Homebrew Bearkin Species Details

Deep in the heart of the forest, where the trees stretch tall and the air is filled with the songs of the wild, there exists a race of beings unlike any other.

Bearlike Features

Bearkin are a race of large and muscular humanoid bears, standing on average about 6 to 7 feet tall and weighing around 300 pounds. They have thick, shaggy fur covering their bodies, ranging in color from brown to black. Their hands and feet are large and paw-like, with sharp claws for climbing and digging. Their heads are similar to that of a bear's, with a snout and small, pointed ears.

Peaceful Nature

Despite their imposing appearance, Bearkin are generally peaceful and good-natured. They live in small, tight-knit communities in the forests and mountains, where they subsist on a diet of fish, berries, and other natural resources. They are skilled hunters and fishers, but they also have a deep respect for nature and strive to live in harmony with their surroundings.

Combat Prowess

In combat, Bearkin are formidable opponents. They are strong and agile, able to deliver powerful blows with their claws and teeth. They also have a natural resilience, able to shrug off blows that would fell a lesser creature. In addition to their physical prowess, Bearkin also have a limited ability to commune with nature, allowing them to sense their surroundings and communicate with animals.

Mysterious Origins

The origin of the Bearkin is shrouded in mystery, but many believe they are connected to the Feywild. Some even claim that the Bearkin are descended from the ancient bear-like fey that once roamed the land. Whatever the truth may be, the Bearkin remain a tough and resilient race, equally capable of surviving in the wilds and standing up to the dangers of the world.

Bearkin Traits

As a bearkin, you have the following racial traits.

Age

Bearkin have lifespans equivalent to humans.

Size

Bearkin are between 6 and 8 feet tall and weigh between 250 and 350 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your walking speed is 25 feet, and you have a climbing speed equal to your walking speed.

Bite

You have a fanged maw that you can use to make unarmed strikes. When you hit with it, the strike deals 1d6 + your Strength modifier slashing damage, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

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.

Hunter's Charge

Without using an action, you can get down on all fours and increase your movement speed to 40 ft. You can only do so if both your hands are free. While in this state you cannot use any actions that would require you to use your hands (such as using a weapon, casting a spell with a gesture component, etc.), but you are able to use your Bite to attack. It takes a bonus action to get you upright again on two legs.

Natural Armor

You have thick, leathery skin and hide. When you aren’t wearing armor, your AC is 13 + your Constitution modifier. You can use your natural armor to determine your AC if the armor you wear would leave you with a lower AC. A shield’s benefits apply as normal while you use your natural armor.

Nature's Intuition

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

Powerful Build

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

Speech of Beast and Leaf

You have the ability to communicate in a limited manner with beasts and plants. They can understand the meaning of your words, though you have no special ability to understand them in return. You have advantage on all Charisma checks you make to influence them.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language that you and your DM agree is appropriate for your character.