Leonin
Leonin are the fierce cousins of the Tabaxi of the Heartlands and Dytika Isle. These Lion-like humanoids are native Halruaalan, and have weathered many events caused by the rise of the Magisterium. In modern day, a few even serve as honor bound warriors in the elite guard to House Udaku or as envoys within House Romanos. Where the Tabaxi are seen as fickle, nomadic, and treasure obsessed, a Leonin is often viewed as disciplined, rigid, and loyal to a fault. Ultimately, in a country of wizards, the Leonin are a defiant and imperious race, having not been conquered but allied to the Noble Houses.
Basic Information
Anatomy
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.
Biological Traits
A Leonin player has the following traits:
- Ability score increase: Your Constitution score increases by 2 and your Strength increases by 1
- Alignment: Leonin tend to be good, those that focus on their pride and community are Lawful good
- Size: Leonin are typically 6 ft to 7 ft tall. You are a medium sized creature. To determine height and weight randomly, use the following:
- Size modifier: 2d10
- Height: starting at 5'6" + size modifier
- Weight: starting weight at 180lbs + (2d6 x size modifier)
- Speed: base movement is 35ftd
- Darkvision: You can see in dim light within 60ft as if it were bright light, and darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in the darkness, only shade of grey.
- 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 normal bludgeoning damage.
- 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 10ft of you, that can hear, 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, it can't be used again until you finish a short or long rest.
- Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common and Sylvan.
Genetics and Reproduction
Leonin reproduce physically and have a standard gestation period of 5 months.
Growth Rate & Stages
A typical Leonin will spend their first 5 years transitioning from cub to adolescent. They reach adulthood around 5 years old and are in their physical prime from age 10 to 40. They get into middle age around 40 with a decline into senior status at 65. Most Leonin can live to around 90 years old.
Ecology and Habitats
Leonin usually prefer the milder to hotter temperatures of the Dytika Isles, the Heartlands, and the Sekhemti - though they are native to the Heartlands. Few every willingly travel to the North, although those that do are feared for their resilience and are prided fighters among House Odinson.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Most Leonin exist in clan-like communities called prides. These groups are led by the strongest regardless of sex or gender. Having been allied with House Udaku and Romanos, they can be seen heavily in service areas within the lands controlled by them.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Most Leonin live in the Heartlands, the Dytika Isles, and the Sekhemti, though travel to the Storm Coast is not unheard of.
Average Intelligence
Moderately intelligent
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Similar to many beast-folk in Halruaal, Leonin have the ability to see in the dark. They also have the ability to produce bone-shaking roars capable of cowing allies and foes alike, gives most Leonin an air that readily shifts between regal and fearsome.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Typical Leonin will address themselves first with their pride's name followed by their individual name. Those that only state their chosen name are identified as possible outcasts or exiles.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Common and Sylvan and the standard languages of the Leonin, though they speak the languages primarily associated with their profession and ethnicity
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
War, combat, and physical athleticism is prided among the Leonin. They are quick to respond to threats, challenges, and insults, but they are also quick to forgive and forget when they've adequately responded.
History
Leonin existed in the lands found and inhabited by House Udaku and Romanos before the two houses arrived. Initial contact was rough as the Leonin didn't trust magic, but diplomatic channels opened up. Over time, and alliance formed between the two Houses, and in turn with the Magisterium. To this day, relations are as allies instead of as those of a vassal or Lord.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Leonin usually get along with most races, but there is a rivalry/annoyance with their cousins the Tabaxi. Whereas Tabaxi see them as too rigid and pessimistic, the Leonin view the Tabaxi as aloof and unreliable.
Lifespan
90 years
Average Height
6 to 7 ft.
Average Weight
210 lbs
Average Physique
Superior Physique (especially by Human standards)
Geographic Distribution
Related Ethnicities
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