Homebrew Dogfolk Species Details

Dogfolk are doglike humanoids who can be found in various places. Almost all of them have a thick coat of hair, though the patterns and colorations vary. Some are small, about the size of a gnome, and others can get to be the nearly the size of a small goliath. These traits, size and colour, tend to get passed down from their parents. Although some families have a preference for sticking with a similar clan, to keep these traits strong and consistent, most Dogfolk are free to love whoever they chose, even outside of the race.

They tend to be incredibly loyal to their family, whether it be a biological one or a chosen one. They often seek to be a part of a whole: an organization, a guild, an army, a family, or a pack, as some call them. Once they join a pack, they remain loyal to it unless unforgivable grievances occur.

Some wandering Dogfolk are driven by the want of a pack to search far and wide for one that is a good fit for them, others are driven by a desire to hunt. They could be hunting a person, the destruction of an ideal, powerful objects, the perfect pack, or an ideal mate. Regardless of what it is that they set their sights on, they pursue it until it's finished with a tenacity other races find nearly mythical.

There are rumours that Dogfolk mate for life, however, most will tell you this is an old dog's tale. While some do mate for life, others jump from partner to partner, and both lifestyles are accepted amongst most known clans. One rumour that has mostly held true is that of Dogfolk mothers, their supernatural fierceness around her pups can and will be felt, should one feel brave enough to mess with them.  This stems from their goddess of Motherhood, Akita, as she tends to imbue them with the strength they need to protect their young when the need arises. All Dogfolk show bravery, even in the face of insurmountable odds, to protect what they deem theirs, they will never stand down when it comes to protecting their young, home or hunting grounds; these are things they live and die by. 

Dogfolk Traits

Dogfolk have defined racial traits from their ancestry and evolution through the ages

Ability Score Increase

Your Constitution Increases by 2 and your Wisdom increases by 1.

Darkvision

You have a Dog's keen senses, especially in the dark. You can see in dim light within 30 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern colour in darkness, only shades of grey.

Age

Dogfolk have equivalent lifespans to humans. They mature around 15 years of age. 

Speed

Your base walking speed is 35 feet. 

Languages

You can speak, read and write Common and one other language of your choice. 

Size

You are Medium or Small. You Choose the size when you select this race. 

By Fang and Claw

Dogfolk are prepared to defend themselves in any situation, proving their bark is not harsher than their bite!

You can use your bite to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with a bite, you deal piercing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

You are not limited to only your fangs, as you also have a set of claws as a secondary natural weapon.

You can use your claws to make unarmed strikes, which uses your Dexterity modifier instead of strength. If you hit with claws, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d6 + your Dexterity modifier instead of the bludgeoning damage for an unarmed strike.

Proficiencies

Dogfolk have Proficiency in the Perception and Athletics skills.

Dogfolk Nose Best

Dogfolk can add a bonus +1d4 on any check that relies on smell including noticing someone or something's presence (perception), tracking (survival), or identifying a person, place, or substance from their past (insight, nature, or history).