Homebrew Dog (Animal Adventures) Species Details

Endlessly variable, constantly adaptable, dogs have been shaped by their entwined history with other races until little trace of their wild ancestry remains - although all dogs still think of themselves as wolves, to some extent. Dogs are inexhaustible sources of energy, devotion and love. When a dog makes a friend, it has made a friend forever. Nothing can break that bond; and a dog defends its companions against anything and then licks their face afterwards, just to remind them that they're definitely still friends. They might have forgotten in the five minuets between being rescued and being licked, after all. Better safe than sorry.

Loyal and True

Dogs are naturally loyal to those they consider part of their pack (see... they're still kind of wolves!) Dog companions are excellent guards and amazing hunters - so they've been trusted companions for millennia. Whether they have been at the side of a half-orc ranger, calmly stalking a moose or helping an elven wizard select the right herb for a magical brew, dogs have always been there to help. It's in their nature. While they can be ferocious when cornered, dogs are usually kindly creatures. They are fiercely protective and devoted to helping those they have chosen as their kin. That's the big thing about dogs; they choose who they love very quickly and it takes an awful lot to change their minds.

Who's a Good Dog?

Dogs have the capacity to make their homes almost anywhere they choose, but the most common places they are found is within the settlements of other races, acting in a variety of roles. A dog that has been awakened tends to remain closely linked with their adopted society, taking on new jobs but behaving in much the same way and with much the same group of friends (although new ones are very, very welcome). A dog's sense of home is usually defined by the company around them rather than a place, and dogs are comfortable traveling widely as long as they have the consistency of friendship.

A Nose for Adventure

Dogs gifted with unusual intelligence seek adventure for many reasons. Their instinctive urge to support and assist, coupled with the ability to reflect on the world in deep terms can be more than enough to lead a dog from the warmth of a home into a wider world.

Dog (Animal Adventures) Traits

All dogs begin with the following traits

Ability Score Increase

Your Charisma score increases by 1.

Age

Dogs reach maturity around 18 months and usually live between 10 and 15 years.

Alignment

Dogs tend toward good alignments due to their natural urge to be helpful, but there are exceptions to this.

Size

Dogs vary in height and length enormously. Your size is dependant on your subrace;

Big dogs are medium size and increase Constitution score by 1.

Regular dogs are medium size and increase Strength score by 1.

Lap dogs are small size and increase Dexterity score by 1. 

Speed

Your base walking speed in 30 feet.

Languages

You can speak and read Common, Canine and one other language of your choice. Canine is a special language known only to dogs and the very few taught its subtleties. It relies on a combination of bark, scent and gesture.

Keen Senses

Dogs have advantage on Perception checks based on smell or hearing and disadvantage on Perception checks which depend on colour recognition.

Worse than the bark

You have a natural bite attack. you are proficient with this attack and it counts as a weapon attack and an unarmed attack. This attack does 1d6 + your strength modifier damage. This increases to 1d8 + your strength modifier at level 5, and 1d10 + your strength modifier at level 10. 

Many breeds, many forms.

Dogs are highly diverse. Choose one breed ability from the list below to reflect your chosen breed. You may only choose one such ability.