Homebrew Lupine Species Details

Physical Description

A Lupine looks like a wolf walking upright. Their hind legs are reminiscent of their animalistic side, while the arms sport a pair of furred, clawed hands, instead of paws. Lupine are as varied in their height as humans, but known to be lighter. Their sleek bodies are designed for agility and speed. Lupine's bodies are covered in fur that can vary in coloration as much as their canine counterparts. You can just as easily find brown furred, dog-like Lupine, as you can grey-furred wolven ones.

History

The exact origin of the Lupine is unknown. Some believe they were nomads or beings who lived in the forest. Others believe that they were the result of a failed attempt to cure Lycanthropy. What is known about them is their love for connections with other people, mostly their families. With their knowledge, they were often invited to join wandering parties with people trying to be heroes, or even just walking off on their own to explore the world and lead their own lives.

Society

After their excellent tracking skills, the Lupine are most known for their welcoming, friendly attitudes. They are a race of empathetic creatures, seeking companionship and a home with friends and family. Those who adventure, find a group with which they get along and create a strong bond with them, considering their comrades as their pack. If you happen to be in an adventuring party with a Lupine and they take a liking to you, you have made a friend for life, assuming you don't betray their trust.

The Lupine nature makes it so the members of their race bond with others for life. After establishing a pack, their greatest purpose is to protect that pack and ensure it's sustainability. Whether the pack is composed of other Lupine or a group of adventurers makes no difference to them. Should they be traveling with a group of other races, they will be happy to meet one of their own on the road and perhaps they will even join forces with the established group. However that is not a requirement for a Lupine to live their lives happy and fulfilled.

While Lupine are very welcoming and protective of their pack, they also have a great sense of honor. Betraying a Lupine is courting death, as they see that betrayal as the deepest wound that can be inflicted upon them. If you show them respect, they will return it tenfold. But if you turn on them or their pack, expect swift and total retribution.

There is also a rumour that when surrounded by friends and allies, the Lupine adopt a more dog-like mannerism, leaving the more animalistic, violent sides of their nature for the enemies. It is believed that the Lupine have inherited many facets of canines, one among them being the playfulness of a common domestic dog. Should you feel brave enough to attempt it, try calling them out and throwing a stick away from them, or during a moment of rest, gently run your hands through their fur, as you would a dog's. You may find that your companion might just be more like a talking dog than you think.

Lupine Names

Lupines generally have names composed of an adjective/noun and a noun.

Male: Bloodclaw, Firefang, Greymaw, Bladerunner

Female: Keeneyes, Quickmoon, Goldheart

Lupine Traits

Wolf-like humanoids strengthened by the bonds of family.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.

Age

Lupine reach maturity at 15. The oldest ones live to be anywhere between 60 and 70 years old.

Alignment

Most Lupine are good. Their chosen careers and lifestyles guide their opinion on the laws of others, not pending heavily towards the side of law or chaos.

Size

Lupine never surpass the 6ft. mark. Their weight ranges from 150 to 190 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Thick Fur

The thick fur of the Lupine allows them to withstand the cold easier. You have resistance to cold damage and advantage on Wisdom (Survival) checks to withstand the cold.

Keen Hearing and Smell

You have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.

Claws

You are proficient with your unarmed strikes, which deal 1d4 slashing damage on a hit.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common. You can also communicate with all canines.