Homebrew Lupine Species Details

Roaming both the wilds and the cities in equal measure and almost always with a group, the Lupine are renown for their skills at tracking and hunting. That combined with their pack mentality, makes them a formidable foe to face and the best kind of companion to have on your journey.

Know that if you travel with a Lupine, you travel safely.

The Lingering Curse Broken

Although their history is not openly discussed by it's members, what is know of the Lupine is that they were once human. A group of people lived in a small town, growing their vegetables, hunting when needed and keeping to their business. In the town lived a wizard who helped the people as much as he could, in no small part because one of the people in this community was his beloved daughter.

One night, however, everything changed. During a quiet evening, when the people were getting ready for their slumber, dark forces approached with deadly intent. A pack of werewolves charged swiftly into the town, rousing all from their states and causing chaos. The people fought as hard as they could and they would have all perished, were it not for the wizard who used his connection to the arcane to banish the foul creatures. In the end some died, most were injured, chief among them, the wizard's daughter. That injury meant one thing and the wizard knew he could not let it come to pass. This dark fate that now assailed the people of his town and his darling daughter.

The wizard dove into his books, researching all he could on the curse of lycanthropy, seeking a cure. After a long, dreadful two weeks, when the people were getting sicker and sicker and the full moon neared closer, the wizard emerged from his laboratory with the fabled cure. One of his own design, he knew it would stop their minds from being taken by the beasts lurking inside them. The people gathered and took the cure, finding their constituions almost immediatly restored to full health. Their sickening complexions returned to the vibrant colors they once were, their minds clearly free of the shackles of the dreaded Wolf. The wizard was overjoyed to see his daughter and the people of his town safe.

However, it wasn't long before more changes would reveal themselves. Not long at all, actually, as the people of the town started changing in physicality. Their bodies quickly and irreversebly mutated into those of the lycan disease. The wizard watched in horror as the people, one by one, grew into their wolfish visages. His daughter, the last to succumb to the change, held his hand as she became her new self.

The wizard crumbled to his knees. He had failed. The people were not saved. They were doomed! Doomed to live out their lives like this! To be ostracized by the other races! To be persecuted under the misconception that they were like the werewolves who had infected them. Doomed because of him. He wept at his failure, but not for long.

The wizard noticed the people were awfully quiet, considering their recent transformations. He looked up, not into the eyes of a monster, but his daughter's. She was still there. They all were. And more surprisingly, they weren't attacking him. Shunning him for turning them into these creatures. They embraced him, comforted him, told him there was nothing more to be done. He had saved them from a life of servitude to the shadows. "A little makeover won't stop us from livin' deary". Those were the words of one of the women of the town. Those words were echoed by the others. They decided then and there not to succumb to their fears, instead embracing their new selves. That was the story of how the first Lupine were born.

Looks Of Wolves, Loyalty Of Dogs

A Lupine looks like a wolf walking upright. Their hind legs are reminiscent of their animalistic side, while the arms sport a pair of furred, clawed hands, instead of paws.

Lupine are as varied in their height as humans, but known to be lighter. Their sleek bodies are designed for agility and speed.

Lupine's bodies are covered in fur that can vary in coloration as much as their canine counterparts. You can just as easily find brown furred, dog-like Lupine, as you can grey-furred wolven ones.

Wolven Adaptability

Seeing as Lupine were once human, they are confortable in many environments, be that the back alleys of a city, the winding landscapes of forests or the freezing heights of mountains.

Their fur allows them to be largely unseen in natural environments, should they choose to stay hidden and their temperaments make them easy company in any tavern. Wherever it is you may find a Lupine, assume they feel in their element.

 

Canine Empathy

After their excellent tracking skills, the Lupine are most known for their welcoming, friendly attitudes. They are a race of empathetic creatures, seeking companionship and a home with friends and family. Those who adventure, find a group with which they get along and create a strong bond with them, considering their comrades as their pack. If you happen to be in an adventuring party with a Lupine and they take a liking to you, you have made a friend for life, assuming you don't betray their trust.

While Lupine are very welcoming and protective of their pack, they also have a great sense of honor. Betraying a Lupine is courting death, as they see that betrayal as the deepest wound that can be inflicted upon them. If you show them respect, they will return it tenfold. But if you turn on them or their pack, expect swift and total retribution.

There is also a rumour that when surrounded by friends and allies, the Lupine adopt a more dog-like mannerism, leaving the more animalistic, violent sides of their nature for the enemies. It is believed that the Lupine have inherited many facets of canines, one among them being the playfulness of a common domestic dog. Should you feel brave enough to attempt it, try calling them out and throwing a stick away from them, or during a moment of rest, gently run your hands through their fur, as you would a dog's. You may find that your companion might just be more like a talking dog than you think.

Protect The Pack, Wherever It May Be

The Lupine nature makes it so the members of their race bond with others for life. After establishing a pack, their greatest purpose is to protect that pack and ensure it's sustainability.

Whether the pack is composed of other Lupine or a group of adventurers makes no difference to them. Should they be traveling with a group of other races, they will be happy to meet one of their own on the road and perhaps they will even join forces with the established group. However that is not a requirement for a Lupine to live their lives happy and fulfilled.

Due to their cursed nature, they cannot mate with other species, however they can and will create romantic attachments to those they find the most connected to. Should you find yourself in a relationship with a Lupine, you will be able to experience one of the most loving connections you will ever have in your life. You will be protected from all dangers until death separates you, for even if they choose to mate with one of their own, to ensure the survival of the species, you will continue to be the center of their attention. Should they choose to mate, it will nothing more than a biological desire to ensure that a new generation is born to the world.

Lupine Names

Lupine often take the names of human culture as they were once human, however they do find a certain appeal in a nickname or pet-name.

A diminutive of their name or some sort of reference to their nature, whether physical, mental or emotional are all good candidates for a nickname.

Lupine Traits

As a Lupine you have the combined capabilities of your human and lycan origins. The mental acuity and adaptability of the humans and the physical prowess, agility and senses of the lycan make you the apex predator.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.

Age

Lupine reach maturity at 15. The oldest ones live to be anywhere between 60 and 70 years old.

Alignment

Most Lupine are good. Their chosen careers and lifestyles guide their opinion on the laws of others, not pending heavily towards the side of law or chaos.

Size

Lupine never surpass the 6ft. mark. Their weight ranges from 150 to 190 pounds.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Keen Senses

Your lycan nature brings you the boon of enhanced senses. You have advantage on all Wisdom (Perception) checks that involve hearing or scent. You also have Darkvision out to a range of 60 feet.

Claws

Your clawed hands provide you with natural opportunities for unnarmed strikes, which deal 1d4 slashing damage on a hit.

Bite

Your razor sharp teeth can be used in combat, allowing you to inflict 1d4 piercing damage on a hit.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language. You can also communicate with all canines.