Homebrew Bearfolk Species Details

The bearfolk are traditionally a tribal people and worship the Oak Father(Silvanus).

Tribes of the ursine-like humanoids rarely interact with other peoples, only when trading herbs and furs do they see other races.

Still, some bearfolk wonder what lies beyond their wooded borders and seek to test themselves in a wider world.

Noble and Fierce

Bearfolk tend to be tall compared to humans and move with a boldness that suggests their physical might. Fur covers the bodies of the bearfolk and they can often be seen with piercings in their ears that represent successful hunts of note. While their hands prove as nimble as those of other humanoids, they have sharp partially retracting claws, which they can extend instantly. This, along with their ability to produce bone-shaking roars, gives most bearfolk an air that readily shifts between noble and fearsome. Bearfolk often act with confidence, which can come off as ignorance. While this can reassure their allies, it can also suggest defiance in the face of what they perceive as imposed authority.

Slow to Quarrel

Bearfolk are not as quick to take offense as some peoples, but when they do become angered their fury is a frightening thing to behold. The truth is that many bearfolk are content to sit under a tree, enjoying a simple meal and perhaps telling exaggerated stories of their hunts. They take pleasure in wrestling, and even battle, but are equally happy to sleep for an entire day if the opportunity presents itself. Bearfolk generally don't hold grudges, it is far too much effort for so little result and not healthy for the tribe to have in-fighting. Bearfolk prove themselves through hunting, and the best hunter among the tribe.

Most of the bearfolk follow the Oak Father(Silvanus) and respect all of nature recognizing it as the true law. It’s not that they deny the legitimacy of other laws, just that the laws of nature supersede others; they believe the laws of nature are what govern all. The Bearfolk view death as a great honor as their because they can now return to the cycle of life providing nourishment for the next generation.

Bearfolk are slow to trust other peoples, and tend to rely on their tribe and themselves before turning to outsiders. A tribe is bound together by the experience of a shared challenge and, in particular, the sacred act of the hunt.

Bearfolk Names

Along with their personal names, Bearfolk identify themselves by their tribe. A member of the Matekore tribe with the personal name of Amahau, for example, would likely style himself as Amahau of the Matekore.

Female Names: Ataahua, Airini, Hauku, Emere, Ihapera, Kahukura, Marama, Kaori

Male Names: Amahau, Ihaia, Manaaki, Rawiri, Aata, Akahata, Iraia, Kamaka, Matiu

Tribe Names: Kaihanga, Aroturuki, Makutu, Kaitiaki, Taiao

Bearfolk Traits

Your bearfolk character has the following racial traits.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Bearfolk mature and age at about the same rate as humans.

Alignment

Bearfolk are most often good natured. Bearfolk who are remain with their tribe tend to lean towards neutral good understanding that all things are in the control of nature.

Size

Bearfolk are typically over 6 feet tall, with some standing over 7 feet. Your size is Medium.

Here’s how to determine your height and weight randomly, starting with rolling a size modifier:

Size modifier = 2d10

Height = 5 feet + 6 inches + your size modifier in inches

Weight in pounds = 180 + (2d6 × your size modifier)

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

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.

Claws

Your claws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you can deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Hunter’s Instincts

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

Daunting Roar

As a bonus action, you can let out an especially menacing roar. Creatures of your choice within 10 feet of you that can hear you must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or become frightened of you until the end of your next turn. The DC of the save equals 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Constitution modifier. Once you use this trait, you can’t use it again until you finish a short or long rest.

Languages

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