Homebrew Bovine Species Details

"Just as the trees take root, so does your new name.” Portia explained. The old bovine then paused, taking a long drink from her tankard of mead. “It always surprises me that humans do not follow the same principle, you are very keen on changing everything else in this world, or so it seems.” She seemed to be amused by her own dry sense of humor, chuckling fondly as the human ranger beside her awkwardly smiled. 

“Doesn’t it get confusing? A name is what you make of it. It’s who you are.” The ranger protested, confusion evident in the way they scrunched up their brows. 

"Nonsense. I don’t know your name, but we are no longer strangers tonight. Your first name is a gift; if it doesn't suit you, you respectfully return it and find one that does. The butterfly does not refer to itself as a caterpillar any longer. It is a new name, a new day, a life full of second chances.” 

- Portia the Bovine, discussing the importance of change with a young adventurer

Wandering Souls

The bovine are comparable to a cow standing on two legs; distant cousins of the infamous Minotaurs. They have a vast range of appearances, varying based on the breed of cow from which they evolved. Common features include cow-like faces with horns (horn shape may differ), drooping ears, broad shoulders, a cow-like tail, and two cloven hooves. Bovines are covered in hair much like their four legged ancestors, and share the same large eyes. They have hands with opposable thumbs, and range from roughly 5 to 7 feet tall. Bovines are capable of growing longer hair atop their head, much like other humanoids; whether they choose to grow it out or shave it down is up to the individual. 

It is not unheard of for the bovine to experiment with jewelry as well. Some follow their distant cousins in piercing their nostrils, while others decorate their horns, ears, and tails. Self expression is a key aspect of bovine culture, and it is readily encouraged amongst most herds.

Small Herds, Large Hearts

Bovines wander the world in small herds, consisting of three to fifteen members. More likely than not, several of these members are not bovine and have been adopted into the herd by choice. Herds do not have a set hierarchy structure, and follow a system of each member helping the others through the skills they are most gifted in. Climate and group chemistry have a major effect on which traditions are carried out by each herd, ensuring that no two are ever quite the same; however, the bovine all share similar cultural values. At their core, these values are:

1. Change is a major and vital aspect of self improvement. 

2. All living things are a part of nature and deserving of respect.

3. Self expression fosters understanding and kindness.

Herds are flexible groups created with the goal of creating a caring community in which every voice is heard. Historically, a herd is usually started when a group of three or more newly adult bovines leave the herd of their formative years to explore the world together; however, they can be formed by any bovine that has come of age as long as they have two other adult humanoid members. It is more uncommon for a bovine to leave a herd to set out alone, but this is still seen as acceptable. There are only a few known cases in which a herd has forced a member to leave. In these cases, the member has to have caused the herd irredeemable harm or shown great malintent towards others.

A Festive Lifestyle

As a celebratory people, bovines embrace change amongst their ranks with great enthusiasm. A ceremony in bovine culture is a special event used to commend achievement, show respect, and encourage a sense of community. They are not dedicated to any entities or pantheon, but instead celebrate each other and give back to nature in the process. Ceremonies are held for a large number of events, including but not limited to: coming of age, name changes, a new herd member, a herd member leaving, birth, death, and bonding. 

Depending on the climate, ceremonies are celebrated in different ways. They usually involve a crown of flowers or leaves being placed on the heads of those being celebrated, followed by kind words from the rest of the herd and some kind of group activity. Far northern herds have held good natured snowball fights, while those traversing the plains tell stories under the stars. Seeds are planted in honor of those celebrated, so the flowers, plants, and trees will give back to the earth. When a herd member passes, a tree is planted on top of their grave, so they may live on through it.

Bonding ceremonies are the least understood by humans, but perhaps the simplest of bovine culture. The closest human equivalent being marriage, a bonding ceremony celebrates when bovines decide to become partners and announce it to the herd. They are easily reversible if the members involved no longer feel compatible.

 

Bovine Names

It is the norm for each bovine to receive two names in their lifetime. One is given at birth by their mother, and the second is chosen by themselves when they come of age. Every time a new name is given, a grand ceremony is held to celebrate; many festivities including the making of flower crowns, a feast, and the planting of a tree occur during these ceremonies. 

Given bovine names typically revolve around nature, and a bovine is not required to change their name when they come of age; however, a coming of age name can range wildly and is meant to empower the new adult. 

Given Names: Dandelion, Alder, Boulder, Stream, Lichen, Cavern, Elderberry, Frost, Chestnut, Hail, Meadow, Nightshade

Coming of Age Names: Candor, Vistra, Kraken, Raug, Quake, Isador, Treasure, Myrtle, Ocean, Alpine, Portrait, Dorian 

Bovine Traits

Your bovine has key features and traits shared throughout all herds.

Ability Score Increase

Your constitution score increases by 2 and your charisma score increases by 1.

Age

Bovines live up to 100 years, reaching maturity at age 20.

Alignment

Bovines are an amicable species, but remain distant from other humanoids for long stretches on their travels. This causes them to trend towards both good and neutral alignments.

Size

Bovines are usually between 5 and 7 feet tall. Your size is medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Horns

Your horns are natural melee weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal piercing damage equal to 1d6 + your strength modifier.

Nomadic Skill

Your time traveling with your herd has made you wiser than most in the wilderness. You may choose to take a proficiency in either nature, medicine, or survival.

Graze

Your body is naturally able to digest grasses, provided they are not on contaminated lands. You may graze for meals and do not need rations to survive in the wilderness.

Herd Instincts

If a party member has the frightened condition, you have disadvantage on all saving throws against being frightened.

Languages

As you traveled with your herd, you met other humanoids, many of which spoke different languages. Several of them may have even joined your herd. You can speak, read, and write Common and Minotaur; choose one other language you would have learned.