New Race: Vucari

From The Terah Project, Illustration by
Hugo Solis

I have always liked creating new player races. Mainly its to give my players some new options for their characters, but sometimes I just feel like letting the creative juices flow and seeing what I come up with. Because of that, I've decided to post some of the races I've created here every so often to give others the chance to use them as well. So, let's start this series of posts off with my most recent race, the Vucari.

The Vucari are a race of anthropomorphic wolves whose nomadic tribes can usually be found at the edge of civilization, traversing the numerous forests of the world. They are known for being incredible hunters and are fiercely loyal to their comrades, families, and tribes.

The Vucari tend to be the same height and weight as your average human, with males of the species being taller and weighing more than females. Their bodies are covered in a short coat of fur with longer, silkier hair growing from the top of their heads. Most Vucari have monochromatic fur which ranges from a light gray through all the shades of brown to black. Very rarely, a Vucari will be born with snow white fur. The Vucari tend to see these individuals as chosen by the gods and they usually become great spiritual leaders. The palms and soles of their hands and feet are covered by thick, leathery skin, and short, clawlike fingernails protruding from their fingers and toes. All Vucari have short, non-prehensile tails that they sometimes have difficulty controlling (especially when anxious or excited).

Because of their wolf-like features, many non-Vucari mistake the race for werewolves. This common case of mistaken identity has caused the Vucari to develop a deep resentment towards lycanthropes that borders on utter hatred. In fact, some of the greatest lycanthrope hunters in the world are actually Vucari.

VUCARI RACIAL TRAITS +2 Dexterity, +2 Wisdom, -2 Intelligence: The Vucari are quick creatures, but rely more on instinct than knowledge. Medium: Vucari are Medium creatures and have no bonuses or penalties due to their size. Vucari: Vucari are humanoids with the Vucari subtype. Normal Speed: Vucari have a base speed of 30 feet. Low-Light Vision: In dim light, Vucari can see twice as far as humans. Hatred: Vucari gain a +2 racial bonus on attack rolls against lycanthropes because of their special training against these hated foes.* Natural Hunter: Vucari receive a +2 racial bonus on Perception, Stealth, and Survival checks. Sprinter: Yucari gain a 10-foot racial bonus to their speed when using the charge, run, or withdraw actions. Languages: Vucari begin play speaking Common and Vucari. Vucari with high Intelligence scores can choose from the following languages: Elven, Gnoll, Gnome, Goblin, Halfling, and Sylvan.

*I know that hatred is usually only a +1 bonus instead of a +2, but since this race's hatred ability only works for one specific kind of monster, I thought it'd be okay to up the bonus slightly.

I will admit, the Vucari are not the most original race I've ever created. In fact, they are actually heavily influenced by the old lupin race from the Mystara campaign setting. However, I have always liked the idea of tribal "wolf-folk" and thought I'd create a race for Pathfinder that would allow me to fulfill that.

Also, for those of use who enjoy the alternate racial traits presented in the Advanced Player's Guide and Advanced Race Guide, I came up with these two for the Vucari if you wanted to change them up a little bit for your own games.

Scent: Vucari favor a keen sense of smell over sensitive sight. Vucari with this racial trait gain the scent ability. This racial trait replaces the low-light vision racial trait.

Wolf's Claws: Some Vucari have stronger and more developed claws than other members of their race, and can use them to make attacks. Vucari with this racial trait have a pair of claws they can use as natural weapons. These claws are primary attacks that deal 1d4 points of damage. This racial trait replaces natural hunter.