Homebrew Bearfolk Species Details

The hulking bearfolk are solitary creatures, finding life much more enjoyable in isolation or in small communities rather than as part of large settlements. Standing head and shoulders above your average humanoid, these fur-covered survivors are found all over the world, although most retreat at the sound of others approaching, despite their impressive strength and size.

Snout, Claws and Fur

Bearfolk are hulking creatures, who appear as humanoids with the features of a bear. They have coarse fur running all across their muscle-bound bodies, which can be brown, black, white, or a combination of the three colours. Their thick fingers end in sharp claws, and they have short, stubby tails just as hairy as the rest of them. Their heads resemble that of a bear, with a short, square snout, ears on the tops of their heads, small, beady eyes, and a full set of sharp teeth.

They easily grow to be over 6 feet tall, and can reach as tall as 8. They are dense, thick-built creatures, ranging from 200 to 500 pounds in weight. They reach maturity at 14, and although they have a habit of dying young, can live to be as old as 70. Older bearfolk will grow large bellies, but don't underestimate them-- a well-fed bearfolk is a strong bearfolk, although they're usually less aggressive than their hungrier brethren.

Life of Solitude

Bearfolk are born two or three at a time, and spend their early years being guided by their mother. A reclusive people, most bearfolk will venture out alone when of age, and many will happily go years without talking to another being. Some bearfolk form small communities, although the different members will often work and live apart, in silence, and be perfectly content.

That doesn't mean bearfolk don't understand the power of a relationship. Although one might seem quiet and distant, they are highly protective of those they consider close to them, and will achieve spectacular feats to defend and aid their friends and loved ones.

Outland Comfort

Bearfolk don't do well in cities and towns, their large size and dangerous-looking physiologies attracting unwanted attention. Most prefer to live deep in untamed forests, far in unexplored mountains and valleys, or upon vast tundras and seas of ice. Bearfolk might not live long in those dangerous environments, but find themselves more at ease lumbering through underbrush and catching salmon swimming upstream than they do when tending market stalls or tilling farmland. A bearfolk might go its entire life without seeing a constructed building.

There are those bearfolk that, whether through desire or by happenstance, find themselves in residence of a city or town. These bearfolk often find work in manual labour, as their strong bodies prove exceptional at such tasks.

Bearfolk Names

Bearfolk might go their whole lives without having to introduce themselves, sometimes even forgetting their own names. They pick simple words, usually with strong sounds that are easy on their deep, growling voices, and distinguish little between masculine and feminine names.

Names: Argal, Bahml, Derk, Foar, Graut, Kane, Kurg, Maula, Nors, Prauc, Raul, Reri, Ruglar, Sao, Svar, Trull, Vurrek, Zoull

Bearfolk Traits

Your bearfolk character has the following racial traits.

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1.

Age

Bearfolk mature rather quickly, reaching adulthood at age 14. Although most die before they hit 30, particularly fortunate bearfolk have been known to reach as old as 70.

Alignment

Bearfolk see little value in rules and traditions, as adaptability is key to survival, tending towards chaotic natures. They are just as likely to skew good as to skew evil, although the majority stay neutral, not bothering with questions of ethics in life.

Size

Bearfolk average over 6 feet in height, and are rather top-heavy. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Powerful Build

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

Ursine Claws

Because of your claws, you have a climbing speed of 15 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.

Keen Smell

You share the powerful snout of a bear, which help you locate things via odour. You have advantage on Perception checks that rely on smell.

Outdoor Adaptability

You have proficiency in one of the following skills of your choice: Athletics, Intimidation, Stealth or Survival.

Bear Hug

Your ursine features are deadly to those in your grasp, as your crushing arms and lashing jaws wound them further. When a creature is grappled by you, at the end of each of your turns while the creature is grappled, you deal bludgeoning damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common.