Homebrew Bernard Species Details
Among the strange, rare beasts known simply as Bernards, some seek more than their simple life in the cold mountains and forests. Some Bernards wish to become adventurers. Having come from the cold, harsh mountain regions, most Bernards are blissfully unaware of most societal norms and can come across as blunt in conversation. These massive furry beasts make up for their awkwardness with an overall jovial nature. Bernards never forget that they are still beasts at their core, and thus have a deep connection to the natural world.
Appearance:
Thick, heavy, and rotund in shape, Bernards are walking boulders covered in fur. They have large heads with a mostly expressionless face, two large tusks protruding from their bottom lip, and two massive horns rising out from the top of their head. Their arms and legs are relatively short for the overall impressive size of a Bernard.
Bernards have large eyes, usually of a dark color. Black and brown is most common, but purple and deep shades of green are known to show from time to time. Bernards are covered in multiple layers of soft but extremely durable shaggy fur. A children’s tail about Bernards tells the story of a man who tried to shear a Bernard’s fur, but the fur was so dense and thick that no matter how much the man tried, there always seemed to be more fur than when he started. Bernard fur can be of any color, and in rare cases can even be a brilliant rainbow of colors. In most cases, however, their fur is dull grey or brown.
Bernard Names:
Bernards can distinguish between each-other, but to others, their strange dialect leads to every Bernard having the name Bernard.
Male Bernard Names: Bernard, Bernard, Bernard, Bernard, Bernard, Bernard
Female Bernard Names: Bernard, Bernard, Bernard, Bernard, Bernard, Bernard
Bernard Traits
Bernards are as much beasts as they are adventurers, and their wild nature helps guide them in their travels.Size
Bernards are large creatures, growing between 7 to 11 feet tall and weighing between 600 to 2,000 pounds. Your size is Large.
Age
Bernards grow quite slowly, reaching adulthood well into their 50s or even 60s. Elder Bernards have been known to live into their 1,000s
Speed
Bernards move around with a slow, lumbering shuffle. Their base walking speed is 20 feet.
Languages
Bernards speak a strange dialect of Common called "Bernardian". It is the same as Common in almost every way, but all Names are replaced with "Bernard". Bernards also can speak to all beasts/animals.
Thick Body
Bernards are big, heavy beasts used to the harsh conditions in mountains and forests. Gain a +4 to Constitution, a maximum Constitution threshold of 28, and advantage on Constitution saving throws. Bernards are so big and heavy (and loud), however, that they have disadvantage on Stealth rolls.
Beast Born
All Bernards are still beasts at heart. You have the ability to talk to any animal/beast and gain proficiency in Animal Handling and Survival.
Dense Fur
Bernards' fur is so densely packed that it protects them from harm in combat. Whenever taking non-magical damage, roll a d4. Reduce the damage taken by the number rolled. At 5th level, increase this damage reduction to 2d4, at 10th to 2d6, at 15th to 4d6, and at 20th to 4d8
Horn Strike
Whenever an enemy hits you while you are taking the Dodge action, you may use your Reaction to deal 1d4+1 piercing damage with your horns. This damage increases to 1d6+2 at 5th level, 2d6+2 at 10th, 2d8+4 at 15th, and 3d10+6 at 20th level.
Gluttony
Bernards are capable of eating nearly any object. Barring the DM's discretion, you may choose to eat any non-magical object. If the object exceeds the size of your character, it takes at least 10 minutes to eat, with the maximum time required being 1 hour. This ability also removes the need for 'normal' food or rations, and grants immunity to being poisoned.
High Warmth
Bernards' thick coat of fur protects them from even the harshest of conditions. Bernards have a resistance to cold, and don't need a fire in cold regions. Additionally, Bernards don't need protective clothing or materials in harsh environments, and do not suffer their effects.