Suchus are a humanoid crocodilian race with origins not even known to the Suchus themselves. They are incredibly solitary in nature, almost only interacting with each other for the purpose of mating. In addition to being solitary they are typically sedentary and quite defensive of their homes that are typically in swampy or marshy areas where they are quite effective at ambushing unwanted trespassers. Being solitary they learn to be independent within the first few months of their lives or die trying. The first few years of their lives are spent living off instinct alone; their intelligence and morality mature as they do, graduating from being as bestial as a crocodile to being capable of speech and comprehending the concepts of right and wrong.
Suchus who grow up near settlements of more 'civilised' races may learn the languages of those people but Suchus themselves typically communicate with each other primarily through body language and guttural growls and hisses. Many Suchus who do grow up in civilisation often take up mercenary work, being valued by mercenary bands for not only their natural prowess in battle but also for their intimidating appearance which can resolve potential conflict through intimidation alone .
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1.
Age. Suchus mature typically at 8 to 10 years old and have a similar lifespan to humans.
Alignment. Without guidance, Suchus generally retain the moral compass of a survivalist - eat or be eaten. Survival being quite objective in nature, Suchus tend towards chaotic neutral.
Size. Suchus are incredibly bulky and tall compared to the average human, often exceeding 2 metres tall when fully upright and often weighing over 150kg. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Suchus are capable of both bipedal and quadrupedal locomotion, however their powerful tails make walking on two legs sub-optimal. Your walking speed is 20 feet in bipedal stance and 40 feet in quardupedal stance. You must decide whether to move in a bipedal or quadrupedal fashion when you begin movement during your turn and cannot switch stances during that turn. While in quadrupedal stance you are still able to perform the somatic component of a spell however you cannot access a component pouch or spellcasting focus to perform any material components. Additionally in quadrupedal stance you can only wield a single weapon that must have the Light weapon property. While cumbersome when walking with two legs, Suchus' tails are perfect for high speed in the water. You have a swimming speed of 40 feet.
Darkvision. 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.
Bite. Suchus possess incredibly powerful jaws that can be used to make a powerful unarmed attack. A successful bite attack deals piercing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage of a standard unarmed strike.
Hold Breath. Suchus are capable of slowing their heart rate right down, allowing to hold their breath for up to 1 hour at a time.
Solitary Survivalist. Suchus learn to provide for themselves from the day they hatch. You gain proficiency in the Survival skill.
Aquatic Ambusher. Taking their cues from their bestial cousins, Suchus can hide very effectively even in shallow water. You gain advantage on Stealth while submerged in water. You count as submerged even when your nostrils are out of the water.
Tough Hide. Your thick, scaly skin can shrug off some attacks that fell many other creatures. When you take damage, you can use your reaction to roll a d12. Add your Constitution modifier to the number rolled, and reduce the damage by that total. After you use this trait, you can't use it again until you finish a short or long rest.
Languages. You can speak, read and write Common or one other language appropriate to your background. You can also speak Suchus, for which there is no written language.