Homebrew Neanderthal Species Details

Some say that humans arrived to this world at the same time as another young race. Known as neanderthals, these human-like people were known to be secluded, reckless, and hardy. Over time, while humans forged their first empires, neanderthal tribes began to spread thin across northern forests. Over the centuries, they seemingly vanished from the common world.

These cousins to humans have remained in hiding so long that they have become mere myths. Their small tribes wander far from the hustle and bustle of civilization, instead choosing to follow the ways of life that they've had since their creation. I do wonder why, though. They are clearly stronger and hardier than their human cousins, almost like half-dwarves. Should a neanderthal state ever rise, it will surely rival those of the humans.

— Goraskan Kiltendajeth, Chief Historian at the College of Brass Scales

Like humans, neanderthals are typically known as young, short-lived, and stubborn in comparison to other races. Where they came from is a mystery - and their relationship to humans an even greater one. Their overall demeanor implies a human subrace, but their differences in culture, society, language, and history suggests otherwise. Where humans have grown ambitious, neanderthals retreated into harsh taigas, choosing instead to live in small tribes made up of a couple of family units at most. Though they seem entirely capable of doing anything a normal human can do, many neanderthal tribes live simply, surrounded by nature. What drives them beyond their day-to-day lives is often unclear, but whatever it may be, neanderthals will likely face it head on, with bravado and a fine axe.

Stocky Outlanders

Neanderthals, unlike humans, tend to share common features across all tribes. With a lack of permanent settlements or growing populations, it isn't uncommon for tribes to trade suitable mates - or inbreed - which has resulted in a fairly standard neanderthal model. They look mostly human, although they stand a fair bit shorter. They have broad, heavy brows that contrast with a subtle, nearly nonexistent chin. The most notable neanderthal trait is located on their skull. Nearly every neanderthal appears to have a noticeable bump on the back of their heads, protruding out in almost a downward fashion. Why these 'buns' exist isn't entirely clear, but it helps separate the race from humans. Neanderthal tribes will often look for large brows and occipital buns to identify other members of their race when wandering closer to human civilizations than usual.

Most neanderthals are fair skinned, similar to that of Illuskan or Tethyrian humans. They also tend to have larger noses, more muscular arms, and shorter limb proportions in comparison to humans. Neanderthals also tend to be much hairier than humans, even those of the far north. It is because of these traits in particular that some people believe neanderthals to be ancient half-human-half-dwarf hybrids.

Adaptation Over Extinction 

Neanderthals may not be as wide spread or powerful as other races, but there is something to be said about their survival. Despite living nomadic lifestyles for thousands of years, and in a world filled with magic and monsters no less, neanderthals have always seemed to come out alive. They have proven to be skilled at hunting, bringing down gigantic foes with only small groups of poorly armed adults. When faces with new obstacles, neanderthal tribes have been known to make adaptions to their ways of life in order to keep moving. Occasionally, of course, this might require a tribe to attack settlements with advanced defenses and magics. Like their cousins, they show remarkable aptitude and stubbornness, although not quite the ambition of humans.

CAUTIOUS PASSERSBY 

It isn't often that neanderthals willingly interact with other races. With a single tribe usually only a dozen or two members in size, it usually isn't safe to migrate through a large city. Over the centuries, neanderthals have mostly made a name for themselves as myths, primitive humans, or even druidic circles. Neanderthals who do mingle with other races often work as hunters, mercenaries, or crafters.

Dwarves. “Their lives beneath the earth is impressive, but suffocating. It is no wonder they obsess over metals - that's all they ever get to know!"

Elves. “These are our most common neighbors - for better or worse. Should they seem friendly, they aren't bad to live around or even trade with. Otherwise, it's best to move to a safer land."

Humans. “It does get tiring being confused for humans. Though we may look similar, we have never wished to conquer like they do. If more humans could relax and embrace their roots, then perhaps they would understand us, and we could rekindle our relationship."

Oral Traditionalists

Unlike most other races, neanderthals have little care to reproduce their beliefs or laws in permanent ways. As nomads who constantly have to change their homes, migration routes, and other ways of life, they find no need to write anything down or build grand monuments. Most neanderthal buildings are crude huts made of wood, clay, or stone. The graves of their fallen are often left only with a small pile of stones, if not left unmarked entirely.

The thought of establishing a lasting empire or writing a book of myths seems useless and a waste of time. Instead, stories of neanderthal history, lost members, and grand heroes are passed down orally. Usually children learn these things from their parents, but neanderthals who manage to live long lives may spend their later years recounting their tribe's past events, stories, and battles.

Exemplars of Ambition

For a neanderthal to seek out a life of adventure is rarely heard of. More often than not, a lone neanderthal is one who has been abandoned, or is the sole survivor of their tribe. To wander alone in the cold and dense forests of the north is usually a death sentence, and a neanderthal adventurer may seek out companions in order to survive - or to find a new tribe entirely.

Other times, a young neanderthal might leave home in order to learn more about the surrounding world. They may be on a quest to save their home, answer a mysterious calling, or simply to prove themselves to their tribe.

Neanderthal Names

 Neanderthal names are usually seen as simple or harsh to humans or elves. Their language is guttural and quick, making them sound almost like orcs. Likewise, tribes are usually made up of a few connected families, and so surnames are unnecessary, as every member of the tribe knows each other. Furthermore, neander names aren't usually separated by sex, and are given to both as seen fit.

Neanderthals who enter high societies may take on a nickname to fit in, and may use the name of their tribe as a placeholder surname.

Tribe names are usually markers, given to outsiders almost like borders or warnings. They tend to be geographical locations that they hunt in.

Common Neanderthal Names: Jhogna, Godai, Aidda, Dhaga, Dovra, Brih, Medo, Oga, Bamgo, Oetor, Amma, Mano

Neanderthal Tribe Names: Low Valley, Cedar Creek, Plains Beyond Mountain, Wide River, Harsh Rains

Neanderthal Traits

It’s hard to make generalizations about neanderthals, but your human character has these traits.

Ability Score Increase

 Your Strength and Constitution scores each increase by 1 and one other ability score of your choice increases by 1.

Age

Neanderthals reach adulthood in their mid-to-late teens and rarely live beyond their 70's.

Alignment

Neanderthals tend toward no particular alignment. The best and the worst are found among them.

Size

Neanderthals are generally a few inches shorter than humans, ranging from 5 to 5 and a half feet tall. Regardless of your position in that range, your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Neander. Neander is a young and obscure language, spoken almost exclusively by Neanderthal tribes. Much like Halfling, Neander is rarely written down - usually only by neanderthal adventurers, sorcerers, or visiting anthropologists.

Nomad's Resilience

You ignore difficult terrain caused by snow or dense forests. You can also lead up to eight other creatures through harsh snow or dense forests without a penalty to speed.

Survivalist

All neanderthal children are taught about the lands they live in and how to survive in them. You are proficient in the Survival and Nature skills.