Homebrew Bear Folk Species Details

Forgotten Ancestry

The true origin of bearfolk is unknown, but many scholars suspect they are the descendants of werebears that took to living in the wilderness. Over time, their lycanthropy became permanent and integral, giving them the best features of human and ursine biology, along with some weaknesses. The best evidence for this is their aversion to silver, which true lycanthropes are known to share. It is not uncommon for bearfolk to take in and mentor those who have been newly cursed with lycanthropy, teaching them how to live with their animal characteristics. It is not possible for bearfolk to pass on their ancestral curse, but the question of whether they can be infected with any new form of lycanthropy is unknown. What is certain is that their origins are not mundane, even though their connection to the natural world is strong. Despite not being related to true bears directly, they are still capable of limited communication with them.

Bear Folk Traits

Bearfolk Traits

Ability Score Increase

Your powerful, resilient body grants you a number of natural advantages. Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1.

Keen Smell.

 A highly attuned sense of smell is necessary for hunting and safety in the wild, You have advantage on Wisdom (Perception), Wisdom (Survival), and Intelligence (Investigation) checks that involve smell.

Born Survivor.

 You are proficient in one of the following skills of your choice: Animal Handling, Intimidation, Nature, or Survival.

 

Powerful Build.

You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the amount you can push, drag, or lift.

Bear Claws.

You have large, curved claws that extend from your hands. 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.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common as well as one other language of your choice.

Aversion to Silver

The cuts of silver blades cause searing pain You cannot reduce any bludgeoning, piercing, or slashing damage dealt to you by silvered weapons.