Lupurns

Once a single race humanoid hounds or wolves, lupurns evolved over the years into two distinct and divergent cultures–the semiens and the tarmiens. Semiens resemble greyhounds or jackals, with sleek, short fur, dark searching eyes, and the physique of a gymnast or distance runner. They are a race of peaceful scholars, with a civilized society based upon the study and acquisition of knowledge. Tarmiens appear much more wolf-like, with long shaggy fur, ever watchful eyes, and the mind, demeanor and powerful physique of a predator. They are a nomadic culture of hunters and warriors, whose daily struggle for survival has made them strong and resilient. Physical Description: Lupurns are taller than the average human, and stand between 6 and 6–1/2 feet tall. Their fur can be sleek or coarse, depending on their home environment, and ranges in color from black, dark brown, or gray, to light brown, rust, and on rare occasions, white. Their eyes are typically brown, gray, or black, though green and yellow are not uncommon. However, that is where the similarities between the two subraces end. Semiens are trim, athletic, and resemble hounds or jackals, while tarmiens are broader, more muscular, and resemble wolves. Semiens prefer rich robes and other finery, giving them the appearance of nobility or members of high social class. On the other hand, tarmiens favor leathers, furs, feathers, and other such apparel that give them a wild and rustic look. Because of their similar appearance, lupurns are commonly mistaken for werewolves, greatly angering them, for werewolves are one of the lupurn’s most hated enemies. Society: Lupurns have evolved from a single bloodline into two divergent cultures. Semiens are a society of intellectuals and establish small egalitarian communities where all citizens have everything in common. They spend much of their time in honing their body and mind, meditation, and individual growth. In contrast, tarmien are tribal nomads, dwelling small, transportable villages, traveling the vast wilderlands, and struggling daily for their own survival. They naturally strong warriors, skilled trackers, and rely upon their own strength and agility to ensure victory against their enemies. Regardless of their lineage, all lupurns have a deep seeded hatred for werewolves, and immediately deploy hunting parties to destroy them whenever and wherever they are found.

Relations: The lupurn’s uncanny resemblance to werewolves has elicited much fear. Many individuals are apprehensive when associating with them, but once they come to know them, they realize that their fear is unwarranted. Each lupurn subrace gets along best with different races. Semiens are well educated, focused, and seek for personal improvement. Humans, elves and half-elves, especially those of noble class or those that are trained in the divine, arcane, or martial arts get along well with semiens. Tarmiens are uncivilized, prefer the wilds, and value strength over mind. Therefore, elves, humans, and half-orcs from tribal cultures or who have an affinity to the natural world. Gnomes look upon lupurns with curiosity, and halflings admire their natural stealth and agility, while dwarves grudgingly respect their martial skills.

Alignment and Religion: Lupurns are typically neutrally aligned. Semiens tend to be lawful due to their societal structure, training, and mental discipline. Tarmiens, on the other hand, tend to be chaotic, for they are nomadic, free-willed, and unpredictable in their methods in battle. Lupurns are spiritual by nature, giving thanks or offering a quick prayer to their patron god. Clerics typically worship Sosa and Ambra Quickfoot, while barbarians, rangers, druids, and shamans tend to venerate A-llän, Elan Valdarin, and Zeelan. Lupurn fighters often offer a quick prayer to Roth or Varu Hammerhaft as they enter battle, and rogues favor Éna, or Nightshade for those that are darker in nature.

Adventurers: Semiens are well educated and knowledgeable, preferring to rely on their intellect and diplomacy to solve any challenge. If the need should arise, they can deal quite efficiently with their enemies through their martial skills, mental powers, or divine magic. Those who venture into the world are often in search of divine knowledge and power, ways to perfect their body and mind, or new experiences and challenges. They favor classes that play to these desires, like the cleric, monk, psion, or warpriest. Tarmiens on the other hand rely on physical strength to fight their way out of trouble. They prefer feasting and drinking, and make overt displays of strength and battle prowess to intimidate their friends and foes alike. Though they tend to be problematic in delicate situations, in the wilds or on the road they are an incredible asset. They prefer classes related to primal powers and wilderness survival, such as the barbarian, bloodrager, hunter, and ranger. Should anyone wrong a lupurn sufficiently to elicit a blood vendetta, they can be fearsome and terrible foes.

Male Names: Antu, Argus, Cairn, Evrim, Gomm, Kolm, Logrim, Silgar, Valik, Zerg.

Female Names: Aureen, Dire, Hesla, Ilsan, Laru, Nuresse, Oliza, Shryn, Syania, Vala.

Lupurn Racial Traits (Advanced 14 RP)

Alternate Racial Traits

The following racial traits may be selected instead of the standard lupurn racial traits. Consult your GM before selecting any of these new options.

Racial Subtype: You can combine various alternate racial traits to create the tarmien lupurn subrace, as the following.