Homebrew Dogfolk Species Details

Though little is known about their specific origins, the Dogfolk race appears humanoid in form and walk upright. Their heads appear canine, with large floppy ears and muscular jaws. They have tails, which they use very expressively, and are covered in fur that ranges widely in color and pattern. Dogfolk can and do have a variety of names, both human and otherwise. The most common naming convention is that they are named after a distinctive physical feature of personality trait.

Dogfolk live in very close, intertwined communities, often populated with a variety of races. Outside of such mixed communities, Dogfolk often form small clans or packs of close-knit kin and companions, hunting and farming together. Despite the communal focus on strength-based tasks, the leaders of such communities usually are the most charismatic of the pack, rather than the strongest or fastest, though those traits are valued as well. Charisma, competence, and kindness define dog folk communities, with loyalty being the most valued virtue of all.

In their short lifetimes, Dogfolk need to feel like they belong to a community and serve a purpose. Their short lifespans and propensity for accidental deaths lead Dogfolk to live for the moment. They accept and embrace every day, understanding that one cannot control what happens in life, only how one reacts to what happens.

While the rare Dogfolk prefers to be alone, and older Dogfolk are more than happy to spend their days eating and napping, most Dogfolk prefer to stay active and focused on a task or role within a group. When they set to a task they throw themselves into it full tilt, embracing the moment. Even if they fail, Dogfolk tend to appreciate the experience and don’t hesitate to try again.

Dogfolk adventurers are usually those who are seeking a specific master or cause to serve, or those who have already formed a bond with another adventurer or group of friends. Dogfolk rarely have grand aspirations of their own but are compelled to support and follow those who they have formed social bonds with. Some Dogfolk adventurers are driven by more personal motivations, but even these often spring from some social bond. Perhaps they are seeking a lost companion or to gather the resources necessary to found their own clan.

 

Dogfolk Traits

As a dogfolk, you have the following racial traits.

Creature Type

You are a Humanoid.

Size

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

Speed

Your walking speed is 30 feet, and you have a climbing speed equal to your walking speed.

Dog's Bite

Due to your facial features, you can make a bite attack as an unarmed strike. This attack deals 1d6+STR piercing damage instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Canine Instincts

You have great instincts and can read people at the first meeting. You are proficient in Wisdom (Insight), Charisma (Intimidation), and Charisma (Persuasion) checks. Due to your tail, you have disadvantage on Charisma (Deception) checks.

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, just like the rest of the time.

Pup’s Agility

Due to your exceptional physical form, you can Dash or Disengage as a bonus action.