Homebrew The Ursine Species Details

 

Fur and Claw

The Ursine are barrel-chested, stocky humanoids with heads that resemble that of a bear. Their naturally sharp claws are ever useful in battle, some Ursine choosing instead to file their claws down to appear more civilised. But even these can deliver great harm.

The Ursine take pride in their shaggy fur, often Ursine warriors are found to have woven their fur into thick braids. Rarely is an Ursine found with mud caked or unkept fur, although as well as any other race this can vary.

 

Bulwarks and Avengers

The Ursine are usually an isolationist race, preferring to keep to their kin and clan. However, if their homes or kin are threatened by a hostile force, or if they witness a great injustice, be it their own kind or others, it is the honour-bound duty of an Ursine to right this wrong.

Even the timidest of Ursine, can harbour a great rage whilst in combat, the Ursine are right at home in the controlled chaos of battle.

 

Legend and Folklore

The Ursine believe that world as we know it was created by the 3 great bears, perhaps these were the first Ursine but as time and stories were passed down, they entered myth and became legends of Ursine Folklore.

Narsin (Nar-sin) the father of the Ursine is the patron of Battle, Honour and Law. The Ursine believe Narsin moulded the earth itself, with its mountains, valleys, and plains, Narsin is the honour bound compulsion to do what is right made manifest in all Ursine, He is seen as the great avenger.

Morgi (Mor-gie) the mother of the Ursine is the patron of Protection, Life and Compassion. The Ursine believe Morgi made the flowing rivers and serene snows of the world spring to existence. Morgi is the compulsion to protect made manifest in all Ursine, she is seen as the great protector. Although Morgi is known to be the mother of the Ursine, folklore persists that she sees all the children of the world, not just her kind as her cubs. Often the outskirt human hamlets and villages have bear shrines for Morgi, to protect their homes and children.

Besmir (Bes-meer) the first child of the Ursine is the patron of Deceit, Death and Cunning. The Ursine believe Besmir created corruption and darkness in the world. They talk in hushed tones about the first child, how he was the first to discover deception and tragically fell to darkness. Becoming a horrifying creature, no longer an Ursine but a monster of 100 eyes, fur matted and dried with innocent blood and a face no longer regal but made of skulls and decaying flesh. Besmir is the cunning wit made manifest in all Ursine, he is seen as the great betrayer. The tale of how Besmir fell to ruination has been lost to time or intentionally left out in the Ursine folklore. All that is certain is that Narsin the avenger struck down the first child in a grief-stricken rage.

 

Ursine Names

Ursine Folklore does not only contain legends of the 3 great bears, tales of great deeds and misdeeds of numerous Ursine have been passed down through the ages.

Female Names: Ursula, Natsu, Elinor, Umka, Vedmi, Karhu, Mira, Olga, Lathir, Elthnar, Rekhu, Hilgna

Male Names: Koda, Kodiak, Valhir, Kumo, Odo, Hirc, Lognor, Bosken, Yikken, Aesthar, Rorik, Lorgar, Magnir

The Ursine Traits

Your Ursine character has the following racial traits.

Ability Score Increase

Your Constitution score increases by 2, and your Strength score increases by 1

Age

The Ursine mature and age at about the same rate as humans

Alignment

The Ursine are inclined toward Good, although this can vary in Ursine.

Size

The Ursine Stand between 6 and 7 feet tall and have a stocky build. On all four paws they are 5 feet tall.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

The Ursine Do Not Know Fear

The Ursine have advantage on saving throws against being feared or charmed

Rolling Mass

Immediately after you use the Dash action on your turn and move at least 20 feet, you can make one melee attack with your claws as a bonus action.

Claws

Your claws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you can deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your strength modifier, instead of bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Bear Necessities

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