Huundari (hoon-dar-ee)
This proud race of humanoids can be found throughout the world in a variety of settings and cultures. Some of the Huundari originated in -- and still reside in -- remote forests of the world where they are expert hunters, trappers, and foresters. Others prefer a more pastoral life of herding livestock and tending crops. And yet others have integrated themselves into the urban lives of other humanoids, providing steadfast friendship to most peoples. Most Huundari are jovial and fun-loving, with a strong sense of community. They value their families and surrounding community and are very protective of their group from outside threats.
The Huundari have endured several challenges and attempts to corrupt them over the centuries, specifically from the demon lord Yeenoghu, lord of the gnolls. The Huundari largely credit their deity, Canis, with helping them thwart these attempts at bringing the Huundari into the darkness. While Huundari that live among other humanoids may adopt the religious tendencies of their environment, many remain faithful to Canis and the broader community of Huundari with whom they feel connected. In addition to this spiritual perseverance, many Huundari create friendships that last a lifetime. Some of these friendships are within the Huundari community, while others are fostered among the other humanoids with whom the Huundari live. It is not uncommon for a Huundari to see an old friend after a decade or more and still remember every detail about that person and get on as if no time had gone by.
Huundari are extremely fond of entertainment and most forms of art. They regularly show their support to small-time bards in local taverns, as well as the large opera houses and museums of the lands. It is not uncommon to see younger Huundari pick up a musical instrument or study a type of art for several years, hoping to foster their love of art into a career. The steadfastness and reliability the Huundari bring translates into this realm as well, as Huundari are known to follow a traveling bard they particularly like and patronize them in several different taverns, sometimes even traveling to different towns to support these performers. When they become benefactors of a large opera house or symphony, they are patrons for life and make sure to give generously as often as they can.
Ability Score Increase. Huundari are known for their innate intuition and ability to read emotions and situations. It is recommended to use the +2 Ability Score increase in Wisdom for this reason.
Age. Huundari have lifespans noticeably shorter than humans. They reach physical maturity around age 8 and can live anywhere between 30-50 years.
Alignment. Huundari tend to be good-aligned, though the different cultures or groups vary in their tendency toward order or chaos. The typical huundari would be described as Neutral Good.
Size. Huundari sizes vary wildly depending on the sub-race and heritage. Some are roughly the size of dwarves, while others are tall and muscular like goliaths.
Speed. Huundaris' base walking speed is 30 feet. In addition, they have a 20 ft. swim speed naturally.
Languages. Huundari speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice, typically based on the city or region where the huundari are raised. Canine Intuition. Huundari can read people and situations very well, owing to their innate canine intuition. They have proficiency with the Insight and Perception skills. Powerful Bite. Huundari can bite creatures with their powerful jaws as one type of unarmed attack. This attack deals damage equal to 1d6 + Strength modifier.
Steadfast Companions
The Huundari have endured several challenges and attempts to corrupt them over the centuries, specifically from the demon lord Yeenoghu, lord of the gnolls. The Huundari largely credit their deity, Canis, with helping them thwart these attempts at bringing the Huundari into the darkness. While Huundari that live among other humanoids may adopt the religious tendencies of their environment, many remain faithful to Canis and the broader community of Huundari with whom they feel connected. In addition to this spiritual perseverance, many Huundari create friendships that last a lifetime. Some of these friendships are within the Huundari community, while others are fostered among the other humanoids with whom the Huundari live. It is not uncommon for a Huundari to see an old friend after a decade or more and still remember every detail about that person and get on as if no time had gone by.
Patrons of the Arts
Huundari are extremely fond of entertainment and most forms of art. They regularly show their support to small-time bards in local taverns, as well as the large opera houses and museums of the lands. It is not uncommon to see younger Huundari pick up a musical instrument or study a type of art for several years, hoping to foster their love of art into a career. The steadfastness and reliability the Huundari bring translates into this realm as well, as Huundari are known to follow a traveling bard they particularly like and patronize them in several different taverns, sometimes even traveling to different towns to support these performers. When they become benefactors of a large opera house or symphony, they are patrons for life and make sure to give generously as often as they can.
Traits
Ability Score Increase. Huundari are known for their innate intuition and ability to read emotions and situations. It is recommended to use the +2 Ability Score increase in Wisdom for this reason.
Age. Huundari have lifespans noticeably shorter than humans. They reach physical maturity around age 8 and can live anywhere between 30-50 years.
Alignment. Huundari tend to be good-aligned, though the different cultures or groups vary in their tendency toward order or chaos. The typical huundari would be described as Neutral Good.
Size. Huundari sizes vary wildly depending on the sub-race and heritage. Some are roughly the size of dwarves, while others are tall and muscular like goliaths.
Speed. Huundaris' base walking speed is 30 feet. In addition, they have a 20 ft. swim speed naturally.
Languages. Huundari speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice, typically based on the city or region where the huundari are raised. Canine Intuition. Huundari can read people and situations very well, owing to their innate canine intuition. They have proficiency with the Insight and Perception skills. Powerful Bite. Huundari can bite creatures with their powerful jaws as one type of unarmed attack. This attack deals damage equal to 1d6 + Strength modifier.
Naming Traditions
Unisex names
Huundari typically follow the naming pattern of whichever culture they find themselves in. Huundari that live amongst their own kind in remote places tend to be named at birth based on physical appearance, then they or their close family can change their name later as appearances change or personalities develop. Huundari names are unisex, with no specific pattern to differentiate male or female names.
Trait-based names: Blue, Boots, Copper, Ginger, Honey, Pepper, Poppy, Rose, Socks, Spot, Stripe
Personality-based names: Angel, Bandit, Bear, Hunter, Lucky, Scout, Shadow, Trapper, Willow
Personality-based names: Angel, Bandit, Bear, Hunter, Lucky, Scout, Shadow, Trapper, Willow
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
There are 3 major sub-groups of Huundari across the world, differentiated by size and ability to tolerate extreme temperatures.
They tend to be rather large, averaging between 6 ft and 7 ft tall and weighing an average of 250 pounds. Corsos tend to be similar in appearance to large dog breeds or ones from colder climates such as Bernese mountain dogs, mastiffs, St. Bernard, or huskies.
Ability Score Increase. Reflecting their strong build, it is recommended to use the +1 Ability Score Increase in Strength.
Harsh Weather Resistance. These huundaris' thick coats protect them from extreme cold temperatures. They have resistance to cold temperatures, and do not suffer exhaustion from traveling in extreme cold climates.
Mountain Saviors. These huundaris' ancestors worked as guides on mountains and in tundras, providing traits that have stayed with the bloodlines through the ages. They innately know the spare the dying cantrip and can cast it at will.
These Huundari typically appear similar to corgis, German shepherd dogs, collies, and other similar herding dogs. They tend to be on the shorter end of the Huundari, with some being around the size of dwarves and others about the same size as humans.
Ability Score Increase. These huundari are friendly and tend to get along with others well. It is recommended to use the +1 Ability Score increase in Charisma.
Herding Quickness. The ancestors of these huundari needed bursts of speed when corralling animals. They can take the Dash action as a bonus action.
Beast Speech. These huundari can cast speak with animals at will.
These Huundari tend to be between the sizes of the other two subraces. The heights range from 5 ft 4 in to 6 ft 5 in. They typically resemble hunting or hound dog breeds such as heelers, pointers, bloodhounds, etc.
Ability Score Increase. The hearty nature and determined endurance of this type of huundari suggest that the +1 Ability Score increase should go to Constitution.
Keen Smell. These huundaris' heightened sense of smell grants them expertise in the Survival skill. Furthermore, they can double their proficiency bonus to any Wisdom (Perception) check made to track a known creature or to discern through smells what beasts are present within 1 mile of them.
Hunter's Speed. These huundari are naturally quick. Their base walking speed increases to 35 feet, and their base swimming speed is 25 feet.
Corso Huundari
These large Huundari are strong and hearty, accustomed to life in harsh tundras and mountains. Many have found communities in human cities where their strong build allows them to serve as bouncers, bodyguards, and Watch members.They tend to be rather large, averaging between 6 ft and 7 ft tall and weighing an average of 250 pounds. Corsos tend to be similar in appearance to large dog breeds or ones from colder climates such as Bernese mountain dogs, mastiffs, St. Bernard, or huskies.
Ability Score Increase. Reflecting their strong build, it is recommended to use the +1 Ability Score Increase in Strength.
Harsh Weather Resistance. These huundaris' thick coats protect them from extreme cold temperatures. They have resistance to cold temperatures, and do not suffer exhaustion from traveling in extreme cold climates.
Mountain Saviors. These huundaris' ancestors worked as guides on mountains and in tundras, providing traits that have stayed with the bloodlines through the ages. They innately know the spare the dying cantrip and can cast it at will.
Shep Huundari
These Huundari have traditionally been found in pastoral lands where they care for crops and livestock. Very family-focused, Sheps tend not to wander far afield from their home, though some get the calling of wanderlust like other humanoids and venture out into the world.These Huundari typically appear similar to corgis, German shepherd dogs, collies, and other similar herding dogs. They tend to be on the shorter end of the Huundari, with some being around the size of dwarves and others about the same size as humans.
Ability Score Increase. These huundari are friendly and tend to get along with others well. It is recommended to use the +1 Ability Score increase in Charisma.
Herding Quickness. The ancestors of these huundari needed bursts of speed when corralling animals. They can take the Dash action as a bonus action.
Beast Speech. These huundari can cast speak with animals at will.
Trak Huundari
These Huundari are typically found deep in the forests, serving as trackers and hunters, either to sustain small villages or to help conserve and protect wildlife. They are familiar with the natural world and have an uncanny ability to track other creatures.These Huundari tend to be between the sizes of the other two subraces. The heights range from 5 ft 4 in to 6 ft 5 in. They typically resemble hunting or hound dog breeds such as heelers, pointers, bloodhounds, etc.
Ability Score Increase. The hearty nature and determined endurance of this type of huundari suggest that the +1 Ability Score increase should go to Constitution.
Keen Smell. These huundaris' heightened sense of smell grants them expertise in the Survival skill. Furthermore, they can double their proficiency bonus to any Wisdom (Perception) check made to track a known creature or to discern through smells what beasts are present within 1 mile of them.
Hunter's Speed. These huundari are naturally quick. Their base walking speed increases to 35 feet, and their base swimming speed is 25 feet.
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