Homebrew Devil Dog Species Details

Canine Descendants 

Canid and Lupine races are subject to such genetic 'blips' in their lines as the others are, and while Tieflings are found among the more human and elvish races, Devil-Dogs are their canine equivalent; the Hells-touched children of the dog-like peoples.

Infernal Bloodline

Devil Dogs are derived from canid bloodlines, and in the broadest possible sense, they still look canine. However, their infernal heritage has left a clear imprint on their appearance. Devil Dogs have large horns that take any of a variety of shapes: some have curling horns like a ram, others have straight and tall horns like a gazelle’s, and some spiral upward like an antelopes’ horns. They can have thick infernal tails alongside/replacing their canid one, (sometimes one, sometimes two) four to five feet long, which lash or coil around their legs when they get upset or nervous. Their canine teeth are sharply pointed and more prominent than their relatives, and their eyes are often dragon or lizard-like —black, red, white, silver, or gold—with no visible sclera, and sometimes only a slitted pupil. Their skin and fur tones cover the full range of canine coloration, but also include various shades of red or purple. 

Self-Reliant and Suspicious

Devil Dogs subsist in small minorities found mostly in on the edges of cities or towns, often in the roughest quarters of those places, where they grow up to be swindlers, thieves, or crime lords. Sometimes they live among other minority populations in enclaves where they are treated with more respect.

Lacking a homeland, devil dogs know that they have to make their own way in the world and that they have to be strong to survive. They are not always quick to trust anyone who claims to be a friend, but when a devil dog's companions demonstrate that they trust him or her, the devil dog learns to extend the same trust to them. And once a devil dog gives someone loyalty, the devil dog is a firm friend or ally for life.

Big Hearts

Just like their parentage, and unless they are broken through circumstances or experiences, devil dogs are just as naturally friendly at heart and keen to help when they feel safe around the people they are with. Most are diligent workers, and eager to please their friends and superiors, and will often go above and beyond to aid a companion in need. One has to work exceedingly hard to shake off the loyalty of a devil dog!

Devil Dog Names

Devil Dog names fall into three broad categories. Devil Dogs born into another culture typically have names reflective of that culture. Some have names derived from the Infernal language, passed down through generations, that reflect their fiendish heritage. And some younger devil dogs, striving to find a place in the world, adopt a name that signifies a virtue or other concept and then try to embody that concept. For some, the chosen name is a noble quest. For others, it’s a grim destiny.

Male Infernal Names: Akmenos, Amnon, Barakas, Damakos, Ekemon, Iados, Kairon, Leucis, Melech, Mordai, Morthos, Pelaios, Skamos, Therai

Female Infernal Names: Akta, Anakis, Bryseis, Criella, Damaia, Ea, Kallista, Lerissa, Makaria, Nemeia, Orianna, Phelaia, Rieta

“Virtue” Names: Art, Carrion, Chant, Creed, Despair, Excellence, Fear, Glory, Hope, Ideal, Music, Nowhere, Open, Poetry, Quest, Random, Reverence, Sorrow, Temerity, Torment, Weary

MET WITH MISTRUST

Ignorant people tend to be suspicious of devil dogs, assuming that their infernal heritage has left its mark on their personality and morality, not just their appearance. The reality is that a devil dog's bloodline doesn’t affect their personality. They are gifted with magic from the infernal realms but chart their own course in life.

Devil Dog Traits

Devil Dogs share certain racial traits as a result of their infernal descent.

Keen Nose and Ears

You have advantage on Perception checks that rely on smell or hearing.

Tooth and Claw

You have sharp canine teeth and durable claws, allowing you to tear through flesh. Your bite deals 1d4 piercing damage, and your claws deal 1d4 slashing damage, and you may use your Dexterity modifier instead of Strength if you choose.

Canine Speech

You can freely communicate with other canine animals, able to articulate in barks, growls, body language etc, and read those of other canine and lupine creatures.

Ability Score Increase

Your Intelligence score increases by 1, and your Charisma score increases by 2.

Age

Devil Dogs mature at a faster rate than humans, maturing at around 8 years old, and live for around 80 years, much longer than their parent race.

Size

Devil Dogs can vary in size and shape depending on their parentage. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

Thanks to your infernal heritage, your superior canid vision in dark and dim conditions is enhanced, granting you sight in dim light within 90 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.

Hellish Resistance

You have resistance to fire damage.

Infernal Legacy

You know the thaumaturgy cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the hellish rebuke spell as a 2nd-level spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the darkness spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Infernal.