Homebrew Vulpkanin Species Details

Vulpkanin

Not much is known about the Vulpkanin, often shortened to Vulp, other than appearance and general behavior. They are shorter, canine-like humanoids with some key characteristics. They have rather odd leg structure, almost like how a dogs’ hindlegs look. Typically, they are only seen outside of their lands as travelers or merchants of wares and goods. They are curious creatures and are often in search of some sort of knowledge or any other obsession they may have. They tend to be very likeable and get along with most other species even as isolated as Vulpkanins are. It is recommended to be on the good side of the Vulpkanin as they are ferocious fighters and will not typically back down from a challenge.

 

Mercantile Guilds

Many Vulpkanin hail from the same region, this being Kelune and Dalstadt. Kelune is a temperate region and Dalstadt is a much colder climate. In either case, these two regions are dense with trade and mostly run by the Mercantile Guilds. The guilds are split into a few distinct domains. The Protectorate guild is built around healing and assisting those in need… for a price. The largest guild, The Sanction, has specialized in production of most every goods or services. Lastly, the High Watch guild has recently coup’d the provisional council and runs governmental affairs. 

In order for a citizen of either region to open a store, run for office, or set up a charity of any kind, they must acquire a Guild Certificate in order to prove their authenticity. This does not mean that people still do not run blackmarket operations, it is just that they are far more likely to be found out, brought before a member of the High Watch, and sentenced to forced labor.

 

Science Ministry

Even with the Guilds running everything, life is quite stable for scientific development and often funded by one or all of the Guilds. Scientific advancement is a prime motivator for the Vulpkanin culture and oftentimes when you see a Vulp outside of their home region, they are on a quest to find new knowledge. They are not more or less advanced than most other cultures, though due to isolation, they do not have much contact with the outside world. Thus, they send young, adventurous scholars out to find and acquire any new knowledge. 

 

Vulpkanin Names

Traditionally, Vulpkanin names typically follow the conventions of their spoken language. They tend to sound harsh and guttural, often with a germanic sound to them. However, Vulpkanin who have left their home region for whatever reason often pick, or are given, a nickname or shortening of their full name so it is easier for others to relate to them.

 

Vulpkanin Language

The language, Canilunzt, is often described as a germanic sounding language due to its grammatical structure, harsh consonants, and a guttural/throaty enunciation; however, the language also differs greatly from those of humanity, with strange, upward-pitching vowels. These vocalizations are often likened to the baying, whining, and yipping sounds of typical canids, with many vowels sitting just above the range of human hearing. The language also relies heavily on the use of their ears, tails and hands in order to indicate tone. The written form even preserves keys denoting certain body language.

 

Vulpkanin Personality

Many Vulpkanin that you meet will be curious and highly motivated to achieve whatever their goal is. They can become obsessed with any number of things quite easily, and it can be hard to sway them away from that obsession. Oftentimes, it is the pursuit of knowledge, it can also be inventing, hoarding wealth, or even making as many friends as they can. 

Vulpkanin Traits

As Vulpkanin, you are quite agile and curious about the world. You are always looking for your next obsession and the elusive search of knowledge.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Vulpkanin have similar lifespans to humans. They tend to live to around 80, but some can live for far longer. Many of the elders are around 130 years old and older.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

You have powerful vision in the dark. You can see 90 feet in dim light and 60 feet in darkness, however, you cannot discern color in dim light or darkness, it would appear in greys.

Colorblind

Most if not all Vulpkanin are red-green colorblind unless suffering a birth defect which allows them to see those colors (You may be considered an oddity if you can see red or green). The culture often follows a shift to more blue colors.

Canine Claws

Vulpkanin have retractable claws similar to a feline’s. You have a climbing speed of 20 feet. In addition, your claws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Canine Reflexes

Vulpkanin have fast reflexes, and due to their shorter stature and slender nature, they are able to dash about quite quickly. When you move on your tum in combat, you can double your speed until the end of the tum. Once you use this trait, you can’t use it again until you move 0 feet on one of your turns.

Languages

You can speak and read Common, Canilunzt, and one other language of your choice.