Homebrew Canissari Species Details

Children of Sirius, the Dog Queen

Overview:

The Canissari are a proud and noble race of bipedal, canine humanoids who walk the line between civilization and the wilds, drawn ever onward by their divine purpose. Created by Sirius, the Dog Queen—goddess of justice, faith, protection, and retribution—the Canissari are her chosen agents in the mortal world, tasked with upholding sacred oaths, defending the innocent, and delivering justice to the wicked.

Physical Appearance:

Canissari resemble humanoid canines, standing between 6 and 7 feet tall, with digitigrade legs, keen eyes, and powerful frames. Their fur colors and features vary by bloodline, with some bearing resemblance to wolves, mastiffs, foxes, or hounds. Their eyes often gleam with golden or silvery light, said to reflect their divine connection to Sirius.

Culture:

Canissari societies are built on honor, discipline, and community. Their settlements—often called Pacts—are governed by councils of elder Justicars, wise leaders who interpret the will of Sirius. From an early age, Canissari are trained in ethics, swordsmanship, and spiritual discipline. Many become paladins, clerics, or rangers, sworn to protect the innocent and hunt those who prey upon the weak.

They revere loyalty above all else, and betrayal is considered the greatest sin. A Canissari who breaks an oath without dire cause is exiled, marked with a ritual scar across the muzzle and forbidden from speaking the name of Sirius until they atone.

Religion:

Sirius, the Dog Queen, is both a nurturing mother and a stern judge. Her temples are austere yet warm, places of solace and justice. Her tenets are carved into stone at every Pact gate:

• Protect the innocent.
• Honor your word.
• Uphold justice without cruelty.
• Strike down the wicked, but offer redemption first.

Canissari holy warriors often wear tabards bearing the sigil of Sirius: a silver hound’s head with radiant eyes, wreathed in celestial flame.

Relations with Other Races:

While some view the Canissari as rigid or self-righteous, most recognize their valor and trustworthiness. Dwarves admire their sense of honor, and many humans rely on Canissari mercenaries or arbiters to resolve disputes. Some elves find them overly blunt, but even they respect the Canissari’s unwavering resolve.

Adventurers:

Driven by visions from Sirius or called to right ancient wrongs, Canissari adventurers roam the Forgotten Realms as lone judges, steadfast companions, or wandering paladins. Whether in the bustling streets of Waterdeep or the haunted wilds of the High Forest, they carry the divine light of the Dog Queen into shadow.

 

Canissari Traits

The Canissari are a proud and noble race of bipedal, canine humanoids who walk the line between civilization and the wilds, drawn ever onward by their divine purpose.

Age

Canissari mature slightly faster than humans, reaching adulthood around 14. They live to around 80 years, though some live longer with divine favor.

Alignment

Most Canissari are lawful by nature and gravitate toward good. Their devotion to Sirius instills a strong moral compass, but individuals can stray.

Size

Canissari stand between 6 and 7 feet tall and weigh between 180 and 250 pounds. Your size is Medium.

 

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Celestial. You can also speak Canissari, a noble-sounding dialect of Sylvan spoken only by those blessed by Sirius.

 

Keen Senses

You have proficiency in the Perception skill.

 

Divine Snarl

As a bonus action, you can unleash a divine snarl that echoes with righteous fury. Choose one creature within 30 feet of you that can hear you. That creature must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw (DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier) or become frightened until the end of its next turn. Once you use this feature, you can’t use it again until you finish a short or long rest.

At 5th level, you may use it twice per rest.

 

Loyal Protector

When a creature you can see within 5 feet of you is targeted by an attack, you can use your reaction to impose disadvantage on the attack roll. You must be wielding a shield or have a free hand to use this feature. You can use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus per long rest.

 

Oathbound Spirit

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

 

Canin Agility

You can leap your walking speed horizontally or vertically.  You can use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus per long rest

 

Canissari Bite

Your powerful jaws are a natural weapon, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with it, you deal 1d6 + your Strength modifier piercing damage instead of the normal bludgeoning damage for an unarmed strike.

When you hit a creature with your bite, you can choose to grapple the target as part of the same attack (escape DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Strength modifier). You can use this grapple feature once per turn.

Starting at 5th level, your bite is considered magical for the purposes of overcoming resistance and immunity to nonmagical attacks and damage.