Lionfolk (5e Race)
Lionfolk
One of the beastfolk races to emigrate from Krata over three millenia ago, lionfolk were the first beastfolk to achieve acknowledgement, if not acceptance. Honorable and faithful, sometimes to a fault, lionfolk espouse valor and virtue, traits that endeared themselves to some of the nine clans, especially the White Lance. In Beast Speech, lionfolk are called the nevayuu, meaning "we who fight".
Broad and Mighty
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| A lionfolk preparing for battle |
Lionfolk are big and well-muscled, standing well over 6 feet tall, sometimes even reaching 7 feet. Lionfolk, like the rest of the beastfolk, have small claws for nails, though they are usually not sharp enough for combat. Lion have blond, bushy hair on their forearms and shins, and they generally have light skin tones, but they show only mild effects of prolonged exposure to sunlight over long periods. Male lionfolk have bushy blond hair and beards that resemble a lion's mane, but can sometimes be reddish in hue. Lionfolk, like all beastfolk, walk on human shaped feet instead of animal-like paws. Lionfolk faces resemble that of a lion, with eyes that vary in color like that of a human.
Lionfolk show little preference in the clothing they wear, emulating the fashion of the province they live in, though it is more to keep up appearances as most clothes sold in Korrik don't fit lionfolk easily. Most lionfolk prefer to wear shirts and pants instead of the overly ostentatious clothes many of the wealthy in the island nation put on.
Due to their strong affiliation with the White Lance, lionfolk are found primarily in Whiteguard, though pockets will be spotted throughout the country's major cities.
Proud and Honorable
Lionfolk live by strong ethical and moral codes, placing the needs and lives of others over their own. Though their adherence to their ways can make them rigid and arrogant, they are, at best, honest and forthright. This demeanor stems from a culture they adopted while living on Krata. They placed loyalty to their leaders and perfection of skill above all else. In time, this created a society of warriors who valued honor, courage, and might in battle above all else. This has bled into their identity today.
The ethical and moral norms lionfolk place on themselves can vary between each lionfolk; no two are the same. However, their interpretation of any norm, no matter how few or minor, is strict, maybe even rigid. In most case, lionfolk will adopt the rules of their job or career, holding to all rules with almost ironclad devotion. This can create a penchant for fanaticism, or even an inflexible interpretation of the law. From a moral perspective, they will often hold to certain acts as incongruous to their ways or opposite to what they believe, they will avoid it completely, even going so far as to report those who commit even a minor offense.
The Cause is Everything
To lionfolk, they must have a strong reason to embark on a great adventure in an unknown land. Most often, lionfolk try to embrace a cause they will devote themselves to for the rest of their lives. It could be something as simple as fighting evil where they find it or exterminate a threat to their family, but is always derived from the rules and norms they follow. A cause that would force a lionfolk to leave home will inevitably draw them to an adventuring life, but they will have difficulty getting past the fact many do not share their frame of mind, especially in lawless lands where rules mean nothing. Spreading law to such lands might be such a reason, however.
Lionfolk Names
Lionfolk, like all beastfolk, derive their names from the Beast Speech language. All names are unisex, and are based off a certain characteristic or trait.
Common Names: Cenaak (He/She Steps), Cenanaar (He/She Who Steps Forward), Neya (We Are), Retetuu (You Scream)
Lionfolk Traits
Your lionfolk character has a number of traits in common with all other lionfolk, many of which involve either might or mind.
A proud and honourable race that embraces a cause or oath for life
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2.
Age. Lionfolk consider themselves adults at age 33. They commonly live over 300 years, though lionfolk tend to lose their vitality quickly by that time.
Alignment. Lionfolk value order and honor above all things, tending towards law. Lionfolk have a strong disposition towards good, but when pushed to follow the rules or follow their heart, many will choose the former.
Size. Lionfolk are tall and muscular, standing between 6'2” and 6'10” when they reach adulthood. They usually weigh around 200–270 lbs. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Brave. You have advantage on saving throws against being frightened.
Leonin Might. You may use the higher damage die of versatile weapons while wielding the weapon in one hand.
Lionhearted. When you roll your Hit Dice to regain hit points, you may roll twice and use the higher result.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Beast Speech. Beast Speech is a language exclusive to beastfolk, derived from their own need for cultural identity and privacy. Beast Speech is simple, emphasizing many words involving the letter n, and words can have multiple, but similar, meanings, so it is a language where misinterpretation can easily occur. Beast Speech uses the Sylvan script. If not using multiple beastfolk races, Beast Speech can be substituted for one other language of your choice
Subrace. Lionfolk can be separated into two groups: Firemane and ironclaw. Choose one of these subraces.
Firemane Lionfolk
Where ironclaw lionfolk are zealous, firemane lionfolk are more measured, and they tend to look before they leap. This gives them a tendency towards positions of leadership, such as military officers and political advisers. Some even work as high up as governorship, and a few lionfolk have become Lord Governor since the Commandments of the Nine. Firemane lionfolk are called such due to their thick red manes that makes their faces look ablaze.
Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence score increases by 1.
Leonin Preparation. You are ready for the next threat. You can use your Intelligence modifier instead of your Dexterity modifier when rolling initiative.
Ironclaw Lionfolk
Ironclaw lionfolk are aggressive and passionate. They view combat with a great zeal, which can border on brutality, but they are usually well-meaning and possess a lust for life. Many ironclaw lionfolk enlist in the national military or serve as mercenaries.
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 1.
Leonin Aggression. Your enemies fear how dangerous you can be. As a bonus action, you can move up to your speed to a hostile creature of your choice that you can see. You must end this move closer to the creature than you started.
Random Height and Weight
| Base Height | Height Modifier | Base Weight | Weight Modifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'2′ | +2d12 | 120 lb. | × (2d4) lb. |
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