Homebrew Awöhsaeh (Bearfolk) Species Details

Appearance of the Awöhsaeh

The Awöhsaeh are generally 5-7 feet tall, with small eyes and rounded ears. They typically have long light brown nose brides and eye brow markings. Awöhsaeh are also known for their thick build and their short stubby tails. Both men and women wear copper jewelry, but traditional clothing is now only worn for ceremonies and special events. 

 

Life of the Awöhsaeh

The Awöhsaeh are known for basing their diet around wild rice though they also fished extensively. Maple sap was important to Awöhsaeh as well, often gifted for diplomacy reasons but also favored by all and often used in rituals. Awöhsaeh also crafted wampum out of white and purple shell beads. Wampum beads were traded as a kind of currency, but they were more culturally important as an art material. The designs and pictures on wampum belts often told a story or represented a person's family. The Awöhsaeh believe themselves descendants of bears and treat them with respect and reverence.

 

Communion with Spirits

When Awöhsaeh children reach puberty they fast for up to ten days, living in isolation in a special house made just for the ceremony, they gain contact with their guardian spirit. Their dreams of spirits in animal form were interpreted by shamans who delineated what responsibilities the child owed to the guardian spirit and what powers could be gained and held through obligation to that spirit. Throughout life, this power was protected and guarded, and through correct ways of life it grew. Elders were the most powerful in terms of spirit. Those who have made connection with their guardian can see the guardian spirits of others. It is said that the guardian spirits warned the Awöhsaeh of the coming of europeans coming in boats through Green Bay.

Awöhsaeh Names

Male Names: Sahale, Nayati, Bodaway, Nova

Female Names: Chenoa, Nina, Tayen, Lomasi

Unisex Names: Onacona, Abedabun

Awöhsaeh (Bearfolk) Traits

The Awöhsaeh have a strong build to match their strong willed nature.

Guardian Spirit

Because of the way that Awöhsaeh contact their guardian spirits dreaming is very important to them. When taking a long rest you can attempt to contact your guardian spirit for warnings of the future or guidance for the immediate future. 

Ability Score Increase

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

Languages

Your character can speak, read, and write Common and Sylvan.

Size

You are medium.

Speed

Your walking speed is 30, your climbing speed is 30 and your swimming speed is 25.

Nature Knowledge

You have proficiency in Nature Checks.

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.

Bear Claws

You have bear claws that do 1d4 slashing damage when used in place of unarmed attacks.