Homebrew Anubian Species Details

Zoire, the lone Anubian in a realm devoid of her celestial kin for hundreds of miles in any direction, reclined against the sun-warmed boulder, her fur blending seamlessly with the golden hues of the grasslands. Compact even by Anubian standards, her canine features exuded an air of confidence, and her ears, adorned with celestial charms, barely reached the three-foot mark. Despite her nimble frame, Zoire's midsection spoke of her indulgence in the pleasure of good meals, or several, whenever the opportunity presented itself. At her side, a makeshift hunting staff, curved like the crescent moon, rose above her. With a contemplative gaze, she surveyed the serene meadow, her silhouette mirrored perfectly in the glassy surface of the celestial pond, a remnant of the lost realm of Khemet.

- Lyrastra Dawnwhisper, Lorekeeper of the Astral Archives

The yearnings of the Anubians are woven into the essence of their nomadic existence: a quest for the celestial comforts that define their lives. Whether in the embrace of a peaceful glade far from the chaos of marauding creatures and clashing forces, or beneath the celestial expanse around a blazing fire, the Anubians seek the simple joys of life. Their love for fine drink and conversation echoes through the winds that carry their tales across the vast landscapes. While some Anubians choose to settle in remote celestial meadows, others form nomadic packs, drawn to the allure of the open road and the expansive horizons that reveal the wonders of new realms and kindred spirits. In the midst of their wanderings, the Anubians carry their celestial hearth within, finding home in the rhythmic jostle of a wagon along a celestial road or the gentle flow of a raft drifting downriver.

Packs of the Celestial Guardians

Anubians, descendants of celestial guardian spirits, hail from the sacred lands of Oreskos. These canine-like humanoids guard the great grasslands and forests, rarely venturing beyond their shimmering homeland. The Anubians find pride and strength in their nomadic lifestyle, forming packs bound by shared challenges and the sacred act of the hunt.

Homeland Description

Khemet, the ancestral homeland of the Anubians, was a land of unparalleled natural beauty, nestled between expansive grasslands and enchanting mystical forests, where the harmonious coexistence of nature and divine influence flourished. This once-sacred realm, veiled in mystic energy, is now lost, its original location obscured by the sands of time. Even the Anubians, descendants of the guardians of this ethereal beauty, are unable to recall the precise whereabouts of their sacred homeland. The memory of Khemet lives on in the hearts of the Anubians, prompting them to embark on nomadic journeys, seeking to preserve the legacy of their ancestral beauty amidst the ever-changing landscapes beyond the horizon.

Physical Characteristics

Anubians vary in size, with some being small and others medium. They exude a boldness that reflects their celestial heritage. Fur covers their bodies, and some boast thick fur ranging from golden to ebony. While possessing nimble hands like other humanoids, Anubians feature retractable claws and the ability to produce bone-shaking howls, adding to their regal and fearsome aura.

Canine Temperament

Quick to show affection and often perceived as loyal, Anubians embrace social interaction as a form of bonding for both mind and spirit. Their pack mentality and self-reliance make them confident but not necessarily devoted to the gods. Centuries of suffering at the hands of a tyrant led many Anubians to reject traditional worship, viewing the gods as capricious and unworthy. Their attitudes towards the gods vary, as reflected in the Anubian and the Gods table.

Attitudes Towards the Gods

D6	Attitudes Towards the Gods
1	Amused Detachment: "I’m amused by the antics of the gods and their earnest, but ultimately deluded, mortal champions, and I feel smugly superior in my detachment."
2	Bitter Resentment: "The meddling of the gods in mortal affairs makes me angry and bitter. I wish they would just leave us all alone!"
3	Worthy Adversaries: "I view the gods as worthy adversaries—incredibly clever and well-prepared to play a long game but ultimately doomed to lose their games."
4	Eye-Rolling Disbelief: "I’m certain every bad thing that happens can ultimately be blamed on the gods, but I roll my eyes at each new twist of fate and try to get on with my life."
5	Nostalgic Innocence: "I wish that I could be as naive as humans and other mortals who actually think the gods are looking out for them. I miss that kind of innocence."
6	Secret Reverence: "I don’t talk about it among other Anubians, but I actually revere the gods and try to please them by my actions."

 

Anubian Names

Anubians identify themselves by personal names and the name of their pack. For example, a member of the Sunflare pack named Ziore would likely style herself as Ziore of the Sunflare.

Female Names: Eesis, Hathoor, Sakhmet, Bastett, Ecate, Eriz, Maht, Iadma, Koila, Oramne, Seza, Ziore

Male Names: Amon, Athoz, Ahten, Baragon, Eremoz, Gorioz, Grexes, Oriz, Pyxathor, Rahn, Soebek, Xior

Pack Names: Emberclaw, Frostwind, Moonshadow, Silverfang, Stormrunner, Sunflare

Anubian Traits

Your Anubian character shares common traits with others of their celestial lineage.

Ability Score Increase

Anubians are a diverse celestial race, and your ability scores reflect your unique heritage. Increase any two ability scores of your choice by 1.

Size

Anubians can be either Small or Medium, depending on your preference.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet. Additionally, you have a Borrow speed of 10 feet.

Age

Anubians mature at a similar rate to humans but have a longer lifespan, often living up to 150 years. They embrace the passing centuries with a wanderer's spirit, ever eager to explore new realms and uncover the celestial mysteries that unfold with time.

Heightened Senses

Thanks to your celestial lineage, you gain advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on your sense of smell.

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 can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Nomadic Heritage

Anubians are born wanderers, and they have a natural affinity for navigating different terrains. You are proficient in the Survival skill.

Celestial Connection

You have a strong connection to the celestial spirits that once guarded the lands of Khemet. You can speak, read, and write Celestial.

Fearsome Howl

As a bonus action, you can unleash a fearsome howl in a 10-foot radius around you. Creatures of your choice within this radius that can hear you must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw (DC 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier) or be frightened for 1 minute. A frightened creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself with a success. Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until you finish a short or long rest.

Bite

Anubians possess a natural bite attack. Your bite deals 1d4 piercing damage plus your Strength modifier.

Guardian's Restraint

Once per Long rest, when you are compelled by magical means to attack a creature you would deem as an ally, you can make a Wisdom saving throw (DC equal to the spellcaster's spell save DC) to prevent yourself from attacking. On a successful save, you can choose a different target for your attack. On a failed save, you must proceed with the attack as intended.