Homebrew Bearfolk Species Details

Bearfolk live in tribes in the distant mountains and cold regions of the world. Bound by a strong spiritual connection to their tribe they only rarely leave their homes. The land provides these natural born hunters and gatherers with all they need to survive even in the most hostile of places. These natural born hunters use their natural given strength and resilience to their fullest. Few that have encountered a Bearfolk and decided to fight rather then flee have lived to tell the tale.

Every Hunt Counts

As they live in the regions of the world where food is sparse and competition brutal, a Bearfolk knows that their success might very well determine their survival and that of their tribe. A unsuccessful hunt will be seen as a sign of weakness and can quickly cost a Bearfolk its status as a hunter. Therefore these ferocious hunters rarely show mercy or back down from a tough fight. Loosing is not an option, if one wants to uphold their pride.

But the hunt is only one of many ways to help the tribe. Gatherers with a great knowledge of the local fauna, know where to find food even in the most unlikely of places. Shamans often train from young years to learn everything from the elders, in order to preserve the knowledge of generations past and to guide the tribe spiritually.

Honor Your Tribe

For a Bearfolk their tribe often is the only folk they will ever build a relationship with. The communal bonds grow strong over years of living in a tight community, where each Bearfolk pulls their weight to help the tribe thrive. From the little cups that help prepare the meals and maintain weapons and equipment, over the hunter and gatherer of the tribe, up to the eldest that often teach the cups or guide the tribe as chieftains and shamans. Every bear has their share of work to do.

Every loss in a tribe is a great one, therefor Bearfolk honor the fallen with celebrations and especially grand hunts. And the tales of their greatest accomplishments then will be added to the many tales they will tell each other to honor those that came before them.

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 1.

Age

Bearfolk can reach long lifespans of over 120 years, despite the harsh conditions they life in. Bearfolk reach Adulthood with 21.

Alignment

Bearfolk have no inate preferences and tend towards neutral alignments.

Size

Bearfolk come in a wide array of sizes based on their origin, but most are over 6 feet tall, but the larger types not rarely grow over 8ft. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Bear Paws

Your paws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you can deal bludgeoning damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier.

Your strong paws also grant adv on Athletics checks made to climb.

Hunter’s Instincts

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

Keen Smell

Bearfolk have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Powerful Build

Your carrying capacity is doubled, as is the weight you can push, drag, or lift.

Thick Hide

When you aren’t wearing armor, your AC is 12 + your CON modifier. A shield’s benefits apply as normal while you use your natural armor.

Languages

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