Homebrew Meles-folk Species Details

Meles-folk (or badger-folk) are one of the larger of the civilised woodland races. They stand around 3 foot (8-9 decimetres) tall with short legs, long bodies and long faces. Their fur is white and black and unless they have made effort to remove them they sport sharp teeth and claws. 

Tough and rugged, Meles-folk are laborers in both soul and body. They are notorious for their work-ethic, and their cities tend to be strongholds of industry - be it mining, farming, fishing, or any manner of production. While ancient Meles-folk tended to be defensive and excluded from other society, their modern day ancestors are much more diplomatic. Because of this, many other communities gravitated towards nearby, powerful Meletian settlements. Many prominent, multicultural cities throughout the land are built upon Meletian towns.

Despite their much more integrated culture. tradition remains important to Meles-folk. They are prone to regimented, habitual lifestyles: They tend to attend church regularly, work standardised days in simple jobs and take part in daily rituals in their homes.

The majority of Meles-folk are down to earth, straight talkers and in conversation they can often be honest and blunt to a fault. Because of this, they don't mix too well with high society. Ostentatious people will be out of place in Meles-folk establishments, and aren't likely to find easy friends. This bitterness spreads deeper for some, particularly older Meles-folk, who may be jaded and bitter at those in power and those who don't know the value of a good day's work.

Despite their large stature and ferocious abilities, Meles-folk aren't usually quick to violence. They are usually viewed as strong and loyal, with a firm and steady hand. 

 

Meles-folk Traits

Meles-folk benefit from their powerful builds and wild instincts...

Natural weapons

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. Alternatively, you can use your bite to deal the same damage as piercing instead of slashing.

Ability Score Increase

You gain a 2 point bonus to one of either strength or constitution, and a 1 point bonus to the other.

Languages

Your character can speak, read, and write Creature-Common. Meles-folk also speak Meletian, the race of their people. Meletian isn't as commonplace as it once was; Meles-folk tend to mix with other cultures a lot and, so almost every Meles-folk will speak in common during day-to-day life. However, some old songs and stories remain untranslated and are passed around only in Meletian.

Age

Meles-folk mature early, around 15 years old. They live up to 90 years.

Size

Meles-folk range between 7 to well over 8 dm tall. They are classed as Medium size.

Speed

Your walking speed is 30 feet.

Survival Instincts

Your natural instincts are tuned to keep you safe. You add your proficiency bonus to your passive Perception and your passive Insight.

Thick Skin

Meles-folk skin is tough, making them harder to damage even when not wearing armour. Without armour your base AC is 10 + Strength modifier + Dexterity modifier.

Alignment

Most - but certainly not all - Meles-folk are strong, gruff types. They often tend towards neutrality, often serving the community they live in for the good of those around them more than the overall morality of their actions.

Primal Endurance

When you are below half health, you may use your reaction to add 1d4 to saving throws against spells and attacks.