Leonin

The leonin are the native inhabitants of Ironsteppe, a land of open plains and rolling hills. Prides of these nomadic, lion-like humanoids rarely interact with other peoples, having all they need in their homeland and knowing the treachery of strangers. Still, some leonin wonder what lies beyond Ironsteppe’s border and seek to test themselves in a wider world.

Leonin Culture

Leonin prides are close-knit communities, isolated in their “blasphemy." Unlike most other civilizations in Astoria, the Leonin have rejected the gods. They don’t deny their existence but rather they denounce them as unworthy of worship. While there is an odd devout Leonin (usually to Pelor  or Kord) most regard them at best as a nuisance and at worst as the cause for all mortal woes. Leonin are prideful and self-reliant, and most have no need of gods to coddle them.
Leonin have a matriarchal society, and each pride is led by an elder female called a “speaker.” Most female Leonin will stay within the pride they were born into, while the males will wander and marry into other prides. Most Leonin live among the plains of Ironsteppe, an area of great golden fields and savannas. Most prides live in either tent villages or dens dug into the foothills. While this may sound primitive, the Leonin are no savages and their homes are often decorated with woven textiles, bone sculpture, and intricate pottery. Most non-Leonin rarely get to see all that, however.
Leonin guard their territory well, and non-Leonin usually get a cold reception. More than once this has led to full on wars, but the Leonin now coexist in peace with their neighbors, as long as they keep to their own territory. However, the Leonin understand that an individual is not the culture they came from. Given time anyone can earn their trust..
Once the cold reception has worn off, most Leonin are prideful, confident, and competitive. Leonins tend to love fighting in all its forms, from traditional sparring to arguments and debate. Leonins love any opportunity to prove themselves, and usually come out on top. That confidence, self-reliance, and pride is the core of Leonin culture and philosophy. The gods have failed them in their eyes, and they’re determined to do better on their own without some deity’s strings attached.

Leonin Appearance

Leonin are lithe and muscular, standing 6 to 7 feet tall. Their fur color varies from tawny to golden, though there are always outliers - dark brown, black, or even white fur is rare, but not unheard of. Males sport a long mane that begins to grow as they mature, and can vary in color, as well. Rather than the large, flowing hairstyle that males sport, females usually have a mane similar to that of a horse, running vertically down their skull to the nape of their neck. Both genders engage in styling their manes in different ways, depending on tribe culture, and personal accomplishments and preference.  

Leonin Names

Each Leonin has a personal name followed by the name of their pride. For example, a leonin named Xior belonging to the Goldenmane tribe would introduce himself as Xior Goldenmane.
Female Names: Aletha, Atagone, Demne, Doxia, Ecate, Eriz, Gragonde, Iadma, Koila, Oramne, Seza, Ziore
Male Names: Apto, Athoz, Baragon, Bryguz, Eremoz, Gorioz, Grexes, Oriz, Pyxathor, Teoz, Xemnon, Xior
Pride Names: Embereye, Flintclaw, Goldenfield, Ironmane, Starfeller, Sunguides

Leonin Traits

Ability Score Increase
Your Constitution score increases by 2, and your Strength score increases by 1.
Age
Leonin mature and age at about the same rate as humans.
Alignment
Leonin tend toward good alignments. Leonin who are focused on the pride lean toward lawful good.
Size
Leonin are typically over 6 feet tall, with some standing over 7 feet. Your size is Medium.
Speed
Your base walking speed is 35 feet.
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.
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 frightened of you until 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.
Languages
You can speak, read, and write Common and Leonin.