Homebrew Lupine (Caninefolk) Species Details

"They look like a more civilized version of a gnoll, so take a few gnolls, take away the cannibalism, ditch the evil god and wha-la! you've got yourself a lupine." - Wandering Far Traveler

Race Ability Score Bonuses

Lupine gain a +2 to Constitution and a +1 to Charisma to their ability scores.

Race Languages

Lupine know Common and Beast Speech.

Race Description

The Lupine are a race of canine like beastfolk whose origins are just as foreign as the nature of their various forms. Due to their varying species appearance one can mistake some for common kobolds of a different style or some form of abomination that can actually exist in natural society. Some legends will say that they were the product of an awakened canine who got to chummy with their owner, others will say that they originated from a rogue sorcerer's experiment gone awry thousands of years ago, some will even say they may have stumbled out of the underdark and over time became accustomed to living in the waking world, and the few sane will insist they came from off continent like most foreign races often do. While the races origin and various appearances may vary these beastfolk often look on the brighter side of things and prefer to let themselves and their actions declare their stance in society than some frivolous need to decipher their origins.

Common Alignment(s)

Due to their commonly enigmatic origins and equally enigmatic mindsets, the Lupine commonly tend to balance between both Chaotic and Neutral alignments more than others

Consider the Following when creating

When creating a Lupine try to envision the breed of dog you would feel comfortable playing or feel would work for your idea of roleplay. Do you strive to perform your Persuasion checks with an overwhelming air of cuteness like a Corgi? or Do you want to be respected while looking intimidating like a Doberman? Or do you just want your character to roam around looking like a walking dustmop? 

For RP, try to think about how a dog would handle situations and their environment even though they have human like sentience. Try to think of how your choice of breed would react to being mocked or accused of a crime. Also consider how your body would react in a situation of stress. Would your tail hang between your legs when the party is surrounded? or would it wag with anticipation for combat? When you scout the area for a criminal or a monster would you sniff the air or use your strong hearing to guide you?

Height & Weight

The Lupine have various forms of species and largely differing sizes and weights but to make a quick lupine use the following guide to determine the characters structure:

Large Breed -> 6 or 7 ft. + 1d10 in. for Height, 4d10 x 10 for weight; refer to Grando Variant for more detail

Medium Breeds -> 5 or 6 ft. + 1d8 in. for Height, 3d8 x 10 for Weight

Small Breeds -> 3 or 4 ft. + 1d8 in. for Height, 4d4 x 10 for weight; Refer to Meno Variant for more detail

 

Update 1.1 Changes 

- Made a few small quality of life changes to the descriptions.

Lupine (Caninefolk) Traits

Lupine share their given traits due to their similar biological structure as canines of the realm.

Born Huntsman

The Lupine are naturally gifted with a strong sense of smell and situational awareness of their surroundings.

Gain a proficiency in Perception.

Daunting Demeanor/Overwhelming Saccharine Demeanor

The Lupine pride themselves in being able to use their appearance to benefit them in social situations. Some choose to express fear while others attempt to appear as if they are mediators.

Gain a Proficiency in Intimidation or Persuasion

Tough Exterior

Your race's durable body structure has made you ideal soldiers in the heat of battle due to your bodies tenacity in battle.

Gain a +1 to your total Armor Class.

Canis Biology

Due to their canine nature, they have the ability to use "Bite" (1d6 + STR/DEX modifier) as an action.

Feature: Ideal Prey

Lupine have ferocious tenacity when it comes to fighting their prey making them excellent when attacking a single enemy.

Once per long rest, you can trigger your natural canine hunting instinct as a reaction and target one single enemy between the sizes of Small and Large in size in combat for 1 hour.

When this ability is active, the enemy cannot hide from you as long as it is within 120 feet of the user. Also, you gain advantage on any checks and attacks on the sole targeted enemy until they are killed, or after a full hour of combat or in game time has taken place.