Homebrew Gaurhoth Gwaediad “The Werewolf-Host Bloodline” Species Details

Gaurhoth Lycans

Lycans are a race of shapeshifting humanoids, descendants of the ancient Gaurhoth. They are a reclusive people, preferring to remain out of sight and out of mind within ruined cities and in Tol-in-Gaurhoth, the Isle of Werewolves. Most other races do not understand the lycans, often mistaking them for savage were-beasts. This misunderstanding only strengthens the xenophobic tendencies of lycan tribes.

While lycans were once related to lycanthropes, their bloodline was altered through powerful magic that cleansed them of the curse, leaving only the transformative power behind.

Lycanthropy and Elven Magic

Lycans have two primary forms. In their humanoid form, they resemble wood elves—the original Gaurhoth—but with sharper, more feral features. This form typically stands between just over 4 feet to just under 6 feet tall. Though slender, their bodies are more muscular than is typical for elves, weighing between 90 and 145 pounds. Males and females are generally the same size.

Their skin ranges from deep browns to pale white, mirroring the bark of the trees in the Gaurhoth forests. Their hair spans the colors of the rainbow, often resembling autumn leaves or spring petals. Their eyes always reflect their wolf heritage—often heterochromatic or featuring a yellow or amber glow.

Ancient elven magic lifted the curse of lycanthropy from the Gaurhoth wood elves, but it left behind the ability to shift into a powerful wolf-like form. In this anthro wolf form, lycans stand between well over 6 feet to nearly 8 feet tall and weigh between 240 and 340 pounds.

Their wolf form features a canine head capable of expressive gestures, fur in a variety of natural or mystical colors, and digitigrade legs ending in large, padded paws. Their hands remain humanoid but end in strong claws, and their posture is upright and muscular. Their head fur can either retain the length of their humanoid hair or become shorter when they shift—this is up to the individual lycan. Their eyes retain the same appearance as their humanoid form.

 

Gaurhoth Gwaediad “The Werewolf-Host Bloodline” Traits

Descended from the ancient bloodline of the Gaurhoth Gwaediad also known as the Werewolf-Host Bloodline these shapeshifters carry the legacy of eldritch elven magic intertwined with the primal spirit of the wolf. No longer cursed beasts but noble guardians of forgotten wilds, they walk between two forms: a lithe, sharp-featured humanoid and a towering, wolfish warrior. Bound by honour and kinship, the Gaurhoth Gwaediad are fierce pack hunters, gifted with keen senses and the power to command the wild through both speech and strength.

Ability Score Increase

 

• Your Strength score increases by 2.

• Your Wisdom score increases by 1.

 

Age

Lycans mature at the same rate as humans but are considered adults at about 50 years old. They can live for several centuries.

Size

• In humanoid form, you stand between just over 4 feet and just under 6 feet tall and weigh 90–145 pounds.

• In wolf form, you stand well over 6 feet to nearly 8 feet tall and weigh 240–340 pounds.

• Your size is Medium.

 

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

You can see in dim light within 60 feet as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You cannot discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Keen Senses

You have proficiency in the Perception skill.

Pack Hunter

 

• When a Large or smaller creature is within 5 feet of one of your allies, you can use a bonus action to attempt to knock the creature prone when you hit it with a melee weapon attack.

• The target must succeed on a Strength saving throw (DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Strength modifier) or be knocked prone.

 

Lam Gaurhoth

You can communicate with wolves and dogs as if under the speak with animals spell. You can use this ability at will but only to speak with wolves and dogs.

Shapeshifter

 

• You can use an action to shift between your humanoid and wolf forms.

• Non-magical Armor and clothing not specially crafted to fit a lycan may be damaged or fall off during the shift.

Shifter Ferocity

 

• In wolf form, your claws and bite count as natural weapons for unarmed strikes.

• Claws deal slashing damage, bite deals piercing damage, both equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier.

• You can use Dexterity instead of Strength for attack and damage rolls with your claws.

 

Languages

• You can speak, read, and write Common and Gaur Lycan (Elvish).

• Gaur Lycan is a unique dialect descended from ancient Elvish, blending animalistic sounds and Elvish roots. When in wolf form, these vocalizations may spill over into your speech in other languages.