Homebrew Cervine (Beastworld Elk) Species Details

“We elk aren’t withdrawn and we aren’t cold. We wait until there’s something worth saying, and someone worth loving. Once we find them, we do more of both than anyone else.”
-Berendey Torsten, ruler of Oria

The cervine elk embody the northern mountains they originate from: their stature, endurance, and their chilly exteriors. Some are nearly eight feet tall, and most have broad shoulders and powerful arms. Those with antlers cast an even longer, broader shadow.

By appearances, one might assume cervines to be brutish barbarians from the north. While plenty fit that description, the species runs deeper than raw muscle. Just as a wizard’s staff empowers them, a cervine’s physical body anchors them to the Arcana. Elk of every homeland share a cultural curiosity about the mysteries of magic.

Perhaps because of their size or a lingering influence of their origin species, others know cervines to be cautious and to keep their distance in social gatherings. Most cervines are less-than-forthcoming with new people, but it’s not impossible to form close relationships with them. Their curiosity has driven them to travel around the world despite their suspicion of strangers. While they are impatient with idle chatter (especially that of wolves), any beast or brethren who can find common ground with an elk makes a devoted friend.

The most famous military force in the Beast World is also its most secretive: the Oric War Mages. The sharpest wizards and strongest fighters in Oria dwell in a hidden stronghold, where they study and train together. While everyone knows about their existence, their identities are a closely guarded secret. Elk are the typical person’s image of a War Mage, and cervine delvers who travel beyond the Oric border inevitably face excited questions about the order. Foreigners wonder if they’ve spotted a War Mage whenever they see an elk with a heavy weapon or one casting arcane spells.

Cervine (Beastworld Elk) Traits

Humanoid, Medium Creature, +2 Strength, +1 Constitution, Armaments of the fist, March of Hooves, Powerful Build, Nature's Conduit, Unshakable Guard.

Ability Score increase

Your Strength score increases by 2, 
Your Constitution score increases by 1.

Armaments of the First

All cervines are gifted with one of their forebears’ natural weapons. You have a hoof stomp and a gore attack (if you have antlers, which is your choice). These attacks deal 1d6 damage plus your Strength modifier. The hoof stomp deals bludgeoning damage, and the gore attack deals piercing damage.

March on Hooves

You have advantage on saving throws you make to avoid suffering exhaustion from a forced march.

Powerful Build

You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.

Nature’s Conduit

Animal ancestors of the elk roamed the mountains before the Beast World’s creation. The old world’s magic still shimmers in the expanse that became Oria. 
Your legacy still manifests as a faint glow in your eyes or pinpricks of light at the points of your antlers. 
You can use this part of your body in place of any spellcasting focus. Additionally, you can attune to a maximum of four magic items

Unshakable Guard

Cervines are stout and wide, and their stature enables them to plant their feet and endure. When an effect would knock you prone, you can use your reaction to remain standing. Once you use this ability, you can’t use it again until you finish a short or long rest.