Homebrew Garurumian Species Details

We had a Garurumian pass through once, a few winters back. She kept the taproom buzzing every night with tales of her hunts and adventures, and by day, she’d rest near the hearth, her sharp eyes half-closed but always alert. We thought she was just idling, but when Eugene came running telling everyone about a stolen brooch and the thief who just robbed him, she was on her feet and out the door in a flash, her claws ready to track the culprit before I could even process what was happening.

— Torgjörn Sollingson, tavernkeeper

 

Hailing from remote and untamed lands, wandering Garurumians are wolf-like humanoids driven by a primal urge to test their strength, uncover hidden ruins, and conquer the unknown. These fierce adventurers rarely linger in one place, as their restless spirits compel them to explore the wilds, delve into ancient ruins, and face challenges that others dare not confront. Ultimate explorers, Garurumians embody a balance of feral instincts and a disciplined pursuit of purpose.

Lone Hunters and Tribal Defenders

Most Garurumians remain in their distant homelands, dwelling in tightly-knit tribal packs. These tribes are fiercely territorial, relying on their sharp senses and natural might to hunt for food, protect their kin, and maintain order. Garurumians value loyalty and survival above all, and their tribal culture fosters both resilience and unity.

However, some Garurumians are born with a deeper yearning—an innate drive to leave their pack and test their mettle against the unknown. These wanderers seek out forgotten legends, unravel ancient mysteries, and strive to leave their mark on the world before returning home, stronger and wiser, to share their triumphs.

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Seekers of Challenges

While Garurumians value the tangible—the feel of cold steel, the warmth of a fire, or the scent of prey—they are equally drawn to the unseen challenges of the world. They treasure personal growth, the thrill of the hunt, and the knowledge gained through overcoming adversity. To a Garurumian, the act of conquering a challenge, whether through strength, cunning, or resolve, is far more valuable than any physical prize.

These wolf-like adventurers are not collectors of wealth or artifacts for their own sake but instead are drawn to the stories and trials behind such things. A magical weapon, for instance, holds no fascination unless it was earned in a battle worthy of song or forged in fires lit by a hero’s sacrifice.

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Restless Adventurers

Garurumians are driven by an insatiable need to prove themselves. They might spend weeks tracking a mythical beast or chasing down rumors of an ancient warrior's tomb, only to move on the moment their objective is met. They savor every moment of the hunt or quest, and once their curiosity is sated or their goal is achieved, they quickly turn their focus to the next great challenge.

This mercurial nature makes Garurumians unpredictable to outsiders. One might obsess over slaying a legendary foe, only to shift their attention to an entirely unrelated pursuit as soon as the beast is defeated. Despite this, Garurumians are steadfast allies and will remain fiercely loyal to those they deem part of their pack.

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Wandering Warriors

Not all Garurumians are called to the life of an adventurer. Some who leave their homeland become wandering protectors or mercenaries, driven to test their skills in battle against any foe. These warriors often travel alone or in small groups, honing their combat abilities and earning their keep by defending those in need.

Others become lore-seekers, gathering knowledge of forgotten tribes, ancient beasts, or lost techniques. These Garurumians are less concerned with material wealth and instead barter their services for knowledge or access to hidden places. While generally honorable, they are not above taking what they feel they have earned through cunning or sheer force of will.

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Garurumian Names

Garurumian names reflect their fierce and primal heritage, often invoking the natural world or great feats of strength. Names are chosen based on the individual’s personality and accomplishments, often evolving as they grow and achieve new milestones. Clan names, meanwhile, are tied to significant features of their homeland.

Garurumian Names: Shadowfang, Moonstride, Thundering Howl, Ironclaw, Frostfang, Stormpelt
Garurumian Clan Names: Howling Peaks, Frozen Tundra, Shattered Crags, Silver Forest, Stormcliffs

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Garurumian Personality

Garurumians are intense, passionate individuals with a sharp focus on the present. Their motivations are shaped by their primal instincts and cultural values. A Garurumian might seek to prove their worth through combat, track down a legendary beast, or uncover a forgotten relic of their ancestors.

To reflect their ever-changing goals, you can roll or choose from the following table of primal instincts and motivations:

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Garurumian Instincts Table

d8	Instinct / Motivation
1	Hunt a creature whispered of in legend.
2	Face an opponent stronger than yourself.
3	Protect a vulnerable person or group.
4	Claim an artifact forged in battle.
5	Prove your worth by earning the respect of an elder.
6	Explore the uncharted lands beyond the horizon.
7	Learn the secrets of an ancient ruin or lost tribe.
8	Defeat an enemy who poses a threat to your clan or pack.

Garurumian Traits

Your Garurumian character has the following racial traits.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Strength or Constitution score increases by 1.

Age

Garurumians mature at a similar rate to humans and live around 80 to 120 years, though their physical peak lasts much longer.

Size

Garurumians are tall and athletic, standing between 6 and 7 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 40 feet. Your base burrowing speed is 10 feet. Your base climbing speed is 20 feet. Your base swimming speed is 25 feet.

Darkvision

You have keen eyesight, even in the dark. 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 color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Lupine Agility

Your reflexes are unmatched. When you take the Dash action, difficult terrain does not cost you extra movement, and you can move through the space of creatures larger than you.

Martial Predator

You have natural weapons in the form of your claws, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier.

Battle Fury

When you hit a creature with an unarmed strike or a melee weapon attack, you can unleash a flurry of strikes as a bonus action. You can make an additional unarmed strike (using your claws). You can use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, regaining all expended uses after a long rest.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice.

Frost Howl

As an action, you can let out a bone-chilling howl imbued with frost energy. Each creature of your choice within a 30 feet cone must succeed on a Constitution saving throw (DC = 8 + your Constitution modifier + your proficiency bonus) or take cold damage equal to 1d8 + your proficiency bonus and have their speed reduced by 10 feet until the end of your next turn. You can use this feature twice per long rest.