Homebrew Beastkin Species Details

The origin of the Beastkin is a tale woven with magic, mystery, and the ancient bonds between realms. Long before the rise of human empires and the spread of elven forests, the Feywyld—a parallel realm of boundless magic and perpetual twilight—was home to myriad fantastical creatures. Among these, the Beastkin emerged as a unique race, embodying both the raw, untamed nature of animals and the intellect and adaptability of humanoids.

The genesis of the Beastkin can be traced back to the time when the Feywyld was ruled by the Archfey, beings of immense power and whimsy. These Archfey, ever curious and experimental, sought to create a race that could bridge the gap between the animal kingdom and sentient beings. Drawing from the essence of various animals, they combined it with the spark of fey magic, giving rise to the first Beastkin. Each Beastkin bore traits of the animal from which they were derived, ranging from the ferocity of the wolf to the grace of the deer, and the cunning of the fox.

For centuries, the Beastkin thrived in the Feywyld, living in harmony with nature and serving as guardians of the realm’s delicate balance. They were revered by other fey creatures for their strength, wisdom, and deep connection to the natural world. However, the equilibrium of the Feywyld was not to last.

A great cataclysm, known as the Shattering, was triggered by a powerful and malevolent Archfey who sought to dominate the Feywyld. This event tore rifts between the Feywyld and the Material Plane, causing parts of both realms to overlap and merge. As the fabric of reality warped, many inhabitants of the Feywyld, including the Beastkin, were cast into the Material Plane.

The transition was tumultuous for the Beastkin. Thrust into an unfamiliar world, they struggled to find their place amidst the existing races of the Material Plane. Yet, their innate adaptability and resilience allowed them to endure. They began to establish tribes and communities, often settling in forests, mountains, and other wild places that reminded them of their lost home.

Over time, the Beastkin became an integral part of the Material Plane’s tapestry. Their lore, shaped by the memory of the Feywyld, spoke of their duty to protect the natural world and uphold the balance between civilization and wilderness. Though they mourned the loss of their original home, the Beastkin found a new purpose in the Material Plane, becoming fierce defenders of nature and revered allies to those who respected the old ways.

Thus, the Beastkin of the Material Plane stand as a testament to the enduring power of magic and the unbreakable spirit of those who cherish the harmony of nature. Their origin in the Feywyld and their journey to the Material Plane are tales told by fireside, inspiring awe and respect for these noble and enigmatic beings.

Beastkin Traits

The Beastkin are swift, silent and quick thinkers. Their time in the Feywild has taught them many techniques on how to survive.

Ability Score Increase

When determining your character’s ability scores, increase one score by 2 and increase a different score by 1, or increase three different scores by 1. Follow this rule regardless of the method you use to determine the scores, such as rolling or point buy. The “Quick Build” section for your character’s class offers suggestions on which scores to increase. You can follow those suggestions or ignore them, but you can’t raise any of your scores above 20.

Age

Beastkin age at the same rate as humans, maturing around the age of 18 and living close to 100 years.

Size

Beastkin vary heavily on their size, appearing anywhere between 4 and 8 feet tall. Your size is medium.

Speed

You have a walking speed of 35 feet.

Darkvision

Due to Beastkin having excellent night vision, 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.

Natural Weapons

Even unarmed you are not without weapons, your body has plenty of sharp pointy bits for you to rip into your enemies. All Beastkin who are capable of having a Bite attack, it deals 1d6 + your strength modifier piercing damage. Additionally, your unarmed strikes deal 1d4 + your strength modifier slashing or bludgeoning damage, based on your chosen beastkin's race. You are proficient with these attacks.

Animal Insticts

Your animal nature gives you the prime advantage in the wilds. You proficient in Survival. Unfortunately you are affected by spells such as Dominate Beast.

Languages

You can speak Common and Sylvan

Fey Ancestry

You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can't put you to sleep.

Keen Senses

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