Leonin

The leonin guard the shining lands of Oreskos, a golden plain where the gods were said to roam. Prides of these nomadic, lion-like humanoids rarely interact with other peoples, having all they need in their shimmering homeland and knowing the treachery of strangers. Still, some leonin wonder what lies beyond their border mountains and seek to test themselves in a wider world.  

Noble and Fierce

  Leonin tend to be tall compared to humans and move with a boldness that suggests their phyical might. Tawny fur covers leonin bodies, and some grow thick manes ranging in shades from gold to black. While their hands prove as nimble as those of other humanoids, leonin have retractable feline claws, which they can extend instantly This along with their ability to produce bone-shaking roars, gives most leonin an air that readily shifts between regal and fearsome.   Leonin often act with confidence, which can come off as imperiousness. While this can reassure their allies, it can also suggest defiance in the face of what they perceive as imposed authority or unworthy experts.  

Quick to Quarrel

  Other peoples often perceive leonnin as quick to take offense, intolerant of criticism, or belligerent. The truth is that many leonin simply enjoy fighting, whether verbal or physical. They take pleasure in argument, wrestling, sparring, and even battle, enjoying the opportunity to exercise their minds and bodies.   It follows, too, that leonin aren't inclined to carry grudges. A warrior might react with sudden violence to an insult, but when the fight is over (and the leonin's superiority proven), the insult is forgotten--along with the vanquished foe.  

Pride and Self-Reliance

  Few leonin devote themselves to the service of the gods. Centuries ago, the leonin worshiped the same gods that human do, but after many of their prides suffered depravities at the hands of the tyrant Bane, most leonin rejected the gods. It's not that they deny the existence of deities; they merely see the gods as mercurial and ultimately unworthy of adoration. The Leonin and the Gods table suggest the range of attitudes that leonin might adopt toward the gods.   Leonin rely on themselves and their prides. A pride is bound together by the experience of a shared challenge and, in particular, the sacred act of the hunt.    

Leonin Traits

  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.   Claws. Your claws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you can deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.   Hunter's Instincts. you have proficiency in one of the following skills of your choice: Athletics, Intimidation, Perception, or Survival.   Daunting Roar. As a bonus action, you can let out an especially menacing roar. Creatures of your choice within 10 feet of you that can hear you must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or become frightned of you untiil the end of your next turn. The DC of the save equals 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Constitution modifier. Once you use this trait, you can't use it again until you finish a short or long rest.