Homebrew Bearkin Species Details

Protective Nature

Bearkin have strong parental instincts and are willing to fight to protect their clans and families. To a Bearkin blood is thicker than water, and few situations would result in a Bearkin abandoning their clan and joining a  life of adventure.  Powerful and protective they tend to be wary of outsiders but make very loyal allies, though they rarely side with large kingdoms or armies due to their disinterest in politics. 

As strong in heart as in physical ability, Bearkin are expected to provide and care for their children (known as 'cubs') as best they can. 

Uncertain Origin

Bearkin have only been around for a few generations with their origins surrounded in mystery.  Most believe that they are the result of malevolent druidic rituals; their sentience not resulting in subservience but a strong sense of independence that opposed their creators machinations. 

Stories are told around Bearkin campfires of evil druids who will come to steal away those who do not provide for the clan and honor the freedom they have been gifted.

Other theories include thoughts that Bearkins are guardians of the Feywilds that have escaped to the Material Plane after their service in some Fey war.  Other say that Bears, tired of being slaughtered by adventurers, gained sentience to better defend themselves from the ever encroaching civilization.

Blood Ties

A traditional Bearkin tribe consists of one alpha male, the strongest, most capable leader.  His family consists of several females who swear loyalty to the alpha until they are strong enough to challenge him in unarmed combat.  If successful, the challenger becomes the leader of the clan, if they fail...they are likely cast out to find their own way. 

Bearkin clans tend to have strong names like First Tooth, Bloody Roar, or Scar Paw. The names are usually represented by symbols carved into trees on the border of the Bearkin territory to warn away rival tribes and foolish adventurers. 

Most Often, a Bearkin will leave the clan if they fail to defeat the Alpha in a challenge or their clan is lost in battle.  Less often the Bearkin will be banished for disgracing their family in battle or breaking the Bearkin law. 

Your Bearkin looks come from your clan but this is purely just cosmetic and does not affect your traits.

Tradition and Honor

Traditionally, Bearkin tend not to be religious creatures, but they all owe faith to Grizzus, their patron god of Bears. While different clans have different belief structures, all owe allegiance to Grizzus and his ideals of clan law and leadership. 

Grizzus, whom the Bearkin believe that guide them through tough challenges and battles, will contact the shaman or powerful warriors of a clan to send them on specific tasks. The Bearkin must answer the call of their god and will leave the clan to do so.

Tribes and families of Bearkin are often found fighting and feuding, but lack complicated politics.  Financial concepts like money and ownership are often completely foreign to them.  

Bearkin Traits

Your Bearkin character has a number of traits as a part of their ursine heritage.

Creature Type

You are a Humanoid.

Size

You are Medium.

Speed

Your walking speed is 30 feet, and you have a climbing speed equal to your walking speed.

Bear Claws

You can use your claws 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.

Powerful Build

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

Daunting Roar

As a bonus action, you can let out an especially menacing roar. Creatures of your choice within 10 feet of you that can hear you must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or become frightened of you until the end of your next turn. The DC of the save equals 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Constitution modifier. Once you use this trait, you can’t use it again until you finish a short or long rest.

Nature’s Intuition

Thanks to your mystical connection to nature, you gain proficiency with one of the following skills of your choice: Animal Handling, Medicine, Nature, Perception, Stealth, or Survival.

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 discern colors in that darkness only as shades of gray.

Keen Smell

Thanks to your sensitive nose, you have advantage on Wisdom (Perception), Wisdom (Survival), and Intelligence (Investigation) checks that involve smell.