Homebrew Bearfolk Species Details

Bearfolk have thick fur, long snouts, massive paws and a musky odor that makes them stand out in any crowd. Bearfolk usually stand well over 6 feet tall and often weigh upwards of 350 pounds. Like regular bears, bearfolk may choose to put on extra weight and hibernate for months at a time if they so desire. The color of their coat usually depends on the region they inhabit, and most are either black, brown, or white.

Bearfolk typically live alone, seeking out company to mate and raise children, or to defend their territory. A few bearfolk make a habit of visiting nearby humanoids to trade handmade goods, food, or stories. Their dwellings can be anything from a comfortable cave to a cabin of sturdy construction. They are obligate omnivores, and spend most of their time hunting game and gathering edible plants to satisfy their massive caloric needs. They are known to take good care of the land they inhabit, using controlled burns to prevent wildfires and choosing which animals to hunt in order to ensure ecological balance and prosperity.

To most outsiders, bearfolk tend to come off as standoffish or asocial, but any friendships they do form are fiercely defended. Likewise, while many bearfolk try to avoid conflict and have been known to walk away from fights, the aftermath of a bearfolk being stirred to violence can be disturbing. Many attribute this to the fact that bearfolk, who usually grow up without much company, simply aren’t well adjusted to most social environments. This is corroborated by the stories bearfolk themselves will tell to those they befriend. The Strange Experiences table suggests a variety of memories a friendly bearfolk might share.

The true origin of bearfolk is unknown, but many scholars suspect they are the descendants of werebears that took to living in the wilderness. Over time, their lycanthropy became permanent and integral, giving them the best features of human and ursine biology, along with some weaknesses. The best evidence for this is their aversion to silver, which true lycanthropes are known to share. It is not uncommon for bearfolk to take in and mentor those who have been newly cursed with lycanthropy, teaching them how to live with their animal characteristics. It is not possible for bearfolk to pass on their ancestral curse, but the question of whether they can be infected with any new form of lycanthropy is unknown. What is certain is that their origins are not mundane, even though their connection to the natural world is strong.

It is not uncommon for a lone bearfolk not to have a name at all. Some lineages of bearfolk have gone generations without contact with the outside world, and barely use spoken languages. Bearfolk that live in close proximity to towns or outlying settlements may take on names given to them by the people there.

Bearfolk Traits

Creature Type. Speed. Size. Bear Claws. Born Survivor. Keen Smell. Powerful Build. Ursine Fortitude. Aversion to Silver.

Creature Type.

You are a Humanoid.

Speed.

You have a walking speed of 30ft, a swimming speed and you also gain either gain a choice a climbing or swimming speed equal to your walking speed 

Size

Your size is  medium

Bear Claws.

You have claws which you can use to make unarmed strikes. When you hit with them, the strike deals 1d6 + your Strength modifier slashing damage, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Born Survivor.

You are proficient in one of the following skills of your choice: Animal Handling, Intimidation, Nature, Perception, or Survival.

Keen Smell.

You have advantage on Wisdom (Perception), Wisdom (Survival), and Intelligence (Investigation) checks that involve smell.

Powerful Build.

You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.

Ability score increase

Increase your Strength and Constitution score by 2

Predators Eyes

You have dark vision up to 30ft 

Language

You can speak and read common and one other language of your choice