Homebrew WolfKind Species Details

"Some people will tell you werewolves can only shape change under a full moon, but people also say there's no such things as ghosts."                                                                                                        -Patricia Briggs the Dwarvish Bard

For centuries, WolfKind were often mistaken for the bloodthirsty werewolf. Because of this common mistake, WolfKind were very quickly hunted to near extinction. Many wished to stay as far away from humans as possible, while others wished to show that they were not a threat, and even some wished to turn to straight violence, to consume all that had put them into such a horrible situation. In any case, WolfKind are only very rarely accepted into societies, and while some people may accept them, others take care to keep a weapon on their person while near one of these creatures. A WolfKind must be extremely careful to not make a mistake, otherwise they could easily be killed right on the spot.

Physical Description

WolfKind are often described as humanoid-like creatures, with the face of a wolf and a body covered in fur. Their hands are much like a human, able to grasp and perform just like humanoid beings can. They often have different colored furs, with varieties such as black, white, grey, orange/red, and painted. They also have different colored eyes, but always have a soft glow despite the color.

WolfKind also have tails that they take pride in. Often their tails are their main way of expression, as they use it often to display how they are feeling. Those that have lost their tails in one way or another often keep to themselves, ashamed to have a missing piece of them that their clans often present proudly.

While WolfKind are often feared because of their sharp teeth and long claws, some WolfKind have the privilege of living within cities and taking part within their societies. Other WolfKind choose to stay outside and live within the wilderness, to avoid all the stares and carefully placed weapons along the guards sides and backs. 

Society

Most WolfKind live alone in the wilderness, communicating with one another through sharp barks and growls, or the common chilling howl. Some WolfKind live together in packs, but these packs rarely reach numbers above 10, as they are forced to hunt for their food, and do not wish to kill all the creatures in the area, for fear of starvation. Many WolfKind adorn their fur with feathers and pinecones along the ground, as well as bright colored dyes and mushrooms. The Alpha of the small packs are often seen wearing a skull over their head of some kind, as a display of their bravery. 

Some WolfKind live among other races within the cities. However they must always be careful to not show any aggression or commit crimes of any kind, as often the punishment is far greater than what would happen if a common citizen were to commit the same crime. If WolfKind within the city are found guilty of a crime, they are either killed or stripped of everything and immediately cast out of the city, never to return.

Race Names

WolfKind are given names straight at birth, granting them passage into the pack. Those WolfKind that are no accepted are given no name, and are often time outcast to die alone in the woods.
Male Given Names: Aaron, Anduin, Azuil, Bandel, Bar-zen, Cooper, Cord, Eldon, Grim, Grigor, Immeral, Ivellios, Morgan, Rurik, Sudeiman, Thorin
Female Given Names: Amber, Arveene, Arizima, Atala, Bai, Caitlyn, Dona, Enna, Felosial, Jillian, Lidda, Vistra
Pack Names: Al-Zoar, Amarok, Fenrir, Illoquolm, Illum, Kaza-Dûm, Li-zin, Lupus, Makee, M’Dama, Mordred, Narsïl, Obzaar, Ornvaal, Ragnarok, Vadam

WolfKind Traits

Depending on the build and fur color of the wolfkind, each can have a different variety of traits.

Age

WolfKind usually reaches adulthood at age 7. Usually they live a lot longer than the average humanoid being, the oldest recorded WolfKind being 200 years old.

Alignment

WolfKind are usually all over the board with their alignments. Many tend to lean towards evil, as that is always what they have been seen as, therefore they decide to embrace it. Others decide to lean towards good, to try and make peace with the cities and other races. Many simply rely on their instincts, and prefer to be alone. 

Size

WolfKind are larger humanoids, typically 6-9 feet tall. Your size is Medium. 

Speed

WolfKind are slightly more nimble and have longer strides than the average humanoid. Your base walking speed is 40 feet.

Bite

WolfKind are known for their crushing jaws of brute force. Your bite is a natural weapon, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal piercing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Darkvision

You can see dim light as if it were bright light, and you can see in darkness as if it were dim light for 60 feet. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Keen Senses

WolfKind senses are heightened based on their sensitive noses and alert ears. You have proficiency in the Perception skill relying on hearing or smell. 

Wolf Movement

You can choose to move on all fours and double your movement speed. However, you cannot hold anything when you do this. In addition, while running on all fours, you forgo any chance of stealth, running down your target with unmatched speed. While in this state, you have disadvantage on acrobatic and stealth checks.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Winter Wolf. Winter Wolf is commonly used as the language of WolfKind. Winter Wolf is full of harsh barks, growls, and howls, and contains large amounts of intonation and body language, similar to the way wolves communicate. Their tails are used quite often in their communication, which people without tails find it hard to learn the language, unable to fully communicate.