Homebrew Chimeron Species Details

Who goes there?!
I would ask you the same question.
Don't come any closer!
I may not warm myself at your fire?
Gasp! What are you?!
I am a Chimeron. You are in Chimeron lands. Now, are you going to invite me to sit, or should I do so without invitation? 

--- the first known oustide interaction with a Chimeron

 

Chimeron Race

A reclusive race that has only recently been encountered by the outside world, the Chimeron are a mystery. No one knows where they came from, and no one knows why they have not been encountered until now. Despite their elusive origins, the Chimeron people have an unusual command of the Common Tongue, using modern vocabulary that belies the idea that they have been isolated until recent times.

It is rumored that they may indeed be an artificial race created through biological alchemy or some other arcane science, though this has never been confirmed. Their own priests, shamanistic leaders known as Rain Men, may have the knowledge to confirm or deny this claim, but few outsiders have even seen these mystics, let alone talk to them.

The Chimeron are a semi-nomadic people, creating lasting structures in one place, then moving with their animal prey's migrations, setting up new structures, and then returning to the original place when the migratory animal return to their former abode. The most noteable dwellings to date are Nourwic and Estwic, though some smaller villages have been spotted, abandoned. There is a but single castle in the Chimeron territory, but the lion men avoid it at all costs. Rumors and legends surround the castle and its purpose like a plague, the most noteworthy being that the Chimeron believe it to be the birthplace of all evil.

Appearance

There is a reason why the first explorers to discover the Chimeron described them as Hell Lions. Their most notable features are their lion-like faces , manes and built along with their horns, which can angle backwards like a goat, curl like a ram's or even sprawl out in branches like a deer. The next feature most non-Chimera might notice would be their fearsome claws and thundering hooves, ideal for mauling and stomping enemies. And it would be an unfortunate combatant to face them without keeping an eye on their muscular tails, which are thick and powerful, ending in tufts o fur that conceal sharp spines.

The Chimeron colors of fur are blues and grays, with dark skin underneath. The hair on their heads ranges from silvery white to black as tar, along with other colors other races might display, such as browns, reds, and blond (though these colors are more rare). Their eyes are usually gold or silver, with their eyes fading to a milky white as they age.

Chimeron Culture

The outsider might define Chimeron culture as being primarily clan-oriented or tribal, but it is far more nuanced than that. There are often times when clan divisions merge or are even nonexistent beyond a nominal level. Although they themselves would likely find the comparison offensive -- insensitive at best -- their familial groups could be compared to lion prides, though it is not a single male that dominates and sires everyone. Males and females are more or less equal in Chimeron society, but the position of Head of a Clan is generally given to the eldest member of said clan; however, if a younger chimeron wishes to lead, he may do so by besting the elder in combat. Very few youth choose this option, as a chimeron's battle prowess does not wane with age.

In authority over the clan elders are the Rain Men, but they rarely exercise this authority other than to lead the People in terms of religion and clan disputes.

If one clan seems to be taking advantage of another, the Rain Men intervene with absolute authority; if the offending clan continues to act against the oppressed one despite the decree of the Rain Men, the Rain Men will appoint a champion from another clan to fight the offending clan's elder. The elder has one more chance to submit or be killed by the Rain Men's champion. If the elder survives the challenger's assault, another champion is appointed, until the elder relents or submits. If the elder dies in combat, the challenger becomes the clan's new elder.

Chimeron Traits

Your Chimeron heritage gives you the following traits:

Ability Score Increase

Your Intelligence score increases by 1, your Strength score increases by 2.

Size

Chimerons tend to be around 6 feet tall, though some reach 7 feet, and they weigh about 200-400 lbs; your size is Medium

Darkvision

Your feline eyes allow you to see in dim light. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Goring Rush

When you use the Dash action during your turn, you can make a melee attack with your horns as a bonus action, dealing 1d8 points of piercing damage.

Lion Claws

Because of your lion-like claws, you have a climbing speed of 20 feet. In addition, your claws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Powerful Build

You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag or lift.

Relentless Endurance

When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can drop to 1 hit point instead. You can't use this feature again until you finish a Long Rest.