Homebrew Erinalces Species Details

Erinalces are half man, half moose creatures who find themselves at home in small tribes in colder, forested areas in nature. They are family oriented and protective of their territory. They are slow to anger but their anger burns hot when they are continuously being bothered. Erinalces are dangerous creatures when angered or when they are protecting their territory and people.

Antlers and Hooves

Erinalces are barrel-chested humanoids with heads resembling those of moose. Their antlers range in size from about 1 foot long to 6 feet in length. Female erinalces tend to have smaller antlers reaching a max of 3 feet.

Manes of shaggy fur extend down erinalces’ necks and powerful, humped backs, and males have long tufts of hair on their chins. Their legs end in heavy, cloven hooves. Erinalces are born with short, barely noticeable tails. 

Stealth and Speed

Erinalces are stealthy and able to charge at great speeds. Their keen sense of smell and hearing allows them to maintain their stealth to hide from enemies. Their ability to charge at great speeds allows them to gain enough force to shove their enemies away or knock them prone.

The First Erinalces

Legends claim that the creation of the first erinalces was a result of a curse. Thousands of years ago, a hunter encroached on the territory of the forest goddess Mielikki. The hunter, Erin, sought out prized, large moose antlers to gain wealth and title. His efforts resulted in the near extinction of moose in the region. Enraged, Mielikki cursed him to become like what he nearly destroyed, turning him into a half man, half moose creature. From him came about the race of Erinalces, which protect the region and the living creatures within it.

Erinalces Names

Each Erinalces' name is inspired by the nature around them and the names of their ancestors. Those who live in tribes based near the populations of other races may have names similar to the races around them.

Male Names: Addax, Alder, Aspen, Burl, Calix, Cliff, Cedar, Elm, Elwood, Falcon, Fen, Fern, Finch, Garland, Hawthorn, Malus, Marsh, Onyx, Ridge, Rosen, Rowan, Spruce, Timber, Wade

Female Names: Alani, Aletris, Amaranth, Briar, Brisa, Calla, Cassia, Clove, Diantha, Ebony, Fauna, Hazel, Lapis, Maize, Myrthe, Olea, Pema, Sable, Sage, Vine

Erinalces Traits

Your erinalces character has the following racial traits.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.

Age

Erinalces enter adulthood at around the age of 17 and can live up to 150 years.

Alignment

Most Erinalces tend toward neutral alignments and rarely choose sides between good and evil.

Size

Erinalces average over 6 feet in height, and they have stocky builds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Skilled Swimmer

You have a swimming speed of 30 feet. To use this speed, you can’t be wearing medium or heavy armor.

Antlers

Your Antlers are natural melee weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal piercing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Moose Charge

As a bonus action, you can charge, increasing your movement by 20 feet towards a creature and allowing you to shove a creature that you get within melee range of.

Shoving Antlers

Immediately after you hit a creature with a melee attack as part of the Attack action on your turn, you can use a bonus action to attempt to shove that target with your Antlers. The target must be no more than one size larger than you and within 5 feet of you. Unless it succeeds on a Strength saving throw against a DC equal to 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Strength modifier, you push it up to 10 feet away from you.

Imposing Presence

You have proficiency in Intimidation.

Keen Senses

You have poor vision, limiting your sight by half. As a result, you have a keen sense of hearing and smell which you are able to use to your advantage for stealth.  You have proficiency in Stealth and Perception when using these senses. You have disadvantage in perception checks when based on vision.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Moose.