Homebrew Canid Species Details

Fierce, cuning and loyal, canis come from many parts of the world in different shapes and sizes depending by their subraces. They are built to fit in many kind of environment and society, despite looking very different from one another. Many may first mistake a canis as a werewolf or magical beast, only to find a loyal and longlasting companion. A Canis will aim to avoid dissapointing those they respect above all else and most of the subraces tend to form a strong bond with groups or friends. 

• Distinct and diverse

Canis appear to have been molded by their envirornments, providing more physical diversity than other humanoid races. Unlike their animal counterpart, canis mature similarly to humans, reaching adulthood in their early teens and can live up to almost a century. Their fur can range from short and fine to long and coarse, having one or two layers. This fur can range from greyscale colors, to hues of brown, yellow, and red. A Canis can be 5 to almost 7 feet tall, weighing anywhere from 100 to 300 pounds. While most other humanoid races perceive the world surrounding them mostly through sight, canis vision of what surrounds them is equally shared between sight and a keen sense of smell. While they do see all colors, they tend to perceive better yellows and blue tones, while all the others are desaturated to a greyish tone; while their smell is more developed and they can perceive even emotions or physical/corporal peculiarities with it. 

• Variety in collectives

Canis continually drive for self-improvement and the success of their group or family, valuing skill and excellence in all they do. They hate to fail or dissapoint, pushing themselves to find success in some aspect of their lives. Other races who share strong commitments to skill and groups will find success in earning the respect of a Canis. Canis intelligence is the ability to perceive informations and retain it as knowledge for applying to solve problems, they are very aware of their surroundings and can adapt more or less easily to any kind of environment, depending by their subrace peculiarities.

• Canis looks

Canis are divided amongst the lineages they belong to: Wolf, Sporting and Non-sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, herding and Toy, and their look and size may change according to them.

Canid Traits

It’s hard to distinguish them from gnolls or werewolves, sometimes... not their fault! Just check if the tail wags.

Darkvision

You have a canine's keen senses, especially in the dark. 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 can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray, which gives disadvantage on perception throws based on sight.

Keen smell

Your keen sense of smell gives you advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Bite

Your bite is a natural weapon, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with it, you can deal piercing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike. If the target is a creature it must succeed on a Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. The DC of the save equals 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Strength modifier. You may do so a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus

Canis Kinship

Your sense of kinship with wolves, foxes, hyenas or dogs grants you advantage on Wisdom (Animal Handling) checks when you interact with one such creature.

Ability Score Increase

Wisdom +2 constitution +1

Age

Canids have lifespans equivalent to humans.

Size

Canids are on average taller or on par with humans but can also be slightly shorter. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 35 feet.

Languages

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