creature doesn't need to speak the same languages as the Thri-Kreen to be understood but must understand at least one language for the communication to happen. |
| Ability: Languages |
Thri-Kreen can speak Common and one other language. |
Class Considerations
Because of their ability to dual-wield
and have a shield, the obvious choice for a Thri-Kreen is a martial class. This can be either a melee or dex-based version equally well. Their natural armor, ability to have a shield and the opportunity for a +2 dex bonus makes them hard to hit, as well. Picking a martial bard can also be a good choice for these reasons.
Thri-Kreen also make decent rogues, since they can communicate telepathically to people they can see, and their Darkvision means they can see anyone within 60'. Due to their carapace, they can go without armor, and by applying their starting attributes to dexterity, can be very effective in "stealth" situations, but still protected if things go sideways.
Cleric is an interesting choice, as they do have a shield proficiency and -- with the right domain choices -- can direct benefit from their abilities to make interesting combinations. A wisdom/dexterity choice can make this an effective option.
The flexibility in their starting attributes means that other classes are all viable choices, though many of those classes will only get peripheral benefit from the secondary arms and natural armor. A caster, for example, might have a natural AC of 13 plus a Dexterity bonus, which is better than they might otherwise have but -- since they don't have shield proficiency -- won't easily get better than that.
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