Homebrew Ursine Species Details

Age

Ursines are known to live long lives, the oldest being nearly 900 years old.

History

Not much is known, except by the Ursines themselves, about the history of this race. It is believed they hailed from bears that were originally fey which came through from the Feywilds around the time elves appeared in the Prime. These fey bears mated not only with local bears, but also humans. This resulted in an intelligent species that eventually lost its fey blood a bit and took on a more beastly lineage, who are the Ursines. The fey bear's blood dominated much of the appearance aspect.

Society

Massive, strong, and possessing a fearsome fortitude, this omnivorous race evolved from bear-like ancestors. Covered in coarse fur, Ursines are most at home in cooler climates, deep in the forests, or even in the city as judicial members or city guards. They built much of their civilization in the colder north, along giants and orcs. Many are nomadic as they like to gain knowledge and experience form the world around them, and as such, can be found all over in small tribes or as hermits. Their survival ability is such that it is possible to find Ursines in even the most inhospitable places. This is a challenge that some individuals willingly embrace, as they can be found in the most unlikely nooks throughout the world, even legends of being sighted on places like the moon, regardless if its true or not.

The Ursines also have an astonishing longevity. Finding individuals who are several centuries old is not at all unusual. While an individual may have less than average intelligence compared to other race, the weight of wisdom and experience harnessed over the years can become exceptional. It is therefore no surprise that there is a growing regard for ursine elders within the world, and the younger races will often go to them for advice and insight. despite their less than average intelligence they are very well spoken and written.

Ursine Are very lawful by nature whether its Law of the government, Law of the people, Law of their own is entirely dependent on them. Their wisdom in their number one export as they make books and manuals on subjects of all nature. Key books that are exported are about building machinery and how to make said machinery, Philosophy, and survival books for camping. 

Ursine Traits

In general, ursines are bear-like humanoids with white, brown, or black fur and grayish-black skin beneath. They are very muscular, but also mentally developed. They can don armor and run on all fours or on their hind legs. Their facial fur is particularly long and shaggy, occasionally giving them the grizzled beard appearance. Their eyes are usually some dark color like brown, though dyes have been used.

Thick fur

Thick Fur. While not wearing armor, your Armor Class is 13 + your Constitution modifier. You may use a shield and still be granted this bonus. You are unaffected by the effects of extreme cold, as described in chapter 5 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide.

Powerful Build.

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

Sharp Claws.

Sharp Claws. Your claws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Durable.

Durable. You have great durability. Your hit point maximum increases by 1, and it increases by 1 every time you gain a level.

Languages.

Languages. You can speak, read and write Common and Beast.

 

Bear ancestry.

Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution increases by 2 and your Strength score increases by 1.