Homebrew Wolf-Kin Species Details

Wolfkin History & Ancestry

Long ago, in the shadow of the ancient forests, there lived a powerful and proud clan of Lycans known as the Moonfang Pack. Feared and respected, they roamed the land, their strength and ferocity unmatched. However, their dominance led to arrogance, and in their hubris, they crossed paths with an ancient hag known as Morgatha Nightshade.

Morgatha, a master of dark magic and curses, was known for her vile concoctions and malevolent spells. The Moonfang Pack, believing themselves invincible, attacked Morgatha in an attempt to claim her secrets. Enraged by their assault, Morgatha wove a curse of unimaginable potency. As the moon reached its zenith, the curse took hold: the Lycans began to transform, but the change did not stop.

The Moonfang Pack found themselves trapped in a perpetual state between man and wolf. Their forms were twisted, bearing both the advantages and drawbacks of each form. They retained their keen senses and formidable strength but lost the ability to spread lycanthropy through their bites. Forced to breed like normal animals, their numbers dwindled over generations.

This new race, known as the Wolfkin, became outcasts. The true Lycans viewed them with disdain, considering them a lesser breed tainted by human weakness. Humans, on the other hand, feared and shunned them, seeing them as abominations of nature. Despite this, the Wolfkin adapted, forging a unique culture and society in the depths of the forests. They became skilled hunters and survivalists, relying on their dual nature to navigate a world that rejected them.

The Curse's Legacy

The curse of Morgatha Nightshade left the Wolfkin with certain traits:

• Advantages:

  • Enhanced senses of smell and hearing

  • Superior strength and agility

  • Pack mentality, strong communal bonds, and loyalty

• Disadvantages:

• Inability to spread lycanthropy through bites

• Distrust from both humans and Lycans, leading to social isolation

Despite their cursed existence, the Wolfkin hold onto the hope that one day, they might find a way to lift the curse and reclaim their place in the world. Until then, they live in the shadows, proud and resilient, a testament to their enduring spirit.

Wolf-Kin Traits

Enhanced senses of smell and hearing

Ancestral Sniff

Ability: Ancestral Sniff

• Effect: When making a Perception check or Nature check to discern the whereabouts of an enemy, you gain advantage on the roll.

• Activation: This ability can be used once per short rest.

Pack Evasion

Ability: Evasion of the Pack

• Effect: When you take the Dodge action, you can choose to also grant all friendly creatures within 10 feet of you the benefits of Dodge, as if they also took the action on their own turns. This ability represents the strong pack mentality and coordinated movements of the Wolfkin, allowing them to protect each other effectively in battle.

• Activation: You can use this feature once per long rest.