Homebrew Weredog Species Details
Weredogs are a humanoid race that appear no different from humans. The big difference is their in born ability to shapeshift into a canid-like form. They also move more quickly than humans. Weredogs are rarely found outside of large human cities.
Look-a-likes
Weredogs look like humans, but lack their physical diversity. All weredogs are of light complexion with either light brown or blonde hair with silver-blue or blue-green eyes. They stand between 5 ft and 6 ft. Weredogs mature at a slightly younger age and most die of old age around 60. There language, customs and clothes will match the human culture in their home city.
Loyal Defenders
Weredogs are very social by nature. Each pack operates as an extended family with all members caring for each other. They normally practice a rigid social hierarchy with an alpha family at the top and omega family at the bottom. Weredog packs train their young in physical combat as soon as they can start walking. However, all of their training and practices are normally kept hidden from outsiders. They make their existence known only to trusted allies. Most weredogs shun non-clerical magic, seeing magic as a corrupting force. Most weredogs follow authority and abide by the law. Weredogs tend to shun leadership roles outside of their packs. They tend to get flustered in a chaotic environment. It is extremely rare to find an evil weredog.
Pack Life
A weredog pack is like an extended family. All are cared and protected by the pack. One's rank determines the level of care and protection one receives. Most packs keep oral traditions passed by down in practice to each new generation. Their admiration for human culture means that each generation adapts the human mores of their neighbors.
Weredogs are very xenophobic to non-humans. They prefer to live and organize their possessions with their own kind or human/halfling neighbors.
Models of Loyalty and Obedience
Weredogs make excellent soldiers. They are happiest protecting humans as rank and file units. Their highest honor is to die protecting a human.
Weredog Names and Ethnicities
Weredog names and culture are adopted from the human culture they dwell among. However, each pack may have its own rules and laws. Packs regularly intermarry, but children are expected to adhere to their home pack's laws.
Weredog Traits
A loyal soldier, ready to die for a human.Pack Tactics
The weredog, in human form, has advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of the weredog's allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn't incapacitated.
Shapechanger
The weredog can use its action to polymorph into it's canine form (dire wolf), or back into its true form, which is humanoid. Its statistics, other than its AC, are the same in each form. The equipment it is wearing or carrying isn't transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies. Weredogs can only shapechange once in a 24 hour period. The change is permanent until the weredog chooses to change back. Weredogs suffer an exhaustion penalty after changing back to humanoid until they long rest.
Strength of the Pack
Weredogs have an advantage on saving throws assisting allies.
Ability Score Increase
Weredogs are faster than humans and know their purpose in life. They gain a boost to dexterity +1 and constitution +1.
Age
A weredog matures around age 16 and dies around age 60.
Alignment
Weredogs tend to be good.
Size
5 ft to 6 ft normally.
Speed
Your base walking speed is 40 feet.
Languages
You can speak, read, and write Common and one extra language of your choice. Weredogs copy the languages used by their human neighbors.
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