Homebrew Dogfolk Species Details

The Dogfolk vary a lot in their personalities and looks, from hardened warriors to anxious janitors, from Dogfolk with wolf-like features to small Dogfolk similar to chihuahuas. The Dogfolk live wherever they can find others, and the loyal race often finds trusty friends and companions, and they usually live very social lives. Although they work and live with a variety of people, things like magic and advanced technology (which is usually used in sci-fi campaigns) confuse the Dogfolk, and they usually avoid those types of things. The Dogfolk also follow a culture where, when born, are assigned to a clan.

Beastly Heritage

Dogfolk have sharp canine fangs, piercing claws, and, with exceptions, a tail. The tail curls between their legs when scared or nervous, and they usually try to avoid it, as they are bipedal dog humanoids and curling their tail between their legs looks awkward and strange. The "breed" of the Dogfolk depend on the clan they are born into, but sometimes there are mutations, often resulting in the Dogfolk newborn and its family being outcast. The Dogfolk are an average 5 ft., and weigh between 60-120 lbs., their size medium. The fur thickness depends on the person,  but the claws are never cut.

Social Life

The Dogfolk can get along with any race, except for the Catfolk and outcast Dogfolk. Other hated races depend on the individual and their opinions. Dogfolk like to live and work with others, and nomadic Dogfolk is a rare sight to anyone. Outcast Dogfolk are welcome just as much as other Dogfolk, excepting the Dogfolk clans themselves. Abused Dogfolk, much like actual abused dogs, learn not to trust others, though, and they feel alone in the world often.

Alignment

The Dogfolk lean towards the Lawful alignment, but Good or Evil depends on the people they interact with, as they are loyal to any friends, including the Evil ones. The abused or outcast Dogfolk lean towards Chaotic instead, but are often Good.

Faith

They worship any god related to dogs, like Anubis the jackal, god of dead, to take care of their dead loved ones.

Age

Dogfolk mature around 7 years, and they can live up to 40 years old. Older ones are the wisest and the smartest, and are often elected as the leaders of the clans.

Dogfolk Names

Dogfolk are given a temporary name when they are born, but once they are mature, they are often named after a hobby. Others are named actual names, named by their family or clan authorities. These "actual names" are also descriptive, such as a fox-like Dogfolk having the name Crimsonfur. Dogfolk outcasts name themselves, or if they are outcast with their family, their family can name them instead. Some clans, though, make the rule that names should be approved by a clan authority.

"Hobby Names": Hunter, Baker, Ambusher, Scavenger, Robber, Warrior, Archer, etc.

Names (Unspecified Gender): Shadowpaw,  Fang, Blackbite, Devilclaw, Crimsonfur, Nighthound, Beastmutt, Swiftwalk

Canine Clans

Dogfolk are assigned to a clan when they are born, and will have to follow the rules and virtues. If they don't it usually results in being outcast, depending on the clan. All clans rival against each other, but they never wage war. Each clan has a slightly different hierarchy rule, such as one having a king and/or queen, and another having just one chief. After the rulers, there are usually twelve authorities under them. After that, the rest are the citizens and other clan members. Clans can be created by any group of Dogfolk, even by outcasts, although those clans will automatically be identified as an enemy one.

Clans also are strict about their looks. Some clans force Dogfolk to wear their fur in braids. Others close their clan for everyone except for a certain breed, like wolves. And just like they have certain rules, they also have certain cultures. Some have to do a ritual, similar to prayer, at the beginning of the day, everyday. Others have to look into their prey's eyes before killing them, giving their prey a sort of gateway to the afterlife. 

Dogfolk Traits

Dogfolk have unique racial abilities because of their special dog-humanoid form.

Ability Score Increase

Your Charisma score increases by 1, and your Intelligence score increases by 2.

Sharpened Senses

Any check related to hearing, sense, eyesight, and smell are advantageous. Perception and Investigation proficiency bonuses are doubled.

Darkvision

Thanks to your dog-like heritage, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. 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.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet, and your burrowing speed is also 30 feet.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and an ordinary Language of your choice.

Fangs and Claws

With fangs and claws, you can make your unarmed attacks do piercing or slashing damage.

Thick Fur

You have resistance to cold damage.