Homebrew Houndling Species Details

The primary condition of a houndling is that of joy. They spend their days doing whatever makes them happy and proudly display their unfettered high spirits. Even when they are brought down by negativity, they tend to bounce back and turn the negativity into positivity, sometimes illogically.  Houndling communities are chaotic and unorganized to the outside perspective, but run far more efficiently than most communities from the sheer energy capacity of the average resident. On occasion, a houndling will become faced with the dark nature of life and death and become jaded with reality, usually when they reach old age. Those that do become lethargic and sometimes catatonic. Though they become non-functioning members of houndling society, they are still a place in their community and often looked to for wisdom. However, many choose exile and eek out an existence alone in the wilds until they pass. 

Small and Fluffy

Standing about 3 feet tall, they appear relatively harmless and so have managed to survive for centuries in the shadow of empires and on the edges of wars and political strife. They can commonly avoid conflict through evasion, but also by making friends with their enemies using their adorable charm. Due to their coats, houndlings that appear to be larger than others often weigh about the same as their less furry counterparts, usually 20-30 lbs. 

While hair patterns, color, texture, length, density, and distribution differ from houndling to houndling, they're easily identifiable by their stature. They have large heads and thick, rotund torsos, while their stubby arms and legs offer them limited mobility. They walk on two legs, but can move much faster when running on all fours.

Despite being covered in fur, houndlings experience nudity much the same as other humanoids. Houndlings have a penchant for fashion and always aim to be dressed up as best they can for their daily activities. They prefer vibrant colors and quality garb, but never sacrifice function if they know they have a job to do.

 

 

Houndling Traits

Your houndling character has a number of traits in common with all other houndlings.

Ability Score Increase

You gain +2 to your Charisma score and +1 to another ability score of your choice.

Age

A houndling reaches adulthood at the age of 10 and generally lives until 60 or 70.

Size

Houndlings average about 3 feet tall and weigh about 20-30 pounds. Your size is Small.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 25 feet.

Cheerful Disposition

You have advantage on skill checks related to altering another creature's negative emotions. 

Undaunted

You have advantage on saving throws against being frightened and becoming exhausted.

Houndling Nimbleness

You can move through the space of any creature that is of a size larger than yours.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Houndling. The Houndling language only exists in spoken form, as it is comprised of howls, barks, and growls. Complex ideas cannot be exchanged through Houndling, so it is often used for pleasantries, exclamations, or simple one word questions or answers.