New Race: Ghrom

This thread was originally posted at http://www.enworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=78507, and is a continuation of some of the discussion there, but not the main scope of the thread.

I have been working on a new race of mine. They are called Ghrom, and are bipedal frog-like humanoids.

Here is a revision of the Ghrom's mechanics. Keep in mind that it is still not 100% yet, so there may be flaws or omissions in the wording, also I have not bumped it up against the Core Rules completely.

GHROM
+2 Dexterity, -2 Strength
Small: As a Small creature, a Ghrom gains a +1 size bonus to Armor Class, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, and a +4 size bonus on Hide checks, but he uses smaller weapons than humans use, and his lifting and carrying limits are three-quarters of those of a Medium character.
Ghrom base land speed is 20 feet.
A Ghrom has the Aquatic subtype.
Ghrom swim speed is 30 feet.
Amphibious (Ex): Ghrom are amphibious, and can breathe on land and in water.
Moist Skin: The skin of the Ghrom must be kept relatively moist. They do not fare well in arid environments; unless some measure is taken to keep their skin retain its moisture. A Ghrom can go as many days equal to its CON bonus before he begins to dry out. After that, he is considered permanently fatigued and takes 1d4 points of Constitution damage per day until he immerses himself in water. A Ghrom whose Constitution score falls to zero or below dies from massive dehydration and heart failure.
Vaulting Charge (Ex): A Ghrom can leap over terrain and other obstacles on the battlefield when making a charge or bull rush as long as it falls within the boundaries set by the jump skill.
Prehensile Tongue (Ex): A Ghrom’s tongue is long, flexible, and coated with a slightly adhesive secretion. As a standard action, a Ghrom can extend it’s tongue up to 10 feet and retrieve a small item, or use it to grab onto branches, levers, and the like. The tongue has the properties of a whip, being that it can be used to Disarm, Trip, or Grapple foes, and the Ghrom is considered to be attacking unarmed when using it as such. A Ghrom’s tongue can also be used to make a touch-based attack.
+6 Racial Bonus to Jump
+4 Racial Bonus to Hide when used in an environment that matches the Ghrom’s natural coloring, e.g. Forests, Swamps, etc.
+2 Bonus on Perform-Sing. The voice of the Ghrom is almost mystical in nature, enhancing the effects of songs and chants sung in the Ghromish tongue.
Automatic Languages: Common and Ghromish. Bonus Languages: By Campaign
Favored Class: ????? Any suggestions on this one?


So, is the Ghrom becoming overpowered? Or is it just getting to point where it would be a fun race to play?

TwilightKing said:

They are called Ghrom, and are bipedal frog-like humanoids.
So, is the Ghrom becoming overpowered? Or is it just getting to point where it would be a fun race to play?

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Vaulting Charge (Ex): I would re-word this slightly to say that they may use the Jump Skill while making a Charge or Bull Rush action.

Prehensile Tongue (Ex): If you are going to allow them to use the tongue as a true prehensile appendage and let them lift objects an pull levers, open doors, etc. You need to state what % of their Strength they can use. Considering its only their tongue, I might apply a -2 or -4 penalty to their Strength for actions made with their tongue.

The racial Hide bonus needs more clarification. It’s a bit too vague right now. I would specifically state what terrain types they gain the bonus in (Swamp, Grassland, etc.).

Just curious why the Sing Bonus? Just racial flavor?

As for Favored class, considering their bonuses and penalties I would lean toward Bard. But without seeing any kind of cultural background for the race its hard to say.

JMHO’s

PS: On a side note – you play EQ?

Khaalis said:

Vaulting Charge (Ex): I would re-word this slightly to say that they may use the Jump Skill while making a Charge or Bull Rush action.

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Good point!

Prehensile Tongue (Ex): If you are going to allow them to use the tongue as a true prehensile appendage and let them lift objects an pull levers, open doors, etc. You need to state what % of their Strength they can use. Considering its only their tongue, I might apply a -2 or -4 penalty to their Strength for actions made with their tongue.

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Yeah, I knew I needed to factor this in somehow, otherwise people would abuse it, or find ways to use it which are not intended.

The racial Hide bonus needs more clarification. It’s a bit too vague right now. I would specifically state what terrain types they gain the bonus in (Swamp, Grassland, etc.).

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I stated this already, but I do understand that it needs to be worded better to reflect such.

Just curious why the Sing Bonus? Just racial flavor?

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Yes! That is exactly what that is. Once I get some more details hammered out, I can post the race flavor. Singing is a cultural importance to the Ghrom.

As for Favored class, considering their bonuses and penalties I would lean toward Bard. But without seeing any kind of cultural background for the race its hard to say.

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I keep leaning in this direction.

JMHO’s

PS: On a side note – you play EQ?

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Thanks for the comments! And no, I do not play EQ (EverQuest, right? )

TwilightKing said:

I keep leaning in this direction.
Thanks for the comments! And no, I do not play EQ (EverQuest, right? )

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If the flavor text makes singing very important to the culture then performance will be the most common expression and thus a highly sought trade so mostly experts and bards.

As for EQ - yes it is Everquest. The race just reminds me very much of the Frogloks from EQ.

The Ghrom are cool. Couple of questions:

Can a Ghrom use a weapon with its tongue (say a dagger)?

Similarly, does a Ghrom sorcerer who casts Shocking Grasp threaten a 10-foot radius?

I think bard would be a good choice for favored class, but I want to play a Ghrom monk! Now that's a flying jump-kick

JimAde said:

The Ghrom are cool. Couple of questions:

Can a Ghrom use a weapon with its tongue (say a dagger)?

Similarly, does a Ghrom sorcerer who casts Shocking Grasp threaten a 10-foot radius?

I think bard would be a good choice for favored class, but I want to play a Ghrom monk! Now that's a flying jump-kick

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I don't think they would be able to wield weapons or use simple tools with their tongues.

I would say yes, a Ghrom spell-caster delivering a touch attack does threaten 10-foot radius.

Glad you like it! Hopefully soon I'll get all the details polished out, and I'll post the racial flavor text along with the mechanics together.