Homebrew Wolfkind Species Details

WOLFKIND

Bar-zen Nightwalker moved silently towards the bandit encampment, his black fur blending with the night. He unsheathed his dagger, and silently killed the two thugs on watch. Moving swiftly, he hugged the shadows and reached the tent of the tribe chieftain. His head would pay handsomely.

-Shane Kelly, Soldiers of Fortune

 

Wolfkind, as their name suggests, bear a striking resemblance to wolves. Like wolves, they live in packs; taking orders from the alphas. These packs reside in caves and other well-defended locations. However, they are not primitive savages. These caves are as well fitted-out as any human city. Wolfkind love combat and revel in the thrill of the hunt.

BURLY YET GRACEFUL

One of the most prominent features of a wolfkind’s personality is their innate love to hunt. This is reflected in their physique, with most males standing around 6 and 7 feet and covered in rippling muscle, usually weighing in at about 150 to 200 pounds. Females usually stand between 5½ and 6 feet and weigh in at about 125 to 170 pounds.

   Wolfkind fur comes in the same shades as actual wolves, namely black, white and grey. Some dye their fur with ornate patterns, similar to the way humans tattoo themselves. While this practise is more common amongst males, some females do decide to join in with this tradition.

   Wolfkind eyes come in a variety of shades, ranging from icy blue to warm hazel/gold, and rarely blood red. It is often said that their eyes reflect their persona, but lore on the matter is closely guarded by Wolfkind Alphas.

   Wolfkind rarely wear clothes, as their thick fur keeps out the cold and heat. However, their soldiers will wear armour specially tailored to their large frames. Sometimes, females will put vanity items (such as ribbons and jewels) into their fur, but this is usually only for formal occasions.

   Despite their bulky frames, wolfkind move with a fluid, animal grace, and are able to spring quickly into motion.

LOYAL AND BRAVE

Wolfkind are extremely devoted to their pack and their Alpha and would lay down their life for others in their pack. Indeed, it has been said that a wolfkind’s strongest weapon is their pack. Many a bandit has slain a wolfkind successfully, only to have ten descend on their camp that night, and slaughter all who reside there.

   Second only to a wolfkind’s loyalty is their bravery, an aspect that makes them valued mercenaries in armies the world over. Tales exist of wolfkind charging into battle against overwhelming odds without a second thought to cover a retreat or buying time for fellow adventurers fleeing from a dragon.

IMPOSING OUTSIDERS

While wolfkind are valued members of the military and found in barracks around the globe, their appearance is often too frightening for members of other races to comfortably deal with. This negative perception has pushed many packs to become bandits, pirates, thieves, gangsters and the like. However, the few packs that have left the dens and lead an honest life make valuable contributions as world-class smiths, merchants, trainers and entertainers.

DEN DWELLERS

The vast majority of wolfkind live in vast dens, caves hollowed out over the centuries to make vast, sprawling cities. However, they have been known to build towns out the front of these caves. These towns are where trade with the outside world takes place, as well as housing many very comfortable and wealthy inns and taverns.

   Much like actual wolves, wolfkind group into packs, made up of dozens of families. These packs are led by an alpha. These alphas convene and discuss policy, and how the wolfkind should be led. Unlike human governments of this sort, discussion is cool, calm and reasoned, dealing only in facts and logic.

FOR GOLD AND GLORY

Wolfkind decide to become mercenaries and adventurers for a variety of reasons, but the most common is that they want to become engraved on the pack mural, so that their tales of heroism will be told for generations to come. Another large motivator is often the pursuit of gold or better yet, platinum. Regardless of the reason, wolfkind will pursue adventures with great zeal and earnest.

WOLFKIND NAMES

Wolfkind have 2 names: a given name and a taken name.

   The given name is given to the wolfkind at birth, and (like most other races) has a first and pack name. The pack name is often an indication of their pack’s history and considered sacred, hence the need for taken names. Wolfkind use human first names.

   The taken name is only used by wolfkind who venture outside their dens. This name takes the place of the pack name and is usually an indication of a feat that particular wolfkind has achieved.

Male Given Names: Aaron, Anduin, Azuil, Bandel, Bar-zen, Cooper, Cord, Eldon, Grim, Grigor, Immeral, Ivellios, Morgan, Rurik, Sudeiman, Thorin

Female Given Names: Amber, Arveene, Arizima, Atala, Bai, Caitlyn, Dona, Enna, Felosial, Jillian, Lidda, Vistra

Pack Names: Al-Zoar, Amarok, Fenrir, Illoquolm, Illum, Kaza-Dûm, Li-zin, Lupus, Makee, M’Dama, Mordred, Narsïl, Obzaar, Ornvaal, Ragnarok, Vadam

Taken Names: Nightwalker, Scarlet, Bloodfang, Fleetfoot, Quickfang, Jewelthief, Dragonslayer, Lighthand, Swordrunner

 

Wolfkind Traits

WOLFKIND TRAITS Your wolfkind has a number of traits in common with all other wolfkind.    Wolf Movement. You can choose to move on all fours and double your movement speed. However, you cannot hold anything when you do this.    Age. Wolfkind reach physical maturity at around age 10 but are considered an adult at age 17. They typically live into their 150’s.    Enhanced Senses. Wolfkind’s noses and ears are more sensitive than that of most other races You have advantage on listening checks, and a +2 boost to your passive perception, and are proficient in the perception skill.    Natural Weapons. You have a bonus to unarmed attacks, and you have a bite attack that deals 2d4+STR. You are proficient with unarmed attacks    Alignment. Wolfkind, much like humans, can be all alignments, although their loyalty to their packs and honour makes them tend towards the lawful end of the spectrum.    Languages. You can speak, read and write Common and Cainis, the language of the wolfkind. Cainis is full of harsh bar

Wolf Movement

You can choose to move on all fours and double your movement speed. However, you cannot hold anything when you do this.

Enhanced Senses

Wolfkind’s noses and ears are more sensitive than that of most other races You have a +1 boost to your passive perception and are proficient in the perception skill.

Languages

You can speak, read and write Common and Cainis, the language of the wolfkind. Cainis is full of harsh barks and growls, and contains large amounts of intonation and body language, similar to the way wolves communicate.

Natural Weapons

You have a bonus to unarmed strikes.