Homebrew Canaan Species Details

Canaan

Widely known as natural trackers, feral instincts, fierce passion for the hunt, and loyal guards canaans are naturally adaptable and doggedly loyal to those they deem their packmates. Those of the dogmen who might entertain some exceptions to their naturally aggressive dispositions can make for remarkably dependable companions and highly capable allies.

Dogmen

A canaan looks much like a humanoid wolf or dog and shares many traits with the animal. Canaans are strong, tall, and lean and covered with a thick coat of fur, ranging in all colors and lengths depending on the mixture or purity of the breed. Though they are not obligate carnivores, it is not uncommon for canaans to subsist solely on meat. Like the wolves they resemble, canaans possess strong jaws and are capable of consuming almost every part of their prey.

Pack Instinct

Canaans are social creatures, and the pack instinct plays a powerful role in their lives. The bond of the pack is essential to all canaans and, while they may occasionally squabble to establish lines of dominance, canaans make for steadfast allies. In battle, canaans are strong team players and though competitive by nature they will typically set aside any thought of personal glory to assist their pack. Canaans are seldom solitary and those that are separated from their kin will usually seek surrogate packs. Canaan's pack instincts are strong, should you earn one's trust, you will find that a Canaan's kinship brings with it a very powerful bond.

Thrill of the Hunt

Canaans are true creatures of the wild; they often prove uninterested in conquest and very seldom seek fortune or glory. Instead, canaans are driven by instinct and impulse. While they revel in their predatory nature and the thrill of the hunt, most are equally motivated to defend and guide their packmates. They tend to seek out means of proving themselves to their allies.

Canaan Traits

Widely known as natural trackers, feral instincts, fierce passion for the hunt, and loyal guards canaans are naturally adaptable and doggedly loyal to those they deem their packmates. Those of the dogmen who might entertain some exceptions to their naturally aggressive dispositions can make for remarkably dependable companions and highly capable allies.

Ability Score Increase

Your Wisdom score increase by 2 and you may select any other ability score to increase by 1. Like Humans, Canaans are very diverse depending on their breed and upbringing. One thing they all have in common is their natural instincts. 

Age

Canaans age noticeably faster than most humanoids reaching adulthood at 10 years and seldom live beyond 70 years.

Size

Canaans generally stand around 6 feet in height and weigh between 250 and 300lbs. Your size is medium.

Alignment

Being highly Loyal, many Canaans are Lawful by nature. Canaans who stay true to their pack instincts are generally inclined to abide by the ideals of their chosen companions.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Ferocious Bite

Your bite is a natural weapon, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with it, you deal piercing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike. Additionally, once per round when you use your bite attack as part of your main action, you can attempt to grapple a creature. The target must be a creature of size Large or smaller and must succeed on a Strength saving throw or be grappled. The DC for this saving throw is equal to 10 + your Strength modifier.

Darkvision

Being moderately nocturnal, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Natural Hearing and Smell

You gain proficiency in Perception and Survival.

Pack Tactic

Once on your turn, you gain advantage on a melee attack roll against a creature if at least one of your allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn't incapacitated.

Language

You can speak, read, and write Common, and speak Canaan

Cannans employ their own oral language made up of unique whoops, growls, other sounds and body language. Canaans mostly sustain their clan's culture through craftwork and oral tradition.