Homebrew Gealachcroí Species Details

Physical Description
Gealachcroí are, essentially, wolf-people - this has unfortunately lead to some misunderstandings about them being werewolves, much to their annoyance. Gealachcroí mature quicker than some races, but lead shorter lives on average: They mature to adulthood at 8, and live to around 60. Bipedal in nature, adult males tend to stand between 5'11 and 6'5 inches at maturity, with adult females around 5'8 to 6'3. Grey, white, brown fur patterns are common, with some individuals displaying a white underbelly pattern running down thier front. Eye colours tend to be blue, grey, brown, with some rare individuals sporting green.

Males tend to be be lean and muscular, with females more slim and toned: Average weights are between 220lbs (males) and 180lbs (females). But as with any sapient race, weight and physiques can vary. Tails tend to be about three feet in length, and some individuals have taken to braiding, platting, and intentionally overgrowing the fur on their heads and chins to mimic the stylings of other bipedal races. Fur length varies depending on whether the individual is from the warmer, or colder, parts of the Glas Tír region.

History
The Gealachcroí first found themselves coming into sapience in the wilds of Glas Tír a few hundred years ago. Pack-culture shifted with this new awareness, and the race sort for explanations for these changes: Some turned to the Moon as their benefactor, others towards gods of the wilds, and others a more agnostic approach. Rumors that they are the result of a powerful Druidic spell gone awry has swept through the communities, though most consider them just that - rumors. As their bodies shifted into a more bipedal stance over the generations since the awakening, aspects of other bipedal races like humans and elves were examined and adapted: at first piecemeal from the belongings of unruly travellers, and later through more diplomatic brokering. Packs banded together to create small, tight-knit communities which, in turn, became various city-states - the Gealachcroí would gladly work with others, but the idea of a unified nation, lead by wolves they didn't know, was one that didn't sit well with the race. City-states may have an elected leader, or rely on a hereditary line for leadership (often tracing itself back to the pack leader at the time of the awakening).

Culture
As a less-established race, the Gealachcroí have a more primal style: Buildings are often made of carved logs with a wood or stone flooring, and often one story in height - Elven and Human influences can be seen in places. They tend to favour building near forests, or mountainsides where their ancestors dwelled.

Clothes were adopted more as a signifier of intelligence than any real need, and thus tend to be lighter and lean more towards practicality. Tunics, pants, and kilts are common examples. Trinkets made of wood, bone, and leather are not uncommon. Those in positions of powers tend to wear golden trinkets, cloaks, and clothing dyed with strong colours. Armour tends to be leather, but scale and partial plate can be found.

Primarily carnivores, the cuisine of Gealachcroí peoples tends to be heavily meat and dairy-based, with spices, fruit, and berries seasoning. Husbandry of cows, goats, badgers, chickens is common, with some orchards and berry farms also existing.

Trade tends to be mostly with other city-states, but there is a mild fondness for humans and elves, with those being the cultures immediately influencing aspects of Gealachcroí culture - the languages of Common and Elvish have even found thier place in Gealachcroí society.

Men and women are widely regarded as equals, and those of wisened age treated with great respect. Heterosexuality is the most common sexual expression, but homosexuality and the like are seen as equal, if less common, expressions.

Male Names: Alaois, Toal, Kevan, Lugaid, Teague, Fionn, Cairbre, Lachtna, Siothrún, Deasún
Female Names: Neassa, Lía, Mead, Madailéin, Bláthnaid, Enya, Saoirse, Naomh, Dearbháil, Sláine

Religion
There are three major religious groups amongst the Gealachcroí - those who revere the Moon Mother (sometimes conflated with Selûne), those who have taken to worshipping a wilds god from another pantheon (Silvanus and Auril are both popular), and those who could best be described as agnostic. Proselytisation has recently become more common in some states, with tensions between sects of the Moon Mother and Auril in particular vying for the hearts of the undecided masses.

Alignment
This race trends towards a Neutral alignment.

Gealachcroí Traits

The Gealachcroí's racial traits tend to be aspects of their bestial heritage, emboldened and taken advantage of by the inheritors.

Ability Score Increase

Wisdom and Strength +1

Survival of the Fittest

Survival skill proficiency.

Sharp Teeth and Claws

Unarmed strikes deal 1d4 piercing damage.

Darkvision

Gealachcroí can see in dim light within 60 feet as it it were birght, and in darkness as if it were dim. Only shades of grey can be discerned in darkness.

Languages

Gealachcroí can either know either Common or Elvish, and always know Gealachcroín - a language of growls, howls, and scents.