Homebrew Red Fox Species Details

We foxes are cunning creatures, we use our sharp senses and intuition to overcome our obstacles. Most foxes are greedy, self sufficient and ruthless. We take advantage of the situation in a way that best benefits us. Most Humans aren't very fond of us because of our shifty nature, some see us as a pest and others see us as a menace. While it is dangerous to venture alone we do so as fighters, rogues and rangers. Like many things in the natural world, I am an exception. I may be a rogue, but I am honorable; I may be a thief, but I am fair; I find venturing with allies favorable to venturing alone. I am a fox, but I am better than the rest, because I know the value of allies and honor.

— Eskel Razortooth, The Exception

 

Most foxes are fierce creatures, they may seem small and weak, but if you cross one you will not even have time to regret underestimating them. Foxes are masters at stealth and deception, they are thieves and killers. Foxes prefer a small light blade to heavier weapons or magic, some are known as master archers. In their off time a fox may spend it drinking and eating alone or with a skulk, although it is likely a fight will occur if a skulk of foxes is together. They like to play cards and test their skills against each other, they can be very competitive and hostile. Humans dislike foxes the most, they are cautious of them and can be quite hostile towards them if a fox is found alone. This is because foxes like to cause mischief and find it fun to cause problems for humans.

Small and Quick-Witted

Foxes are small, growing to a max of four feet from toe to nose. They use this to their advantage, getting into hard to reach places. They are extremely stealthy and can be very difficult to locate in the dark, they will attack from the shadows without a sound. They are quick on their feet, fastest when running on all fours. Foxes can climb most things easily jumping high and using their claws to pull themselves up.

Foxes are naturally cunning and will cheat you out of your coin, probably without you even knowing it. When in a fight a fox will find the best route to take and find the best points to attack. A fox uses it's natural skills to persevere in battle, as well as rob you of your most valuable possessions. They can sneak their way into almost anywhere, picking locks and scaling walls is no problem for them.

Sly and Agile

Foxes tend to stay away from humans, but when they think they can, they will try to take what they can from them. Foxes are sly and will make you think you can trust them, even for just for a moment, and that is all a fox will need to take advantage of you. After they are gone you will find that you were robbed. Although foxes are known to be solitary creatures, they will sometimes work together in order to overcome difficult situations for large rewards.

Foxes are extremely agile and can move fluidly like water. They can scale rough surfaces by jumping up to 3 feet and using their claws to pull them the rest of the way. They move fastest on four feet and can move through spaces only inches wide. Foxes like weapons such as daggers, rapiers and hand crossbows since they are easy to wield quickly and effortlessly.

Living Shadows of The Night

Foxes are most active at night, taking advantage of sleeping travelers and guards poor sight in the dark. They will creep into places like a shadow and move silently without making a sound. They will raid butcher shops, blacksmiths and barracks looking for food, coin and weapons. If you happen to see a fox at night it will not take long to lose it's trail, and it's possible it's watching you.

Fox Names and Families

Most foxes have names that sound similar to elvish, or human names. The names consist of two parts, the first being a simple name and the second being a family name that can be recognized by other families.

Most Families aren't fond of each other since they have to compete for food and valuables. Others get along very well and will work together to accomplish their goals, whatever they may be.

Male Names: Alton, Cade, Corrin, Eldon, Errich, Eskel, Finnan, Gardun, Lindal, Lyle, Malus, Milo, Osborn, Reed

Female Names: Andry, Bree, Callie, Ciri, Cora, Erriana, Lavinia, Lidia, Micana, Nalia, Paela, Portia, Seria, Shaena, Tyrn, Vani, Verna, Ves

Family Names: Bloodletter, Grandblade, Greenthorn, Highleaf, Lightstep, Razortooth, Tealeaf, Thornprick

Lifespan

Foxes grow quickly in order to survive. They are live as long as fifty years, but due to their shifty nature and risky actions the average life span is around 18 years.

 

Quiet and Reserved

Foxes don't get along with most, especially not humans. There are some races they are more tolerant of though.

Dwarves. “Dwarves make loyal allies and supply us with the best armor and weapons, not to mention they don't have to look down to speak to us.”

Elves. “We are fond of most Elves, this is because they understand our nature and they welcome us into their cities. We tend to avoid causing them problems since they are kind to us. It's also because they are not so easily deceived.”

Humans. “Humans, they are despicable. They hate us so why shouldn't we hate them? They are fair game for us and are easily deceived, in fact I have a new ring now!”

 

Variants

Red foxes can have many color variants, ranging from pure white to the darkest black. Some even have elegant mixtures of black, red and white.

Red Fox Traits

Your Red Fox character has a number of traits in common with all other halflings.

Naturally Stealthy

You can attempt to hide even when you are obscured only by a creature that is at least one size larger than you.

Keen Senses

You are more likely to hear, smell or see things better. You have proficiency on perception skill checks.

You are adept at hunting at night. 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.

If in complete darkness you can determine the distance and direction of a sound.

Quardruped

You move faster when on all fours, up to 40 feet. Does not require an action or bonus action to change to all fours. If carrying something in your hands you must unequip or drop.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2, Intelligence score increases by 1, and strength score is decreased by 1.

Bite Attack

You can use your teeth as a second weapon. Rolling separately for this attack, you use your sharp teeth to do damage to an enemy. This attack can be used as an offhand attack and can be made before or after attacking with another weapon.

Nimbleness

You can move through the space of any creature that is the same size as you or larger. Due to your liquid like build and crawling on all fours, you can also move through a space smaller than you (down to 9 inches in diameter), you must unequip any weapons before doing so.

You are able to jump a height of 3.5 feet as well as use your claws to climb some surfaces (eg. trees, wood walls, and course stone walls). You are not able to climb smooth and hard surfaces (eg. stone bricks and metal).

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common along with one more language that is granted from your background.

You are able to communicate with other animals up to the ability of their intelligence.