Homebrew Wolfkind Species Details

Appearance-

Wolfkinds are a proud race of bipedal canines who stand between five and seven and a half feet tall. They weigh between one hundred and thirty and two hundred pounds. They are lean but muscular and have heads that resemble wolves. They have low-hanging tails that match the fur that lines their bodies. Their feet and hands are similar to those of the paws of their wolf ancestors, but their hands have evolved to be able to hold items. 

Their fur color ranges from black, dark brown, silver, grey, red, and white, this is usually an indication of what region or tribe they are from and what their diet is. Their eye colors also vary, but brown, silver, purple,  and blue are most common. Their fangs and claws are normally well maintained, but they retain their ferocious quality. Wolfkind's sharp teeth and claws make them seem intimidating, but they are generally kind in nature

Wolfkinds primarily live in nomadic tribes and enjoy quality clothes that are well-maintained and free of blemishes. Even those who live solitary lives keep their clothing in good order and view those with soiled clothing with mild disdain. Wolfkinds hold that orderly apparel is the first step in perfecting oneself. Wolfkind clans produce some of the best hunters in the world and they are fierce fighters when it comes to defending their territory. Some tribes build semi-permanent structures, while others have specific caves dwellings that they inhabit, however, most will travel to various areas as the seasons change.  

Wolfkinds are often mistaken as Werewolfs and are sometimes attacked by those who don’t know any better. The biggest difference is Werewolves are more feral in appearance, and Wolfkinds often have tribal ornamentation and carry weapons and other gear. But mistakes still happen, and there is little to cure ignorance. 

When it comes to contemplation and quiet perspective, look no further than the Wolfkinds. Strongly bonded to family and driven to the pursuit of improving themselves through various mental pursuits, Wolfkinds are known as Neracathaan in Beast Speech and that is translated as “We that understand.”

History- 

Few can remember how they came to be, but the pack elders say that it was during a time of great turmoil in the world that their kind was brought about. The elders tell stories of great battles, with tremendous victories and crushing defeats, and to these stories, the younglings listen most eagerly. 

Some believe that the Wolfkinds are a form of ancient Werewolves long forgotten that have been evolving for hundreds of years, and through this evolution, they were refined into a strong, cultured, and intelligent race capable of speech and reasoning. Wolfkinds are proud warriors, collegiate scholars, and loyal friends. They will give their lives in protection of what they cherish. Wolfkinds are natural experts at surviving in the wild, and due to years of adaptation, their instincts are honed to hunt efficiently. 

In the past, wolfkinds rarely had dealings with outsiders, and they are very selective of who they tolerate, let alone converse with, however, they have a uniquely positive relationship with some Elf tribes. Most wolfkinds are spiritual and revere both the entities of nature and their ancestors. Though physically powerful, and able fighters, they rarely choose conflict, let alone go to war. Their nomadic lifestyle does not allow a large number of them at any one time, so gathering an army of any kind is unheard of.

On rare occasions in history, Wolfkind tribes would band together, or even ask for outside help, to deal with common threats, such as Orc Hordes or demonic incursions into the forest.

During the formation of the Commonwealth, some Wolfkind tribes accepted membership into the new union, living in the forest, and some of the northern mountains. Wolfkind tribes remain nomadic but they have created trading posts that would allow some form of consistent contact. Though it is uncommon to find Wolfkinds roaming the city streets, there are still a handful that are bold enough to venture out from the familiarity of the tribe. These rare few often become adventurers and even knights.

Society/Personality- 

Despite their brutal appearances, Wolfkinds are a people who cherish the lives of all good creatures and they do their best to defend them as if they were their own. Wolfkinfs are strengthened by the bonds of their family and tribe, therefore, they will only kill another of their kind in ritualistic situations or in self-defense or if their fellow Wolfkind has succumbed to evil.

Almost all Wolfkinds are kind and friendly, and they do their best to form friendships with others. Wolfkinds generally work best with others as a result of their ancient ancestors working in packs. Wolfkinds are generally very selfless, putting others' needs first. They always try to help out the group, not just themselves.

Wolfkinds are contemplative and careful in their speech considering the potential outcomes of their words and actions. Wolfkinds enjoy any kind of mental challenge, be it magic, politics, inventions, or math equations, because of this, it is not unheard of for outsiders to seek out a Wolfkind for advice, or even to hire one for such a function, though they rarely accept it.

Though quiet in speech, Wolfkinds are not afraid to speak their mind when it is needed. They simply wait for the right moment, when they know their words and ideas will have the most value. It's not uncommon for people to quiet themselves to allow a Wolfkind to speak. This lends them a cunning air, with a calm that exudes a serene outlook. This, in turn, gives them mixed relations with different people. Sages and scholars relish the opportunity to discuss the matter of great importance with a Wolfkind, but those with simpler minds or a more oblivious outlook find them stuffy and arrogant.

Wolfkinds are driven to improve themselves through intense mental pursuits. They have a grasp over simple magical and mental skills, and the pursuit of greater knowledge and skill has frequently drawn Wolfkinds away from their homes to seek a pursuit of knowledge. Though leaving their family and former life is not something they do lightly, seeking the greatest of the world's magic is too enticing for a Wolfkind to pass up, and the exceptional Wolfkinds who leave home are usually encouraged to leave in order to pursue perfection of their art. 

Names-

A wolfkind's name is sacred and it must be earned. When a wolfkind is old enough to aid in providing food and protection for the clan, a special ceremony is held where they must endure a rite of passage. The trial is different for each clan, but none are for the faint of heart. Their names are neither male nor female as to not show favor for either sex. If a wolfkind has slain a great beast or done a great deed, they may take a second name relating to that.

     Individual Names: Hati, Leslas, Ukrim, Ildrun, Daomri, Tusbo, Irvas, Naumdrik, Helgros, Urvas, Nagram, Cenaak, Crenaav, Renaas, Vecathaan, Venaar, Amarok, Lupa, Asena, Fenrir, Garmr, Geri, Amarok, Grimm, Lupin, Lycan, Magnus, Amarana, Freya, Kanastri, Nymand Freki

     Clan Names: Abernethy, Aiton, Crovan, Fotheringham, Ylfing, Wulfing, Mcleod, Sverker, Halket, Laing, Scrymgeour.

Age- 

The vast majority of wolfkinds reach adulthood at around their mid-twenties or their early thirties. Wolfkinds commonly live a little over 200 years, with their fur turning grey and white within the last thirty years of life.

Alignment-

Wolfkinds have strong bonds with their kin and they tie their identities into protecting their families, traditions, and lifestyles. Most packs strive together towards a common goal and they live a monastic life enjoying the little things. Evil wolfkinds are rare, but not unheard of. Most wolfkinds are lawful neutral, but if you put something they cherish in danger, it might be the last thing you do. 

Size- Medium

An average male wolfkind stands six feet tall and weighs one hundred and eighty pounds. Average female wolfkinds stand five feet tall and weigh one hundred and thirty pounds. 

Wolfkind Traits

Your Werewolf heritage manifests in various traits that make all Wolfkinds powerful and speedy hunters.

Darkvision

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

Hunter

You gain proficiency in one of the following skills: Investigation, Perception, Animal Handling, or Stealth.

Natural Weapon

Your sharp teeth make your bite a powerful weapon for unarmed strikes. If you hit with it, you deal piercing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier.

Keen Senses

You have an advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks regarding hearing or smell.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Languages

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

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity and Wisdom scores increase by 2.