Homebrew Didymean Species Details

There are stories in many lands about the bravery and loyalty of dogs to their owners.  Fighting tooth and nail against impossible odds to defend the ones they care for, not all of the stories have happy endings.  Some cultures have legends about these exceptional partners, and that those truly heroic ones who sacrifice everything will be reborn one day to happier lives.  The Didymeans are a testament to that legend's truth...in a broad sense.

Unwavering Devotion

The Didymeans are a short and varied race of lupine humanoids, often no more than three and a half feet tall.  They are covered with fur that resembles certain species of canine, making for a large number of Didymean styles, shapes, and markings.  They are a jovial and chivalrous culture based around finding what is most important in one's life and fighting to protect it (as well as the odd game of chasing smaller quarry or digging in the dirt).  Once a Didymean has chosen a person, place, or thing to defend they will do so with an unwavering sense of duty and resolve.  Many Didymeans will often leave home to find what is most important to them and continue this tradition, for there is no greater honor than to live a life in service to defending what is defenseless (whether it want them to or not is another matter entirely).

Martial Masters

Didymeans are often predisposed to martial classes because of their urge to protect and defend those that cannot do so themselves.  While a lot of Didymeans will become fighters or paladins because of this, and will do so with great zeal for their craft, also common are Didymean rogues and bards, who use their smaller sizes and the occasional trick to misdirect or conceal their object of devotion.  While the tactics might not be the best viewed among other Didymeans , so long as their devotion is true and their goals sincere it is not a shameful thing to eschew tradition and forthright defense for subterfuge.

Magic is often not viewed highly by Didymeans, not just for the inability to bodily throw themselves into the fray, but because such matters require a patience and understanding that the Didymean often cannot focus on with their usual mindsets.  While Clerics might be slightly more feasible if a Didymean has found their devotion in a God, they are still a somewhat uncommon sight in Didymean society, while wizards, sorcerers, and warlocks are almost unheard of for the simple fact that Didymeans cannot fathom a devotion to concepts, ideas, or notions.

Creating Your Character

If you create a Didymean character, follow these additional rules during character creation.

Didymean Traits

You have the following racial traits.

Ability Score Increases

When determining your character’s ability scores, increase your Dexterity score by 2 and increase your Charisma score by 1.  Follow this rule regardless of the method you use to determine the scores, such as rolling or point buy.

The “Quick Build” section for your character’s class offers suggestions on which scores to increase. You’re free to follow those suggestions or to ignore them. Whichever scores you decide to increase, none of the scores can be raised above 20.

Creature Type

You are a Fey.

Size

You are Small.

Speed

Your walking speed is 25 ft.

Unwavering Devotion

Your chivalrous spirit and natural dedication to protection bolsters your mind.  You have advantage on savings throws against being frightened and charmed.

Foolish Bravado

You have the ability to coerce a target into directing their attack against yourself using verbal barbs and challenges.  When a creature you can see attacks a target other than you, you can use your reaction to attempt to redirect the attack.  Unless the target succeeds on a Wisdom saving throw against a DC equal to 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier, you become the target of the attack roll.  Once you use this trait, you can't use it again until you finish a short or long rest.