Homebrew Wolfkin (Updated) Species Details

It was a daunting thing to see, when their vanguard broke upon the Relictae forces. Great lycanthropic forms, clad in their articulated plate and mail, loped tirelessly towards the front, crashing into their foe with a ferocity that could only have been inherited from their Father Wolf himself. Using teeth and claws as well as more well-known weapons, they tore through the enemy, rescuing myself and what remained of my cohort from a certain and soul-rending demise.

— Valeria Costa de la Fuerza, Augilan Guard Commander

My skin turned to bumps as I heard their howls go up, signaling bedtime more clearly than any bell or chime could have. I counted myself fortunate that these Lycanthropic people were so welcoming to myself and my companions, though I must admit they like their meats a bit more rare than I prefer. I saw one of the Pups, as their children are called, chasing a Luna Moth, catching it in her mouth with puppy-needle teeth, and then letting the poor thing go just to do it all over again. Truly a remarkable people, and I look forward to my travels with them.

Penny Tinkersprocket, Master Hunter and Guide to Wahid Hadi

Their lineage dating back nearly three millennia, the Wolfkin are a proud people descended from the first sons and daughters of Athair Mac'Tire, the Father Wolf to whom they pay homage. They are not a reclusive people, and are not always welcoming of those who are not of their pack, which can contain up to one thousand members at any given time. Once they reach adulthood, somewhere around the age of 40, they go into the world to make their own way, but never forget the path back to where they were born and raised. 

A Common Image

The physical variations in Wolfkin are less noticeable than in their other sentient counterparts, being more regionally dependent than anything else. They tend to all be of similar sizes, with the females being slightly smaller than the males, but not in any significant manner. The average Wolfkin stands around 6 foot 5 inches tall, and unless they are specifically born and bred into the warrior class, weigh in the range of 175-200 pounds. Lithely built, like their quadruped counterparts, Wolfkin bear the strength and agility of their ancestors.

Proud and Playful

Being descended from a Wolf-God has shaped the culture and behaviors of Wolfkin to some strange blend of Goliath and Wolf. They are a proud people, set in their ways, but also playful and mischievous. Their long lives also lend themselves to not being in a hurry, taking their time, and making sure things are safe and done right. However, finding yourself on the receiving end of a Wolfkin prank is not something you'll soon forget, as their cunning minds find ways to poke fun in ways the younger races can't begin to fathom. 

EVERYONE’S FAVORITE PLAYMATE

Just as readily as they mix with each other, Wolfkin mingle and cavort with members of other races. They get along with almost everyone, though they might not be close to many. Wolfkin find their place in society as fierce warriors, master hunters, loquacious entertainers, and loyal companions. 

Dwarves. “I never once doubted the steadfastness of the oaths they swore to myself and my kin, although they did spend a great deal of time chasing our Tabaxi friends around, barking and howling with mirth all the while. Wahid was so puffed up he looked like a striped snowball."

Elves. “The Wolfkin are an impressive species, old as the mountains and sharp as a pufferfish spine. They are polite, but you can tell when they're eating at your table they'd prefer fewer plants and more flesh.”

Halflings. “Have a few drinks with a Wolfkin and you'll find yourself using a baguette for a lance and a pie tin for a shield as you joust on their backs in the kitchen or hallway. Truly a delightful people to have as company, though they do shed quite a lot.”

Lasting Friendship

A Wolfkin, much like their less-sentient wild counterparts, are loyal to a fault, and will run to your aid if they call you friend without a second's hesitation. This also means, of course, that they expect the same in return. They do not take kindly to liars or thieves, and count even the smallest mistruth as a slight against their honor and friendship. Lying to a Wolfkin, however minor, is a sure way to make an enemy, especially if they've welcomed you into one of their homes or dens. 

Wolfkin have little desire to be exclusionary to other races and species, and prefer to meet as many people as possible during their lives, expanding their "pack" to create a "family" that endures across borders and conflicts.

Going with the Flow

Woflkin are just as happy lying in a sunspot with good food and drink as they are wading into the chaos of martial combat, doing what needs to be done and enjoying the moment as it comes. They plan for the future, but only to keep pace with other societies, and have little interest in surpassing the achievements of others. They recognize the importance of other species, and rarely initiate wars or violence unless provoked.

Wolfkin Names and Ethnicities

Variety among the Wolfkin is less profound than their Human or Goliath counterparts, and show it in different ways. 

The material culture and physical characteristics of Wolfkin can change slightly from region to region. In the north, near Icewind Dale, you'll find heavier, longer coated wolf-kin with lighter fur, whereas in the south, they will be slighter in build, with less heavy coats and brindled or darker fur. It is wildly uncommon to see a Wolfkin with just black fur, but when one is born it is seen as a sign of a new leader of their kind, called the Alpha, who will usher them to a new age. 

Names and Surnames:

Given names of Wolfkin rely largely on the region that they are from. For example, it would not be uncommon of a Pup born to a Frost Wolfkin and a Desert Wolfkin to bear a name honoring both parents, with the Maternal name being the family name. Adopted Wolfkin, or those without a pack, will often remake their names to honor the family that they have built for themselves or been welcomed into.

Leader Surname: Alpha. Whomever becomes the alpha of the Wolfkin (a King or president in other cultures) forsakes their family name and takes the surname Alpha, as a reminder that they are now the Father or Mother of all Wolfkin, rather than just being beholden to one pack or territory. 

Common Frost Wolfkin Surnames: Galestrider, Snowborn, Glaciermelt, Haresbane, Thundersong

Common Desert Wolfkin Surnames: Dunestrider, Sandborn, Oasiswalker, Serpentsbane, Dustsong

Common Timber Wolfkin Surnames: Pinestrider, Mossborn, Riverwalker, Panthersbane, Rainsong

Common Mountain Wolfkin Surnames: Rockstrider, Gravelborn, Lakewalker, Trollsbane, Earthsong

Other surnames prevail as well, though these are the most commonly witnessed ones by outsiders. 

 

Wolfkin (Updated) Traits

Wolfkin share many traits across regional lines, and can be largely grouped into climate-based lineages.

Wolf Sight

Wolfkin see in the dark as their Father does, and gain darkvision up to a distance of 60 feet

Athletic Nature

The Wolf-God Athair Mac'Tire passed on his fearsome Master of the Hunt genetics, granting his Children these boons as a result

Thick Hide

Your thick fur reduces the felt impact of blunt objects, hands, and fists, and you gain resistance to Bludgeoning damage

Feral Claws

Your claws, inherited from Father Wolf himself, serve as fearsome weapons in a pinch, allowing you to defend yourself more effectively even when weapons are not nearby

Age

Wolfkin reach physical and psychological maturity somewhere in their 40's, and can live up to two centuries.

Size

Wolfkin typically stand taller than humans, but shorter than Goliaths, with an average height of about 6'5" and weighing somewhere between 190 and 275 pounds. 

Speed

Your base walking speed is 35 feet.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Giant, and one extra language of your choice. Wolfkin are curious and gregarious, and find friends easily among other races, often learning foreign languages as a means to be respectful to their hosts.