Homebrew Decendant of Oyaminartok Species Details

Goliath legends speak of a creature that prowls the far reaches of Icewind Dale, known as Oyaminartok the Winter Walker. She can take the form of either a polar bear or a hulking, bipedal shape obscured by wind and blowing snow.  But less well known are a race of that claim to be her descendants.  These bearkin, area  race of fierce tribal warriors. The bipedal blood relative of their ursine ancestors, bearkin live in small tribes or clans of about a dozen deep in forests, caves and sometimes arctic wastelands where they are able to hunt and kill their prey with vicious ferocity. Their use of weapons and keen battle sense give them an edge over their unevolved kin, and are often a formidable foe.

 

Bearkin have strong parental instincts and are willing to fight to protect their clans and families. To a bearkin blood is thicker than water, and few situations would result in a bearkin abandoning their clan and joining a life of adventure. Powerful and protective they tend to be wary of outsiders but make very loyal allies, though they rarely side with large kingdoms or armies due to their disinterest in politics. As strong in heart as in muscle, bearkin have a strong natural parental instinct. In their families, both parents are expected to provide and care for their children (known as 'cubs') as best they can.

Oyaminartok the Winter Walker

Oyaminartok and others of her kind try to help creatures they come across, for the weather and the geography of Icewind Dale can be brutal. They know the safest routes across the tundra, and they can help guide travelers through the Sea of Moving Ice and across its ever-shifting ice floes. These polar werebears attack evil in the wilderness, but they steer clear of camps and settlements. Fire is Oyaminartok’s bane, and thus she and her kind are wary around hearths and open flames.

Decendant of Oyaminartok Traits

Your Decendant of Oyaminartok character has an assortment of inborn abilities, part and parcel of your bear like nature.

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength score increases by 2 and you Constitution score increases by 1.

Age

Bearkin reach adolecence at about the same time as humans, but usually only live to about age 60.

Alignment

Bearkin naturally lean towards neutrality, though they tend to be more good than evil. They also tend to favor a balance between the law of their clan and the chaotic nature of their lifestyle. 

Size

Bearkin tower over their companions at around 7 to 8 feet tall, and weigh anywhere from 300 to above 450 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.   You also have a swim speed of 25 feet.

Keen Smell

You gain advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Animal Instincts

You have proficiency in the Survival skill.

Claws

Using your Bear claws to attack, your unarmed strikes deal 1d4 slashing damage.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Giant because of their relationship to Goliaths.

Winter Hide

You have resistance to Cold damage. You are also able to survive much colder temperatures unlike most other races, such as snow and freezing weather.