Homebrew Canis Lupis (Dogfolk) Species Details

Beastly Heritage

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Dogfolk have sharp canine fangs, piercing claws, and, with exceptions, a tail. The tail curls between their legs when scared or nervous, and they usually try to avoid it, as they are bipedal dog humanoids and curling their tail between their legs looks awkward and strange. The "breed" of the Dogfolk depend on the clan they are born into, but sometimes there are mutations, often resulting in the Dogfolk newborn and its family being outcast. The Dogfolk are an average 5 ft. and weigh between 60-120 lbs. their size medium. The fur thickness depends on the person,  but the claws are never cut.

Dogfolk are among the most varied races when it comes to appearance. Also added with the mind of a human, they are a force to be reckoned with. A dogfolk can be anything from a tiny 4 foot tall Chihuahua with a fiery personality, to a 7 foot great dane who prefers nothing else to sleeping all day.

Social Life

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The Dogfolk can get along with any race, except for the Catfolk and outcast Dogfolk. Other hated races depend on the individual and their opinions. Dogfolk like to live and work with others, and nomadic Dogfolk is a rare sight to anyone. Outcast Dogfolk are welcome just as much as other Dogfolk, excepting the Dogfolk clans themselves. Enslaved Dogfolk, much like actual abused dogs, learn not to trust others, though, and they feel alone in the world often.

In the mountain forests and hidden valleys they hide their villages strong and cunning they protect their existence by rarely venturing out to villages and towns to trade goods. They are roughly 6" foot tall their movements are very graceful and quick as they move through the woods so much so that when briefly seen moving through the forest they are mistaken as a trick of the eyes. When their settlements are in danger they easily breakdown their villages and erase all traces of their presence fooling the enemy into thinking they had never been there while subtly leaving traces as to where they went for their kin that were away from the village. The Dog-folk Compared to many other races possess higher senses such as hearing and smell. They also have a high affinity with animals such as dire wolves and large birds of prey. The Dog-folk live only for about 70 years reaching adulthood at 10 years old and they live rather modest lives gathering wild fruits, nuts, berries, and mushrooms from the forest or hunting the wild game. The Dog-folk have a deep seated fear of being enslaved and mistrust humans, elves and goblins due to stories from other beastmen races stories however they have a good relationship with dwarves, halflings, dragon-born, and gnomes.

Loyal Companions

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Dogfolk tend to form strong bonds to their companions. Though it may take some individuals a long time to get attached to others, when a dogfolk trusts someone, they would go to the ends of the earth for that person. This makes them both great friends but, when faced with what is right and wrong they will often choose the good path.

Exploring Opportunities

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Curiosity is a driving force of many a dogfolk. They are likely to go sniffing out things they find interesting, even when they really have no business doing so. Another common reason dogfolk become adventurers, is to support their friends in their travels and collect goodies. Many would die or at least face grave danger for their comrades. It is often hardly even a question for a dogfolk, whether or not to follow their friends to battle. It is not too rare for dogfolk to have a genuine will to do good in the world and help others. Some may head out for just this reason, to spread as much kindness as they can.

Alignment

Dogfolk are friendly by nature and have a tendency towards good alignments. Neutrally aligned dogfolk aren't too rare either, as some prefer to care only for themselves and their loved ones (friends, family, etc.). They need a very good reason to be swayed to the side of evil, as even dogfolk working for evil are usually not so themselves. The abused or outcast tend to lean towards Chaotic alignments, but often are Good.

Faith

They worship any god related to dogs, like Anubis the jackal, god of dead, to take care of their dead loved ones.

Age

Canus reach maturity around two thirds the rate of humans (10), but live slightly shorter, with the average life expectancy of 70. Human-like creatures with dog/wolf features.

DogFolk Names

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A dogfolk can have any kind of name. It depends on where they grew up, really. In the cases where a dogfolk was given a name in Canith, their language, it will usually be translated into common so that other races would be able to pronounce it properly, because of this they're almost always just normal words. These traditional dogfolk names do not include surnames, but rather titles based on something related to the dog. These can range from awe-inspiring to downright goofy. 

Male Names: Hammer, Hawk, Chip, Dart, Thunder, Ocean, Forest, Trumpet

Female Names: Doe, Birch, Needle, Snow, Lyre, Lake, Light, Gift

Titles: Cliff Climber, Bug Eater, the Unforgiving, the Fortunate, of the Mountains, of the Swamp, Father of Beasts, Thrower of Rocks

Canis Lupis (Dogfolk) Traits

The traits of a loyal, strong and brave friend!

Natural Digger

You have a burrowing speed of 10 feet.

Ability Score Increase

Your Constitution score is +1 and your Strength score is +2.

Keen Sense

Your sense of hearing and smell are better than most humanoids. You are proficient in the Perception skill.

Part Beast

You are proficient in the Animal Handling skill!

Canine Fangs

Your strong maw is considered a natural weapon. If you bite someone, they suffer 1d4 and when doing so, you may use your bonus action to force the targeted creature a Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. The save DC is 8.