Swift Shadow moved silently through the dense underbrush of the Wild Lands, his gray fur blending seamlessly with the shadows cast by the towering redwoods. His keen amber eyes, sharper than any human’s, scanned the forest floor for tracks, while his ears twitched at the faintest sound of movement. Standing around six feet tall, Swift Shadow was lean and muscular, built for speed and endurance. He paused, sniffing the air, picking up the scent of a deer nearby. With a predatory grin, he dropped to all fours, his movements fluid and silent as he pursued his prey.
Swift Shadow had spent most of his life in these woods, living by the rules of nature and honing his skills as a hunter. Now, his talents were put to use beyond his forest home. He could navigate the thickest forests without a sound, track creatures over vast distances, and move through the wilderness with the grace and speed of a Dire Wolf. Swift Shadow was a creature of instinct, guided by the rhythms of the forest and the ancient bond between his people and the wild. To those who traveled with him, Swift Shadow was more than just a skilled companion—he was a reminder of the primal power and freedom that the Wolfren embodied.
The Wolfren are a race of wolf-like humanoids who inhabit the dense, ancient forests of the Wild Lands, a region east of the Sholeon plains. These beings were once human or elven, transformed during the chaotic era known as the Rebirth when the world was reshaped by powerful magical forces. This transformation imbued the Wolfren with the essence of wolves, endowing them with keen senses and a deep connection to nature. They live in harmony with their surroundings, embodying principles of balance, sustainability, and communal living.
Children of the Wolf
The Wolfren are known for their wolf-like features, a legacy of their transformation during the Rebirth. They possess a tall, muscular build, standing around six feet tall, with bodies covered in a thick coat of fur that varies in shades of grey, white, and black, often with patterns that mimic a wolf's pelt. Their heads resemble that of a wolf, complete with a pronounced snout, sharp fangs, and piercing eyes that glow with keen intelligence.
Their ears are elongated and tufted, enhancing their already exceptional hearing. Wolfren hands are a unique blend of human dexterity and lupine strength, with fingers ending in sharp, retractable claws capable of tearing through both forest underbrush and prey alike. Their feet are similarly adapted, providing both speed and agility across various terrains.
The Wolfren’s overall appearance is both wild and noble, exuding an aura of primal power and a deep connection to the natural world. Their fur is often adorned with simple garments made from leather and hides, decorated with bone trinkets and carvings that hold cultural significance, emphasizing their bond with nature and their respect for the creatures they hunt.
The homeland of the Wolfren is a vast expanse of towering redwoods and overgrown vegetation. This ancient forest is untouched by civilization, a living testament to the natural world. As one moves further east, the forest becomes even more wild and untamed, where the boundary between Tavomia and the mystical Fey Wilds begins to blur. In these places, the vegetation grows even more lush and wild, with plants and trees that seem almost alive with Fey magic. It is not uncommon to encounter lesser Fey in these areas, who view the Wolfren as allies and guardians of their shared domain.
Of Pack and Purpose
Wolfren society is organized into tight-knit family units known as packs, typically consisting of two to three generations, including extended family members. Packs range in size from 10 to 20 individuals, each contributing to the survival and well-being of the group. Life in a Wolfren pack is communal, with each member playing a vital role in hunting, gathering, crafting, and maintaining their territory. The Wolfren's respect for nature and their desire for freedom are reflected in their cooperative approach to daily life and their emphasis on mutual respect and equality.
Leadership within a pack is fluid and based on respect and experience. The pack alpha, often the most seasoned or wise member, assumes a leadership role during times of need or when coordinating hunts. However, all pack members are treated with equal respect, and decisions are typically made through communal discussion and consensus. Relationships within the pack are lifelong, and if a Wolfren chooses to mate with a member of another pack, one will leave to join the other's pack, maintaining the integrity of the family unit. Conflicts between packs are rare, but they can occur over territory, particularly when hunting grounds are scarce.
Keepers of the Wild
The Wolfren have a deep spiritual connection to the natural world and the Fey Wilds, a realm intertwined with their forest home. Many among them are druids or have received druidic training, allowing them to harness natural magic and communicate with the spirits of the forest. This bond with the Fey and the natural world is evident in their daily lives and cultural practices, emphasizing harmony, respect, and sustainability.
The Wolfren honor the Fey and Ang, The Oak Father, on the nights of a full moon, gathering to celebrate their bond with the natural world. During these rituals, they dance by firelight, accompanied by the rhythmic beat of drums, chants, and howls that resonate through the forest. These ceremonies are both a form of worship and a means of strengthening the bonds within the pack, reflecting their belief in the interconnectedness of all life.
In the more remote parts of their territory, where the influence of the Fey Wilds is strongest, sacred druid groves can be found. These groves are places of great spiritual significance, where the Wolfren and their druidic leaders perform rituals to honor the spirits of the forest and seek guidance from the ancient powers that dwell there. The groves are rare and considered sacred, often hidden deep within the forest to protect them from those who would misuse their power.
Simple Lives, Deep Wisdom
The Wolfren lead simple, sustainable lives, constructing cabins in the redwood forests that blend seamlessly with the natural environment. These homes, built from wood, stone, and earth, serve as shelters during the harsh winter months and are crafted to minimize their impact on the forest. The Wolfren only cut down trees when necessary, ensuring that the forest can regenerate and thrive. Fallen branches, logs, and animal bones are often used to create carvings, totems, and other items that hold cultural and spiritual significance. These carvings are highly valued by the Wolfren and are sometimes traded with the Sholeon clans in exchange for goods they cannot produce themselves, such as metal tools or unique textiles. Although the Wolfren do not use currency in their daily lives, they understand its value in their limited trade interactions.
Primarily carnivorous, the Wolfren rely on hunting to provide the bulk of their diet, consuming meat from deer, elk, and other game. However, they are also skilled herbalists, knowledgeable in the use of wild plants, roots, and berries, which they gather to supplement their diet or when game is scarce. This deep understanding of the natural world extends to their use of medicinal herbs and plants, which they use to treat injuries and illnesses, reflecting their close relationship with nature.
Language and Naming
The Wolfren communicate through a combination of telepathic links with wolves and a unique language of howls and growls for long-distance communication. They also use various hand gestures and can speak other languages, though they tend to be concise and to the point when dealing with outsiders. Their inner names, shared telepathically among themselves, are unique and nearly impossible to translate, often reflecting their personality, skills, or notable deeds.
Wolfren Names: Swift Hunter in the Snow, Wise Sentinel of the Woods, Fierce Protector of the Pack, Clever Tracker of the Moon's Path, Wild Chaser of the Night's Sky.
Wolfren Traits
As a Wolfren, your lupine heritage grants you a unique blend of agility, keen senses, and a deep connection to the natural world. You possess traits that reflect your bond with the wild and your ability to adapt to life in the dense forests of the Wild Lands.
Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 2, and your Dexterity score increases by 1.
Age. Wolfren mature quickly, reaching young adulthood by the age of 10. However, their lifespan is relatively short compared to other species, with most living up to 60 years.
Alignment. Wolfren tend toward neutrality, valuing survival and the balance of nature over strict adherence to laws or moral codes. Their love for personal freedom often inclines them towards chaotic alignments.
Size. Wolfren stand around six feet tall, with a lean and muscular build. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 35 feet.
Darkvision. Accustomed to the darkness of the deep forests, you have superior vision in dim and dark conditions. 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.
Wolf-Form. As a bonus action, you can transform into a wolf-like form for up to 1 hour. While in this form, you retain your hit points, mental ability scores (Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma), and class abilities that do not require speech or hands. You assume the physical ability scores (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution), natural attacks, and traits of a Dire Wolf, except for size, which remains Medium. Your movement speed in this form increases to 50 feet.
When you transform, any metal armor you are wearing falls to the ground at your feet. Other items, including non-metal armor, clothing, and equipment made from materials such as leather or fabric, remain with you and are usable if they are designed to accommodate your wolf form.
While in this form, you can use your heightened senses and natural agility for hunting and travel, gaining advantage on Wisdom (Survival) checks to track creatures and moving stealthily at a normal pace while outdoors. You cannot use this ability again until you finish a short or long rest.
Keen Senses. You have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.
Survival of the Fittest. You gain proficiency in the Survival skill.
Wolf Mind. You can communicate telepathically with any wolf or Wolfren within 30 feet. You do not need to see them to communicate, provided you know they are present. This is an innate ability and is considered a language.
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