Leonin (/lɪˈɔnɪn/)

Leonin command attention wherever they go, their impressive forms standing out in crowds and their loud roars marking them on the battlefield. Although there is a good deal of variation in leonin, all are larger and taller than humans. The colour of their fur and manes varies by bloodline and individual, ranging from creamy white to gold to grey. Like humans, their clothing varies greatly by environment, both in terms of practicality for weather but also dependent on the surrounding culture. A proud race, leonin tend to place a great deal of importance on tradition, ceremony, and maintaining appearances. Fortitude in the face of adversity is praised and admired, even if it comes at significant personal cost. For leonin living in the traditional pride structure (more common in rural and wild areas than urban ones), the individual is a secondary concern, and the well-being of the pride is the primary consideration.

In Dierde the Leonin generally live on Kampos, like most Anthropomorphic Creatures, and they are very closely related to the Tabaxi of Dierde. Both species tend to have unique offspring that may or may not resemble their parents which is why a family could resemble different "species", when they are in fact familial. Long ago representatives of the goddess Sharess came to Kampos and spread how Bast may have a lot to do with their presence on Dierde, and in the least how she was the deity who had the most concern for their races. This is why many of these two races tend to worship or respect Bast over other deities.

The leonin guard the shining lands of Oreskos, a golden plain where even the gods rarely trespass. 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 Oreskos's 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 physical 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 leonin 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 humans do, but after many of their prides suffered depravities at the hands of the tyrant Agnomakhos, 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 suggests 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. See chapter 3 for more details on Oreskos and the leonin who call that land home.

Ability Scores: Con +2; Str +1 Size: Medium Speed: 35 ft.

Traits

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.

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 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.

Basic Information

Biological Traits

Height Range	Weight Range	Base Height	Height Modifier (in.)	Base Weight (lbs)	Weight Modifier (lbs)
5'11" - 7'1"	202 - 392	5'9"	2d8	200	1d12 × Height Modifier

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Leonin Names

Along with their personal names, leonin identify themselves by their pride. A member of the Flintclaw pride with the personal name of Ziore, for example, would likely style herself as Ziore of the Flintclaw. 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

Common Myths and Legends

Many Leonin in Dierde tend to revere, respect, honor, or worship Bast.

Leonin and the Gods

d6	Attitude
1	I'm amused by the antics of the gods and their earnest, but ultimately deluded, mortal champions, and I feel smugly superior in my detachment.
2	The meddling of the gods in mortal affairs makes me angry and bitter. I wish they would just leave us all alone!
3	I view the gods as worthy adversaries—incredibly clever and well-prepared to play a long game but ultimately doomed to lose their games.
4	I'm certain every bad thing that happens can ultimately be blamed on the gods, but I roll my eyes at each new twist of fate and try to get on with my life.
5	I wish that I could be as naive as humans and other mortals who actually think the gods are looking out for them. I miss that kind of innocence.
6	I don't talk about it among other leonin, but I actually revere the gods and try to please them by my actions.