Homebrew Brocks (Badgerfolk) Species Details

“The Chief sat at the head of the table in his underground home; surrounded by three Elders as he regarded the stranger before him with a scrutinising gaze. It was a simple human Woodsman, he had approached the chief to ask for an appeal. “Forgive me, Chief, but our village Quartermaster has taken so much wood that it leaves nothing for the rest of us! The snow outside has grown thick and the poor are freezing to death. We have already lost two this week! We mean no disrespect to your forest but we need more wood!” The Chief held up his hands for silence from the man while himself and the three Elders confer amongst themselves; eventually they returned and the Chief speaks with authority. “You may have whatever dead wood you can find without molestation from us, but if we find you have taken alive trees? The village will be forbidden from entering the woods. As for this Quartermaster? His Greed has put the forest at risk, we shall visit him in due time and right this wrong soon enough.” -Records of Chief Ragestone, in regards to the village of Diss.

 

Brocks are creatures stuck between two patron gods and bound to a duty they have struggled with since their creation. These people are tough, combative and pragmatic; they stand sentinel in their forests against the coming of any people who would abuse them. Do not mistake their size for cuteness, when angered they are a force to be reckoned with!

 

Appearance:

Taxonomy- Brocks look like European Badgers with more humanoid qualities, they have the same spaded faces and furred coloured bodies along with a tail which reaches their knees; however they stand on two feet like most humanoid races.

Their feet and hands are thicker and tougher than typical people with heavy digging claws, the claws are dulled and suitable for digging.

The bodies are short and stout, resembling Dwarves in many respects, their eyes can take colours such as Blue, green and brown.

Like many humanoid races, they are capable of growing hair, ranging in colours of browns, reds, blondes, whites, greys and blacks.

 

Dimorphism- Male and females vary little, though Males may be larger than females, this is not always the case, all of them are typically sturdy and thick set with a fatty layer over the muscle. Brocks that are born male can grow beards.

 

Size- They stand at typically four to five feet, with some exceptions for taller ones. Your size is medium.

 

Weight- They are usually between 110 to 150 pounds with a few exceptions getting heavier.

 

Other generic Information:

Age- Brocks can live up to 120 years old, though 80 is more common. You are considered an adult at 10 by culture, (as in you are expected to take on adult responsibility,)  but sexual maturity isn’t achieved until 20.

 

Speed- You can move 25ft. You can Swim and climb 15ft, You can Dig 5ft. Where and when a Brock can dig should be agreed beforehand with your DM, typically anything harder than sunbaked dirt is too tough for Brocks.

 

Culture and history:

 

Origins- Brocks are the creation of two Deities, the Goddess Molara and the God Moradin. They were created at a time when Mortals and immortals alike were abusing Molara’s forests; though she is a Goddess that makes a point of remaining neutral and not interfering she felt direct action at this time was required. To this end asked for help from Moradin, the Patron God of the Dwarves. She needed Soldiers.

He agreed to assist her for an unnamed favour, legend has offered several suggestions to this favour but it is still unknown to Mortals. He instructed Molara to bring him a favoured creature; she chose Badgers as she considered them to be a creature Moradin would approve of because they are strong, stout and clan based with subterranean homes. Moradin reshaped these beasts into the Brocks, these creatures were very Dwarven in their mannerisms but duty bound to defend their forests for their Goddess, Molara.

 

Brocks upheld their duty and defended the forests for as long as Molara intended, at which point she gave them their freedom to pursue life as they saw fit. Some Brock clans see this decision as being abandoned by her, but other clans see it as a kindness.
Being mortals and children of two gods, their combative nature and clan structure eventually lead to infighting; clans fought with themselves as much as they did against outsiders. Now they are a race running thin on numbers, a God made people who have lost their way. 

 

Clans- Clans are typically sized between twenty and two hundred Brocks, these are led by a Chief who makes the decisions for the Clan, the chief is advised by the Elders of that Clan but ultimately they have the final say.

 

Who becomes Clan Chief is decided by good common sense instead of voting, the person who was most capable or deemed most worthy; this decision can be contested by a trial of combat or by petition but those situations are rare. Brocks are incredibly pragmatic people and their decision making is usually functional.

 

Typical Clan jobs are foragers, hunters, crafters and builders. Regardless of any other  profession they are all expected to fight when called to; cowardice is considered a shame to any capable Brock. Exceptions are made for Brocks who are very old, young, Heavily injured or Pregnant, otherwise even the infirmed are typically expected to take a weapon when they are called. Male and females have an equal place in Brock Society, those who are most capable are the most revered and respected, all that matters to them is that you can pull your weight and that you do so.

 

Names- Brock names are typically earthy and descriptive, a mixture of things such as Urth, Myst, Wud, Ston with additions such as Paw, Stripe, Claw. So a few names could be “Urthmyst” “Stonpaw” “Wudclaw” “Wytepaw”. These names are not exclusive to any Gender.

Although these names are common, Brocks also sometimes adopt Human, Elven and Dwarven names, Dwarvish names being the most Common.
Chieftain names- Clan Chiefs cast off their original name And simply take the name ‘Chief’ alongside their clans name, for example “Chief Gorse, Chief Thunderpaw, Chief Ironweaver.”
Clan names- clan names are also as practical and descriptive as their individual names and tend to lend to a Clans trope, such as a particular historical hero, a way of life or just what their Clan is well known for. Examples such as “Ceteruler, Gorse, Shattershield, Ironweaver, Rockflayer, Mender, Morad, Molar.”

Legendary names- Some individuals may be bestowed entirely new names by their clans, these are normally characters of exceeding reputation. Some of the individuals or historical notation are “Lord Brocktree, Spearlady Gorse, Ceteruler the Just.” This is not something given out lightly and is NEVER self appointed, this would be considered a shame to Brocks. Killing dragons, winning wars, forever changing Brock culture are all good ways to earn a legendary name.

Clan relations- There is still some tension between clans now, but these tensions are settled and don’t have any open hostility attached. This is due to the significantly dwindling population of the race and a renewed sense of the duty they had long forgotten. They have made a truce between clans and live under a set of rules set out by the Hero ‘Ceteruler the just’.
To cement this truce, once a year a ‘Clanmoot’ is formed; this is where the clans meet to settle disputes, discuss events from over the year, even play games and host competitions. Only the Clan Chief is forced to these meets but the whole clan can attend as it’s typically a fun time. While the Chiefs talk the rest of the clans meet, sing, drink, dance, wrestle and all manner of festival games! It is common in these moots for clans to swap clan members’ if a particular clan member shows promise they are offered out as a show of good faith, weddings are also sometimes carried out at the Moot. The yearly clan Moot is now as close to a Holiday as Brocks have ever got and real proof that all Brocks despite their stoney nature know how to party!

 

Laws- The laws set down by Ceteruler the just are very broad, but there are a few general principles they uphold. With that said there are fast ‘no’s’ as well, Murder and Theft will get you Executed at the worst, exiled at the best.
Another set in stone law is that Clan wars are permitted, however if one Clan defeats another they are obliged to take on both the responsibilities and the Members of that clan. The duties that Molara gave them must be upheld so leaving a forest abandoned is forbidden and a great sin.

 

Relationships with outsiders- Clans can be outright hostile to anyone who threatens Molara’s forests’ this has led to conflicts between Humans, Elves and Dwarves. Though strictly speaking they are neutral towards these people and merely enforce their laws when they feel outsiders are abusing their forests. To this end it is common for Brock clans to live alongside settlements of these people and trading is commonplace; some Brocks may even live within their settlements. Clan Ironweaver is a good example, they are coveted by Dwarves and Humans for their exceptionally crafted Armour and weapons. It is more likely that Badgerfolks will clash with darker forces that have no consideration for their homes nor heed their authority on the matter.

 

Histories:
These are stories that All Brocks are likely to know unless they are completely isolated from their people growing up-

The Story of Spearlady Gorse- Originally named Gorsewud of clan Spear, she was a humble daughter of the clan. Clan spear was in direct conflict with a settlement of Kobolds, who were strip mining the hills nearby and plundering the forests surrounding them for timber.

Clan spear declares war on the Kobolds when the Kobolds kill the emissary they sent to them. This battle lasts two long weeks of bloody violence with both sides taking heavy casualties; however eventually the Kobolds are reinforced by the Dragon they serve.

The Dragon lays waste to the battlefield and causes huge losses to the clan, killing  Chief Spear in the process. Enraged by this, with courage and precision Gorsewud slays the dragon with a single well hurled spear as it turns to kill more Clan members. The Kobolds, upon seeing the body of their devoted Dragon master plummeting from the sky, flee into the hills and the clan is victorious.

Gorsewud is crowned Chief Spear following the end of the war and later given the Legendary name Spearlady Gorse; when she died the Clan was renamed ‘Clan Gorse’ in her honour. She died as a clan Elder after leading her clan for a full fifty years and having sired three children.

 

The story of Ceteruler the Just- Clan Lore was a peaceful clan and although they were still capable fighters their main focus was collecting the history and lore of the Brock species. Mudpaw was dedicated to expanding this Lore, but he also liked to include other races, especially the Dwarves. This makes him an astute and intelligent member of his clan, highly respected already. 

 

He had noticed over time that the clans were failing in their duties, more and more forests were falling to abuse from outsiders and a lot of the trouble stemmed from the Brocks own failings. He sets out on a pilgrimage to seek ways to correct this, looking to other races such as Elves and Dwarves. Upon his return after many years of study, he is installed as the next Clan chief.

He sets about his work of constructing the code of conduct and laws he thinks will set the clans back on task; to spread this conduct among the clans he sets up the first Clanmoot. The Chief’s of each clan gathered at this moot to discuss these new laws; there was much arguing and even some bloodshed but eventually there was an agreement. For the wisdom he showed he was renamed “Ceteruler the Just” and his clan was later renamed Clan Ceteruler in his honour.

 

Languages- Brocks can both speak and read Brock, Dwarvish and Common.

 

Abilities:

 

Diggers- As an action on your turn, you can dig a hole that fits the dimensions of a 5 foot cube. The DM has final say in which surfaces you can dig in, but typically anything harder than sunbaked dirt is too tough.

Darkvision- Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. 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 colour in darkness, only shades of grey.

Badgers really don’t give a damn- You have advantage on saving throws you make to avoid or end the frightened condition.

Bite- You can use your powerful bite to make unarmed melee attacks. These attacks deal 1d6 + your strength modifier in piercing damage.

Master crafters- You are proficient with one tool of your choice. You may have this tool as part of your starting equipment when creating this character.

 

Additional useful items:

 

Names:

Brock names will typically be two of these words placed together, there is no surname they just state their clan name. I.E. “Urthmyst of Clan Ironweaver” or “Urthmyst Ironweaver”

Wud- wood

Ston- Stone

Urth- Earth

Myst- Mist

Rayg- Rage

Dyg- Dig

Fyr- Fire

Iyc- Ice

Roc- Rock

Fir- Fur

Sun

Mun- Moon

Tree

Hunt

Paw

Claw

Strype- Stripe

Fang

Tuth- Tooth

 

Class Examples:
Barbarian- Typical Clan fighters, they are more confident at getting thick into the fight and carry more menacing weapons but would be considered the bread and butter of Brocks.

Fighter- Again, a typical Brock is also comfortable in armour and very confident with most weapons, you are strong, tough and usually only second into the fight to the Barbarian

Paladin- Some fighters take on a devotion to a God, usually a Nature God but could also be a god of War, the Forge or Dwarven Gods, These aren’t as typical but are still very formidable, bound to their duty to their clan and the implied duties of that, these paladins are full of zeal.

Monk- Brocks are just as dangerous without a weapon as they are with. Their ‘monks’ are more like pugilists, a Brock might take pride in their lack of reliance on material items and rely simply on their own body, after all it’s a god given body, it should be enough.

Rogue- This is not a common choice for a Brock, they are not known for being stealthy or cunning. However some Brocks who have spent a life in a harsher forest or town may take to the shadows, chasing those who would do the clan harm and making sure they’ll never do it again.

Ranger- Brocks in the clan would be expected to forage and Hunt. Though normally most Brocks take this as just part of their normal life some find they are particularly skilled in these things may take it a personal profession, becoming a highly specialised member of the clan.

Cleric- Clerics are semi-common in a clan, as Religion can hold a lot of importance to a Brock, they are often thrown into the thick of battle, but they also tend to the role of Healers, mystics and priests. A Brock that took on the role of Cleric is likely raised by an Elder or Mystic in a similar frame.

Druid- Druids are equally as common for Brocks, those who truly devote themselves to their original task and protect the forests they’ve been bound to. Where some Brocks work as a vanguard for the woodlands, a Druid functions more as a tender, working out how best to make sure their lands thrive and ensuring it happens.

Wizard- Wizards are a very specialised role in Clans and rare, within the clan they more often work on infusing rune and glyphs into weapons and armour. But those close to other settlements may become more studious and discover more creative ways to bring the pain to people who cross them.

Sorcerer- Although Sorcerers are rare, a Brock may inherit innate magics through life experiences, accidents, soaking up too much ley line energy they may even have particularly powerful parents. These Brocks are more likely to be found outside of a Clan than within, but those who remain within the clan are trusted to use their magic to turn the tides of war.

Warlock- Warlock Brocks are almost unheard of! But desperate or banished Badgerfolk may be lured by darker forces for protection or revenge. Badgers enraged by mistreatment of their clans or forests may make pacts with patrons to pursue their goals.

Artificer- Being a species known for skilled crafters, certain clans may produce ‘progenies’, members of the clan with intellect and skill enough to fashion items of great ingenuity and magic! These are rare but typically treasured for their usefulness. A clan may be reluctant to let an Artificer leave but will respect the desire to improve their skills.

 

DM/Player inspirations and suggestions:

All these are mere suggestions, speak with your DM or your Player to decide the characters story and work together to make the game satisfying for both.

 

Story Beats for the DM-

Clan rivalries/ wars.

Clan moot shenanigans.

Moradins “Unnamed favour”.

Outsiders pestering the Clan/ their forest.

Murder mystery!

 

Why would your player character be out adventuring-

Revenge!

Exile.

Escaping responsibilities.

Seeking to better yourself.

Returning stolen artefact.

Brocks (Badgerfolk) Traits

Strong and Tough Clans folk are hard to beat, they eat their veggies and they don't give a damn!

Master Crafters

You are proficient with one tool of your choice. You may have this tool as part of your starting equipment when creating this character.

Darkvision

Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. 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 colour in darkness, only shades of grey.

Bite

You can use your powerful bite to make unarmed melee attacks. These attacks deal 1d6 + your strength modifier in piercing damage.

Badger's don't give a damn!

You have advantage on saving throws you make to avoid or end the frightened condition.