Lupine

Lupines, sometimes called garou, wolfkin, mongrels, and a host of other names less polite, are descended from humans and werewolves. They cannot fully change shape as their lycanthrope forebears could, but can take on a quadrupedal lupine form — a state they call shifting. Lupines have evolved into a unique race that breeds true. They have a distinct culture with its own traditions and identity.

Physical Description

Lupines are basically humanoid in shape, but their bodies are well-muscled and covered in fur that ranges from stark white, to brown, grey and black. Males tend to be taller than human average, ranging from 5 to 7 feet, while females are typically smaller, ranging from 4 to 7 feet tall. They often move in a crouched posture, moving between all fours and two legs smoothly while their companions walk normally alongside. Their faces have a bestial cast, with an elongated snout, large eyes, sharp teeth, and pointed wolf ears. Their forearms and lower legs sometimes grow longer hair, and the hair of their heads is often thick and worn long. Their eyes tend to brown, blue and occasionally yellow, and their fingers are tipped by wide, sharp claws. Initially they mature faster than most races, reaching childhood in a year or so and adulthood after only 15 years. This slows over time and they have been known to live past 100.

Base Age Age Mod Middle Age Old Venerable
13 +1d6 50 75 100
Gender Base Height Height Mod Base Weight Weight Mod
Male 5' +3d12 150 lb *1d6
Female 4' +3d12 120 lb *1d6

Personality

The personality and behavior of lupines are influenced by their animal natures. Many are gruff and quick to anger, while others are intelligent, loyal, and patient. Unlike felines, they are social creatures and seek out company among their own kind or others. This has led them to be generally better accepted in cities. Just as wild wolves are carnivores, lupines have a predatory personality and think of most activities in terms of hunting and prey. They view survival as a challenge, striving to be team-oriented, adaptable, and resourceful.

Society

Relations

Many races feel uncomfortable around lupines, the same way they feel around any large predator. Of course, some grow to appreciate individual lupines despite their natural aversion, and humans in general get along well with them. For their part, lupines are accustomed to distrust and don’t expect better treatment from members of the other races, although some try to earn respect and companionship through acts and deeds.

Alignment

Lupines are usually neutral, and tend toward lawful alignments.

Religion

Most lupines revere deities of nature and combat.

Language

Lupines speak Common and rarely learn other languages.

Names

Lupines typically use the same names as humans in their realms, often followed by a surname that summarizes a deed, such as Cedrik Orcslayer.

Adventurers

Being pack-oriented, many lupines seek out careers that put them in the company of others. Guards, military, hunting parties are all common places they find themselves.

Notable Lupines

Racial Traits

  • +2 Strength, +2 Constitution, –2 Intelligence, –2 Charisma: Lupines are strong and hardy, but their fundamental bestial nature detracts from both their reasoning ability and their social interaction.
  • Shapechanger Subtype: Lupines are humanoids with the shapechanger subtype.
  • Medium Size: As Medium creatures, lupines have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.
  • Normal Speed: Lupine base land speed is 30 feet.
  • Natural Weapons: A lupine can attack with a bite for 1d6 piercing damage, or claws for 1d4 slashing.
  • Shifting (Su): A lupine can tap into her lycanthropic heritage to take on the form of a mundane wild wolf, a dog, or a fox. This can be done at will and lasts until the lupine changes back, or until it loses consciousness. This form is the same throughout the lupine's life and can never be altered. If a lupine changes into a wolf, a fox, or a dog, it will always be so. This animal form uses the standard physical statistics for an animal of its type, but retains the lupine's skills and feats. Shifting, though related to and developed from lycanthropy, is neither an affliction nor a curse. It is not passed on by bite or claw attacks, and a lupine can’t be cured—shifting is a natural ability for the race. Wearing anything made of silver, even a ring, prevents this ability for as long as the item is worn.
  • Low-Light Vision: Lupines can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. They are color-blind.
  • Scent (Ex): This ability allows the lupine to detect approaching enemies, sniff out hidden foes, and track by sense of smell. Lupines can identify familiar odors just as humans do familiar sights.
  • Fast Healing (Ex): Lupines heal 1 point of damage a round.
  • Wild: +2 racial bonus on Intimidate, Perception, and Survival checks: A lupine’s animalistic heritage enhances many of her physical skills.
  • Languages: Automatic Languages: Common. Bonus Languages: Elven, Gnome, Halfling, and Sylvan.
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