Bear Folk

Bear folk are ursine humanoids. They resemble bipedal bears, with brown, black, or white fur, large frames, heavy, clawed paws, and long large snouts.

Ancestral Traits

Bear folk loremasters report that the bear folk hail from a realm beyond our reality known as the Autumn Wilds, which is an endless, idyllic forest. Whether or not this is true, all bear folk share certain ancestral traits.

Age. Bear folk live about as long as humans.

Size. Bear folk are larger than humans, standing roughly 7 feet in height and weighing in the vicinity of 300 lbs. Your size is Medium.

Speed. Your base walking and climbing speeds are 30 feet.

Climbing Claws. Bear folk can use their claws to climb trees with ease. You have a climb speed equal to your speed.

Keen Smell. Bear folk has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Tooth and Claw. Bear folk have teeth and claws like a black bear and they can use either to make unarmed strikes. On a hit with your either claws or teeth, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier.

Cultural Traits

Bear folk communities are found in a variety of environment, though usually in colder climes. Bear folk communities tend to be reclusive but welcoming when outsiders manage to find them. Indeed, they are generally happy to welcome non-bear folk into their number. Some bear folk community members spend their time gathering berries, fishing, or hunting for small game. Others spend time upgrading their dens, which are most often small caves where bear folk hibernate during the winter months. Most members of bear folk communities share the following traits.

Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2 and your Constitution by 1.

Alignment. Bear folk are relatively reclusive, forming close bonds to their den mates but not many others. They have a weak tendency toward neutrality, but many bear folk differ.

Bear Folk Weapon Training. Bear folk communities train their young to defend themselves. You are proficient with the club, handaxe, quarterstaff, and batteleaxe.

Naturalists. Bear folk train their young to be experts in identifying berries, mushrooms, and other flora and fauna. You have proficiency with the Survival skill.

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice.