Homebrew Bearfolk Species Details

Bearfolk are a proud people, found on almost every plane, in every climate and locale. These large bear people often live in small clans and value loyalty and family no matter their alignment. These large humanoids are both fearsome foes and loyal allies - they rarely fall in-between. 

Bearfolk originated from the Feywild. When the first Elves crossed from the Feywild to the Material Plane, a number of them brought their bear companions with them. These bears were of heightened intelligence and curiosity, and started to create their own families. As the Feybear reproduced, they continued to evolve into their own humanoid race, the Bearfolk. As time has gone on, curious and brave Bearfolk clans have found their way to numerous planes and planets. 

Appearance 

Bearfolk stand anywhere from 6 to 10 feet tall. Their weight will vary immensely based on their height, but could be anywhere from 300 to 900 lbs. 

They are covered with fur from head to toe; they have small ears and a long, sturdy snout with sharp teeth. At first glance, some smaller Bearfolk may look like werebears due to the natural curve of their upper spine, causing shoulders that look slightly hunched. 

Bearfolk fur varies based on where they are from. Their fur can be black, brown, copper, red, white, or any combination thereof. The thickness of their fur will vary based on climate, and they may have a winter coat and a summer coat based on where they have settled. 

Bearfolk faces are expressive - many of them "wear their heart on their sleeve," so to speak. Typically, one can look at a Bearfolk and have a good idea of what they're thinking (and whether or not they are safe to approach). 

Alignment 

The majority of Bearfolk fall into two categories - chaotic good and chaotic evil. Neutrality is not common in Bearfolk - they typically have strong opinions and they work and think in extremes. 

Like many Fey races, Bearfolk have a chaotic streak. They don't give much heed to laws and rules - they do their own thing in their own way to achieve the ends that they wish to achieve. You may see lawful Bearfolk clans, but they are often working in cohort with lawful organizations or within towns and cities. 

Many Bearfolk, whether Good or Evil aligned, will tell you that they are good. They truly believe that what they are doing is for the good. Whether that's for the good of themselves or for the good of everyone, it's still "good" to them. Good Bearfolk are welcoming and kind, and will often take in people of any race in order to help them grow. Their intentions are always to help others leave better than they arrived, whatever that looks like.  

Evil Bearfolk often have a goal and will take down anyone who is in their way, innocent or not. They have a plan or a worldview and they want to play a role in its completion. They will also take in people of every race and background - and even be nurturing to them - but they will raise them up to be an ally in their plans. 

Personality

Bearfolk have warm personalities - yes, even the evil ones - and they may come off as aloof and even goofy. Often times, that exterior is hiding a very intelligent mind. Their loyalty is unmatched - if you make friends or allies with Bearfolk, it will take a lot for them to turn their back on you. In that same vein, if you make Bearfolk enemies, they will likely be your enemy until one of you dies. They are a frightening presence on the field of battle, and you want them to be on your side when something happens. 

Bearfolk Traits

Bearfolk are large, a formidable opponent or long lasting friend. Due to their size and surprising agility, they have a number of traits that make them unique from other races.

Claws

Melee Weapon Attack: Reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 7 (2d4 + 2) slashing damage.

Rip and Tear

Immediately after you take the Dash action on your turn and move at least 20 feet, you can make one melee attack with your Claws as a Bonus Action. 

Fearsome Presence

When an unfriendly creature sees a Bearfolk, that creature must succeed on a DC15 Wisdom Saving Throw or become frightened for one round of combat. A frightened creature can only move 10 feet away from the Bearfolk on its turn. At the end of their turn, the frightened creature regains its resolve and is no longer frightened. 

Enemies with CR + 4 higher than your level are immune to this effect. 

Keen Hearing and Smell

Bearfolk have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or 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.

Intimidating

You have advantage on Intimidation (CHA) checks.
You have advantage on Intimidation (CHA) Saving Throws

Fearless

Bearfolk have advantage on saving throws against spells that cause the frightened condition. 

Crushing Bite

Melee Weapon Attack: Reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 4) bludgeoning Damage. A creature must succeed on a DC14 Strength saving throw or become grappled.