Homebrew Dogman Human Godling v2 Species Details
Region
The land of the Dogmen is referred to as the Howling Plains, a land that is often assailed by violent winds and dry thunderstorms. Lightning strikes the ground here, scarring the earth and igniting sparse pockets of brush. The winds grow stronger and colder the higher the elevation, with much of the northern plains covered in snow. Further south the climate grows humid, turning the land to bog and marsh.
Culture
The Dogmen are a warlike people often clashing with each other over territory and resources. They believe that tribal identity is sacred, therefore any attempts at unification have historically ended in disaster. Since every member of each tribe is trained from birth to defend their homes or join a warband, it is believed that should the Dogmen ever unite they would be unstoppable.
The Dogmen have formed a symbiotic relationship with the native giant canines of the Howling Plains. They serve as village guardians, battle steeds, and staunch companions in return for food and shelter from the elements. Taming such a beast is often a rite of passage for youths seeking to join a warband. Many die in the attempt.
There are six Dogmen tribes:
Bloodhounds: The most brutal of all Dogmen tribes. Their warriors are ferocious and bloodthirsty, prone to battle frenzy and wholesale slaughter of their enemies. They also command the largest war dogs of any tribe.
Howlers: Magically inclined, the Howlers are a mysterious tribe that chooses to worship a god called Fenra instead of Havoc. They have the ability to skin change into monstrous wolfmen when the moon is full and often conduct their raids at night.
Jackals: Making their home in the ruins of an ancient human kingdom, the Jackals have become obsessed with relics of the past. They wear this lost kingdom’s armor and wield its weapons, and worship the dog headed figures painted on the walls. Reclusive, they do not travel far from these ruins, instead choosing to ambush those foolish enough to venture close to their territory.
Mongrels: The runts, outcasts, and unwanted. Made up of the discarded members of the other tribes, the Mongrels have no one place to call their home and so wander the plains scavenging what they can. While the quality of their warriors is poor, they make up for a lack of skill with overwhelming numbers.
Rotfangs: Incredibly resourceful, the Rotfangs coat their weaponry and the teeth of their war dogs with poisons and other toxins found in the southern swamps. They prefer slow engagements and battles of attrition, letting their poisons do the majority of the work.
Stormclaws: The Stormclaws are the largest of the Dogmen tribes and also the most religious. Their battles are fought in Havoc’s name and many of their warriors seek glory in the afterlife. They also control the most resources of any tribe including large deposits of iron, allowing them to craft superior weapons and armor.
Religion
The principal deity of the Dogmen is Havoc, a gigantic bullmastiff made of lightning. Havoc commands the storms that constantly rage across the Howling Plains, and he is the father of all war dogs. It said that he can be seen running across the plains when the storms are at their fiercest. The Stormclaws believe that to be struck by lightning is to receive the hound god’s blessing.
While most of the Dogmen worship Havoc, the Howlers worship Fenra, a strange moon god that is said to be the source of their skin changing abilities. Likewise the Jackals worship Jalraz, a dog-headed humanoid depicted in the murals painted on the walls of their ruins.
Important Locations
Red Gorge: A deep narrow valley with walls of red sandstone. Here the Bloodhounds hang their grisly trophies and work themselves into a blood frenzy by the light of a hundred fires.
The Menhirs: Amongst the hills to the west can be found circles of standing stones, all covered in arcane symbols and positioned so that the moon’s light strikes their surfaces at night. Here the Howlers conduct their rituals to Fenra.
Namag-Fen: The Rotfangs call this stretch of southern swamp their home. All manner of dangerous flora and fauna is found here, serving as a natural deterrent to invaders.
The Ruins of Drezzith: The half buried remains of a long forgotten kingdom. The Jackals have made these ruins their home and covet the secrets and treasures that lie buried here.
The Highlands: To the north the plains give rise to steep snowy cliffs atop which lightning frequently strikes. The Stormclaws hold dominion here, the heightened elevation turning their territory into a natural fortress.
Important Figures
Kar-Gaeroth Gorekhan: Chieftain of the Bloodhounds. Known for his immense strength and brutal tactics.
Sarchono Moonblessed: Chieftain of the Howlers. Known for his magical prowess and cunning.
Budag-Vol: Chieftain of the Jackals. Known for his stealth and secrecy.
Dulgak the Fearless: Chieftain of the Mongrels. Known for his cowardice and treachery.
Yalzrakh the Vile: Chieftain of the Rotfangs. Known for his knowledge of alchemy and poisons.
Shuurga Stormtamer: Chieftain of the Stormclaws. Known for his zealotry and legendary escapades.
Human Traits
Creature Type: Humanoid
Size: Medium (about 4–7 feet tall) or Small (about 2–4 feet tall), chosen when you select this species
Speed: 30 feet
Dogman's handling
[Desc]
Godling's Blessing
[Desc]
Houndsblood
Once per long rest as a bonus action you may lock into a predatory focus.
For one hour your movement speed increases by 5ft and you have advantage on survival checks made to track a creature and perception checks that rely on smell.
Versatile
You gain an Origin feat of your choice.
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