Homebrew Björnan Species Details

NEW LIFE

Björnan are a relatively new race, their origins unknown, even to themselves. Legends date back only a handful of generations. Most assume they were created by magic users as an experiment at crossing humans and bears. If asked, the Björnan simply state that one day they "were" and now they "are".

In the wilds places, hidden by distance from settled and civilized lands, nestled among nature, the Björnan can be found. Like their Ursine cousins, they are reclusive and solitary, often possessed of a very prickly temperment.

Most Björnan are not fond of traveling, adventure, or friends. Their existence revolves around foraging for food and water, tending to their shelter, (whether if be a cave den, a cabin, or simple shack), and in general making their lives as comfortable as possible. Björnan enjoy comfort very much.

This life of solitude leads to a fiercly independent individual. Said independence, coupled with a natural disdain for companionship, and in general a poor attitude towards disturbances to one's comfort, has led to a number of bloody incidents involving Björnan and intruders to their territory.

LITTLE LOVE LOST

Culturally, Björnan place great importance on one's privacy. Asking in depth questions of a Björnan without being considered a friend is considered rude. Conversations are kept short and to the point, without pointless "small talk". Invading a Björnan's personal space is typically considered an invitation to violence.

This is not to say Björnan are a perpetually cantankerous race. Siblings play and goof around as children, and will even come together occasionally to check on one another, and maybe wrestle for old times sake. Björnan also do make friends, but more than a few is almost unheard of. Additionally, children are raised by their mothers, but are sent away as soon as they are able to marginally fend for themselves. In general, life for a Björnan is solitary, and that solitude begins at an early age.

NATURE'S HIGHER CALLING

Björnan care deeply for their wild places, so much so that they will on occasion allow druids to build circles in their territory. This has led to a learning of the various nature gods and their gifts. Indeed, Björnan enjoy learning of the gods, and when they do gather (rare a thing as that is), they regale each other with tales of this or that diety's heroes.

Within the past two generations, a growing following of these nature gods has taken root in the Björnan lands. Shrines and tiny temples have sprung up, with Björnan priest and druids leading their flocks. In actuality, these spiritual leaders and guardians of the wild places are viewed with great respect among Björnan.

COMFORTABLE GLUTTONY

A Björnan takes great pride in his stockpile and shelter. So much so that he or she may imagine insults about them, when no such insult was made or implied. In addition, any threat to either is met with terrible consequences. The extremely rare Björnan who has wandered free of their homelands, seeking adventure, view their friends in the same way, as a part of their prized stockpile, and woe to any who would threaten it!

BJÖRNAN NAMES

Björnan have a birth name given by their mothers, and a family name, taken from their mother's birth name, with the suffix of "son" for a male, or "sdottr" for a female. So, a male child of Byrna's would be named Olaf Byrnasson, or a female child of Byrna's would be named Astrid Byrnassdottr.

Male Names: Aron, Arn, Andr, Alf, Ban, Ben, Bran, Börd, Durn, Don, Dorm, Dost, Egel, Elar, Fjörn, Frey, Gūnnar, Grim, Harald, Higram, Ivan, Ivar, Idun, Jon, John, Leo, Lot, Lottr, Magni, Markus, Nor, Nost, Niklas, Omund, Oskr, Petr, Ralof, Ran, Ragnar, Sven, Sur, Sivar, Tom, Tomas, Ulan, Ulric, Wulfgar, Wodan.

Female Names: Ana, Astrid, Alma, Byrni, Bryn, Byrna, Camilla, Cecilie, Eli, Elin, Eva, Gerd, Grete, Gunvor, Hanne, Hilde, Hege, Ida, Inge, Ingunne, Jorun, Janne, Kari, Kjersti, Linne, Liv, Margit, Marte, Mette, Nina, Ragnhild, Rita, Reidun, Signe, Sigrid, Synnøve, Torill, Turid, Unni, Vigdis, Wenche.

 

 

Björnan Traits

Though varying in size, color and shading, all Bjornan share a variety of traits.

Ability Score Increase

Due to your larger size and powerful ursine build, your Strength score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 2.

Age

Björnan have comparable lifespans to humans. They enter adulthood in their late teens and usually live less than a century.

Alignment

Björnan society, with its emphasis on independence and respect for privacy, has a strong lawful bent. Their preference for seclusion in nature, and their desire to protect the wild places pushes them toward neutrality.

Size

Björnan are between 7 and 8 feet tall and weigh between 380 and 500 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 35 feet. Your love of honey and fruits have also made you quite skilled at climbing. Your base climbing speed is 20 feet.

Fur Armored Hide

Your thick fur and hide are a natural armor. When you aren’t wearing armor, your AC equals 13+ your Constitution and Dexterity modifiers. 

Hard Living

Due to your constant foraging, the harsh environment you live in, and frequent maintenance on your shelter, you have proficiency in the Athletics skill.

Built Like A Bear

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

Winter Coat

Thanks to your thick fur and hefty fat layers you have resistance to cold damage. 

Languages

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

Bear Paws

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.

Ursine Juggernaut

It takes a lot to kill a bear, and sometimes they just won't die. When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can drop to 1d4+1 hit points instead. You can’t use this feature again until you finish a long rest.

Terrifying 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.