Homebrew Canid Species Details

 As commonly as one has come to expect Tabaxi in the far reaches of dense, wet jungles, the Canid race first originated in the forests and grasslands on the continent of Marsvain. Originally though they were the shifter descendents of lycanthropes, Canids became a peoples of their own as they came to establish their own cultures, communities and well-known traits. Canids are scattered across all of Marsvain, especially in the outlands, though many families have moved over time to areas of Aislinar with more to offer than where they may have grown up. 

Canids come from a culture not entirely unlike that of Halflings, though traditionally they are even more communal than the former. Modern Canids are closer to ‘lone wolves’ than their ilk in the past, but Canid villages in Marsvain continue to uphold a legacy of open doors and warm welcomes to all strangers –– for better or for worse. Canid youths were often encouraged to socialize and seek out adventure where available. Canids, however, have a reputation of being gullible and easy to take advantage of –– especially the older generations –– as such, wary parents of more recent generations have struggled to balance the old ways with the prudency needed when living in larger cities. 

Canid Traits

As a canid, you have the following racial traits.

Ability Score Increase

Your Constitution score increases by 2 and your Wisdom score increases by 1. 

Age

Canids reach adulthood in their late teens and, on average, live just over a century.

Size

Canids vary widely in height and build, from barely 5 feet to well over 6 feet tall. The average height of a Canid is 5'5". Regardless of your position in that range, 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. 

Friend to All

Canids often carry affable natures and come with a reputation of good humor and kindness. You have advantage on Persuasion and Deception checks on humanoids who are not hostile towards you. 

Superior Senses

Your canine heritage has endowed you with a talent for sniffing out danger. You gain a bonus to your initiative equal to half your proficiency bonus, rounded down. Additionally, you gain proficiency in Survival and Perception. 

Loyal to the Bone

Your canid bite is a natural weapon, which counts as a simple melee weapon with which you are proficient. You add your Dexterity modifier, instead of your Strength modifier, to the attack and damage rolls when you attack with this bite. It deals 1d6 piercing damage on a hit. However, you may only use this bite attack as a reaction when an enemy attacks an ally within melee range.