Homebrew ASTARRAN SHEPHERD Species Details

Astarran Shepherds are a hardy canine humanoid people native to the mountain nation of Astarra, where survival depends on discipline, instinct, and trust. Bred by harsh cliffs, icy rivers, and unforgiving weather, they are known throughout the region as dependable guardians, skilled trackers, and relentless protectors. Their people are often found serving as sentries, caravan escorts, bounty hunters, scouts, and wardens of the mountain passes.

With thick fur, upright ears, sharp muzzles, and powerful athletic builds, Astarran Shepherds resemble large shepherd dogs shaped into humanoid form. Their coats commonly range from black-and-tan and sable to silver, white, or ash-gray, often reflecting the rugged terrain of their homeland. Their movements are balanced and controlled, whether scaling stone paths, crossing freezing rivers, or stalking silently through the mountain dark.

Astarran Shepherd culture places great value on loyalty, vigilance, and earned trust. Many are raised with a strong sense of duty to family, pack, village, or sworn oath. While many become guards, soldiers, and protectors, others take their natural instincts into quieter paths—serving as scouts, rogues, infiltrators, and trackers who use patience and precision over brute force.

Though they can appear stern or reserved to outsiders, Astarran Shepherds are deeply devoted to those they claim as their own, often forming strong bonds that last a lifetime. In the peaks of Astarra and beyond, they are respected as steadfast allies, sharp-eyed hunters, and guardians who do not break their word.

ASTARRAN SHEPHERD Traits

As an Astarran Shepherd, you possess the following traits shaped by the harsh mountains of Astarra.

Darkvision

You can see in dim light within 60 feet of yourself as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You discern colors in that darkness only as shades of gray.

Keen Senses

You have Proficiency in the Perception skill.

Mountain-Bred Mobility

Accustomed to the harsh terrain of Astarra, you have a Climbing Speed and a Swimming Speed equal to your Speed.

Pack Instincts

Your people are trained to work in step with trusted allies. You gain proficiency in one of the following skills of your choice:

Insight
Investigation
Stealth
Survival

Watchful Protector

You are quick to notice danger and react.

When a creature you can see within 10 feet of you is hit by an attack roll, you can use your Reaction to impose Disadvantage on that attack roll, potentially causing it to miss.

Once you use this trait, you can’t use it again until you finish a Long Rest.

Shepards Bite

Shepherd’s Bite

Your fangs are natural weapons, which you can use to make Unarmed Strikes. When you hit with them, the strike deals 1d6 Piercing damage instead of the normal damage for an Unarmed Strike.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and either Dwarvish or Giant

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