Homebrew Cowfolk Species Details

Holstaur, often called Cowfolk, are humanoid bovines—largely human in shape, yet unmistakably marked by their bovine heritage. They combine the grace, intelligence, and dexterity of humanoids with the strength, endurance, and presence of cattle. They are typically 75% human in appearance: upright, humanoid torsos, hands capable of fine manipulation, and expressive faces. The remaining 25% reflects their bovine lineage: hooved feet, small tails, cow-like ears, short horns, and sometimes subtle spots or stripes across their skin. Some display faintly stylized udders as part of their anatomy, but these are generally unintrusive and naturally integrated.

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Society and Culture

Cowfolks communities are close-knit and cooperative, often forming tribes or clans reminiscent of a herd. They value strength, endurance, and mutual support. While some Cowfolk take up roles as warriors, hunters, or guards, many are also herbalists, farmers, or caretakers of animals, reflecting their deep connection to nature and pastoral life.

Despite their robust appearance, Cowfolk are known for their calm demeanor, patience, and deliberate actions. When provoked or defending their herd, however, they can unleash unmatched physical power, using their horns, massive frames, and signature Body Slam maneuver to great effect.

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Appearance

• Height: 6'–8'

• Build: Muscular and sturdy, yet flexible

• Skin/Hide: Varies from human-like tones with patches, spots, or stripes, to more fully furred areas

• Head & Face: Mostly humanoid, with bovine ears, small horns, and occasionally a slightly elongated muzzle

• Tail: Thin, cow-like, sometimes tufted

• Other Features: Hooved feet, subtle udders (if female), broad shoulders

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Personality

Cowfolk tend to be calm, grounded, and reliable, yet fiercely protective of allies and herd members. They prize community, resilience, and honor, but enjoy moments of quiet reflection and simple pleasures like tending animals, farming, or meditative walks.

Many Holstaur are adventurers seeking to prove their strength, protect their kin, or explore the wider world beyond their pastures. Their combination of brute strength and surprisingly gentle intelligence makes them adaptable in almost any adventuring party.

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Adventure Role

Holstaur make excellent frontline fighters, tanky protectors, or supportive allies. Their combination of natural strength, endurance, and mobility (40 ft walking, 20 ft climbing, 30 ft swimming) makes them versatile on the battlefield. Their unique Body Slam and Horn attacks give them signature moves that are memorable both in combat and in roleplay situations.

Cowfolk Traits

“The Cowfolk: Strength in Grace, Power in Herd”

Age

Cowfolk mature at a pace similar to humans, reaching adulthood around the age of 18. Their lifespans, however, are slightly longer, and they commonly live up to 250 years if not cut short by violence or harsh labor.

Size

Cowfolk are larger and sturdier than most humanoids, standing between 6 and 8 feet tall and weighing from 200 to 400 pounds, depending on their lineage. Your size is Medium.

Cowfolks Attack Arsenal

Natural Horns.
You can use your horns to make an unarmed strike. On a hit, your horns deal 1d6 + your Strength modifier bludgeoning damage. The damage increase with higher level:

• At Lvl 5 -> 2d6
• At Lvl 10 -> 2d8
• At Lvl 15 -> 2d10
• At Lvl 20 -> 2d12

Body Slam.
If you move at least 15 feet straight toward a creature and hit it with a melee attack (including your Horns), you can force the target to make a Strength saving throw (DC = 8 + your Strength modifier + your proficiency bonus).

• On a failed save, the target is knocked prone.

• You can use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, regaining all expended uses after a short rest.

• You cause 1d8 + Strenght modifier bludgeoning damage. The damage increases with higher leveles:
  
  • At Lvl 1 -> 1d8
  • At Lvl 5 -> 2d8
  • At Lvl 10 -> 2d10
  • At Lvl 15 -> 2d12
  • At Lvl 20 -> 4d12

Proficiencies

As Cowfolk you are proficient to: Simple Weapons, Mele Weapons, Natural Weapons, Light armor, Medium Armors, Shields, and Animal Handling, Survival, Nature, Perception, and Athletics.

Vital Milk

Equal to your proficiency, you can produce nourishing milk that heals 1d10 + Con modifier HP to a creature. Counts as a food ration.

Resistance

The Cowfolks have basic resistance to: Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical Attacks, Poison, Cold and fire