Wulfkin

## The Celestial Pact

Long ago, when the realm was young, celestial entities from the cosmos sought to link their energies with it. These cosmic beings were neither benevolent nor malevolent; they were manifestations of elemental and metaphysical forces seeking a foothold in the material plane. However, the raw energies that flowed from these cosmic nexuses could bring both life and devastation to the realm.

Recognizing this, a pack of ordinary wolves—one of the first creatures to roam the realm—were drawn to these nexuses by a cosmic melody only they could hear. As they approached, the nexus pulsed brighter, and the wolves were enveloped in its glow.

The cosmic entities spoke to the wolves in a language not of words but of intentions and emotions. They proposed a pact: the wolves would be granted sentience, anthropomorphic forms, and magical abilities to guard these nexuses. In return, they would channel the cosmic energies safely into the world, ensuring balance. Thus, the Wulfkin were born.

### The Orders

As the Wulfkin evolved, they realized that the energies of the different nexuses had unique characteristics. This led to the formation of specialized orders:

* **Frostbeorn**: The Frostbeorns became attuned to nexuses that channeled cosmic cold, vital for balancing temperatures in Astraeon. They were naturally drawn to arctic regions and learned to bend ice and snow to their will.
* **Wuduwulf**: These Wulfkin protected the nexuses located deep within ancient forests, where life energies poured in. They became masters of stealth and woodcraft, and their domains were rich with biodiversity.
* **Muntwulf**: Situated high in the mountains, Muntwulfs guarded the nexuses that emitted cosmic energies of strength and endurance. Their fortresses are known to be impregnable, built of magically reinforced stone.
* **Windscufa**: Guardians of nexuses that channel the forces of wind and sky, these Wulfkin reside in high altitudes and have developed skills in manipulating air currents.
* **Fýrbana**: Protectors of nexuses emitting cosmic fire energies, the Fýrbana are naturally drawn to volcanic and geothermal regions and have harnessed the power of flame.
* **Rúnsceadu**: These Wulfkin are the keepers of nexuses that weave reality itself, where the energies of time, space, and fate coalesce. Profoundly wise and knowledgeable, they act as seers and historians for the Wulfkin.
* **Nihtgenga**: Custodians of nexuses shrouded in cosmic darkness and void and linked to the Further, Nihtgengas are experts in dream manipulation and often serve as scouts and spies for the Wulfkin community.

#### The Heofonwulf

Simultaneously, a separate group of wolves encountered a unique cosmic nexus directly connected to the Nexus of All Potentials. This encounter, under a sky filled with prismatic light, transformed these wolves into the Heofonwulf, Wulfkin with an innate understanding of the cosmos and their place within it.

* **Appearance:** With fur that shimmers like a starlit sky and eyes holding the depth of the cosmos, Heofonwulfs are a majestic sight. Their star-patterned fur and profound gaze reflect their origins.
* **Unique Traits:** They possess Cosmic Insight, giving them an advantage in understanding celestial events and cosmic lore. Their Celestial Mantle acts as a beacon for their allies, granting them advantage against being feared or charmed and making it easier to navigate dark environments.

## The Encoding Ritual

As part of their pact, each Wulfkin, upon reaching the age of eight, undergoes an "Encoding Ritual" led by the elders of their order. In this ceremony, the individual's name, role, and abilities are inscribed into arcane glyphs and mathematical formulae. This complex name serves as a conduit for channeling cosmic energy more efficiently.

### Lyr'vera and the Frostbeorn

**Encoding Ritual**: The Frostbeorn convene on the shores of frozen lakes under the light of the blue moons. They bring offerings of salt, sea glass, and shells to honor Lyr'vera. With tridents made of ice, they inscribe symbols into the frozen surface while chanting hymns to call upon the Tidecaller's blessings. The ritual ends with the summoning of a tidal wave that crystallizes into a towering sculpture of ice, symbolizing their deep connection to the sea's chill.

### Yr'elith and the Wuduwulf

**Encoding Ritual**: In a clearing surrounded by ancient trees, the Wuduwulf lay down a circle of seeds, plants, and spring water. They dance and chant around this circle, invoking the blessings of Yr'elith. As the ritual progresses, the seeds sprout and the circle becomes a miniature grove. The climax occurs when each Wuduwulf plants a sapling imbued with their own life essence, making it a living conduit of their cosmic responsibilities and abilities.

### Thul'agan and the Muntwulf

**Encoding Ritual**: The Muntwulf gather in a deep cavern filled with precious gems and minerals. Here, each member chisels their name and destiny into a monolith of magically reinforced stone as offerings to Thul'agan. As the last rune is carved, the Earthshaper's power infuses them, sealing their gifts of strength and endurance. The ritual ends as they collectively lift the monolith and place it in the heart of the mountain as a permanent testament to their pact.

### Vor'zel and the Windscufa

**Encoding Ritual**: The Windscufa gather at cliff edges, where the wind blows the strongest. Feathers are released into the sky, each inscribed with glyphs representing the individual's future responsibilities and powers. As the feathers float away, prayers are whispered to Vor'zel, asking for guidance and strength. The ritual culminates when the wind gathers the feathers and scatters them to the four corners of the world, symbolizing the Windscufa's far-reaching influence.

### Ith'nara and the Fýrbana

**Encoding Ritual**: In a sacred volcanic chamber, a bonfire is lit using lava stones and ancient timbers that have absorbed cosmic energies. The Fýrbana then chant prayers and incantations to Ith'nara while circling the flame. Each participant throws a bundle of herbs into the bonfire, resulting in a burst of colored flames that signifies their encoded abilities. They then thrust their claws into the fire, receiving the Blazeclaw ability without being burned.

### Mog'dura and the Nihtgenga

**Encoding Ritual**: At the night of a crescent moon, the Nihtgenga gather in a secluded grove adorned with night-blooming flowers. A dance ensues, intricate and haunting, to the soft drumming of hide drums. Each Nihtgenga places an offering of these flowers at the base of a dark obsidian altar while whispering prayers to Mog'dura. The final act involves a collective howl, releasing their energies into the world and sealing their Dreamweave ability.

### Sis'ithra and the Rúnsceadu

**Encoding Ritual**: In a subterranean chamber filled with ancient texts and runes, the Rúnsceadu gather. In utter silence, each member writes a scroll containing arcane formulae and prophecies. These scrolls are then sealed with wax imprinted with their own claw mark. They bury these scrolls in a concealed location only known to the elders, offering them to the Whispering Abyss, Sis'ithra. The ritual ends when they each take a step into a ring of shadows, teleporting them back to their domains and completing their Shadowstep training.

### The Heofonwulf

**Encoding Ritual:** The Heofonwulf gather in secluded, high-altitude clearings where the night sky is at its most vivid, often during special celestial events like meteor showers or planetary alignments. In preparation, they lay out an intricate pattern of star maps and cosmic symbols on the ground, reflecting the celestial formations above.

Each Heofonwulf brings a personal offering that represents their understanding of the cosmos – a fragment of meteorite, a vial of stardust, or a crystal that captures the night's essence. These offerings are placed at the center of the star map, creating a focus for the ritual.

As the ritual commences, the Heofonwulf elders use a special ink, luminescent with the light of distant stars, to inscribe ancient glyphs and constellations onto the fur of each participant. These glyphs resonate with cosmic energy and are unique to each Heofonwulf, reflecting their individual connection to the cosmos and the wisdom of the cosmos.

Accompanied by a choir of Heofonwulfs, the ritual progresses with chants that echo the rhythm of the cosmos, a harmonious blend that seems to reach beyond the material plane. The chanting crescendos as the Heofonwulfs, one by one, lift their voices in a powerful, resonating howl that intertwines with the celestial melody, a sound that transcends the physical realm and touches the essence of the universe.

As the ritual reaches its peak, the inscribed glyphs begin to emit a soft, otherworldly glow, bathing the gathering in a gentle, starry light. This moment is said to be a communion with the universe itself, where the Heofonwulfs gain profound insights into the nature of the cosmos and their role as its guardians.

The ritual concludes with each Heofonwulf gazing into the night sky, silently contemplating their place in the grand tapestry of the universe while it whispers their name. As they depart, the glowing glyphs remain, a lasting symbol of their deep and eternal bond with the cosmos and its enduring guidance.

## Naming Conventions

**First Name**: Each Wulfkin receives an Anglo-Saxon first name. These names are typically rich in meaning and are chosen to reflect the individual's character, potential, or the circumstances of their birth. The names often have roots in elements of nature, virtues, or ancestral lineage. For example, a Wulfkin with a strong and bold personality might be named "Eadric," meaning "wealthy ruler," or "Aethelred," meaning "noble counsel."

**Last Name**: The last name of a Wulfkin is derived from the order to which they belong. This signifies not only their role within the Wulfkin society but also the specific cosmic nexus they protect and the unique abilities they possess. For instance, a member of the Frostbeorn order would have "Frostbeorn" as their last name, while a member of the Nihtgenga order would carry "Nihtgenga" as their surname.

**Full Name Structure**: Combining these two elements, a full name for a Wulfkin would follow the structure: [Anglo-Saxon First Name] + [Order Last Name]. For example, a Wulfkin named "Cyneburg" from the Rúnsceadu order would be known as "Cyneburg Rúnsceadu."

**Examples of Wulfkin Names**:

* Eadwynn Frostbeorn: Suggesting a benevolent and wise character from the Frostbeorn order.
* Wulfrun Nihtgenga: A name fitting for a mysterious and enigmatic individual from the Nihtgenga order.
* Beorhtwynn Windscufa: Implying a character with a radiant personality from the Windscufa order.
* Sæwynn Fýrbana: A name for someone who embodies the fiery spirit of the Fýrbana order.

## The Age of Lost Gods

In recent times, with the gods of Astraeon believed to be dead or dormant, the Wulfkin feel a stronger urgency to uphold their ancient pact. Their guilds have turned into repositories of both arcane wisdom and scientific discovery, converging magic and technology in innovative ways.

## The Cosmic Adversaries

This cosmic guardianship is not without its threats, however. Other beings—both from Astraeon and beyond—have occasionally discovered the existence of these cosmic nexuses. The Wulfkin must continually adapt and grow stronger to fend off those who seek to misuse or disrupt the cosmic energies.

## **Wulfkin (5e Race)**

### **Physical Description**

Wulfkin are wolf-like humanoids who stand upright and have a humanoid posture. Their entire body is covered in fur, and their hands have evolved into dexterous paws capable of holding items and performing complex tasks. They possess wolf-like heads, complete with keen eyes, sharp fangs, and a set of expressive ears.

### **History**

The origin of the Wulfkin is shrouded in mystery. Some believe they are the descendants of ancient therianthropes, while others suggest that they emerged from a magical fusion between wolves and other humanoid species. Regardless of their origins, Wulfkin are bound by a strong sense of duty and loyalty to their pack, as well as an innate connection to nature and cosmic forces.

### **Society**

Wulfkin communities closely resemble those of humans, although they are often less hierarchical. They value the collective well-being of their community and will fiercely defend their territory against invaders. The notion of a "pack" is deeply ingrained in their society, extending beyond immediate family to include close friends and allies.

### **Names**

Names among the Wulfkin are often unisex and are considered a rite of passage. They are given by the pack's elders in a ceremonial gathering and usually reflect some characteristic or aspiration for the individual.

### **Traits**

#### *General Traits*

* Ability Score Increase: Your Constitution score increases by 2.
* Age: Wulfkin mature by the age of 16 and can live up to 400 years.
* Alignment: Wulfkin are generally good, valuing the bonds of their community.
* Size: Medium.
* Speed: Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
* Darkvision: You can see in dim light within 60 feet as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light.
* Hunter: You are proficient in either the Nature or Stealth skill.
* Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice.

#### ***Frostbeorn (Lyr’vera)***

* **Ability Score Increase**: Your Wisdom score increases by 1.
* **Snowy Fur**: You have advantage on Stealth checks in snowy terrain.
* **Freezing Howl**: You can cast *Frostbite* as a cantrip. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for this spell.

#### ***Wuduwulf (Yr’elith)***

* **Ability Score Increase**: Your Dexterity score increases by 1.
* **Master of the Forest**: You have advantage on Survival checks in woodland terrain.
* **Instinctual Dodge**: When you are hit by an attack, you can use your reaction to reduce the damage by 1d6. You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Dexterity modifier, regaining all expended uses after a long rest.

#### ***Muntwulf (Thul’agan)***

* **Ability Score Increase**: Your Strength score increases by 1.
* **Mountain Born**: You have resistance to cold damage.
* **Booming Howl**: As a bonus action, you can let out a powerful howl. Creatures of your choice within 10 feet must make a Strength saving throw (DC = 8 + your Strength modifier + your proficiency bonus) or be pushed 10 feet away from you. You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Strength modifier, regaining all expended uses after a long rest.

#### ***Windscufa (Vor'zel)***

* **Ability Score Increase:** Your Charisma score increases by 1.
* **Skybound Leap:** Your long jump is up to 20 feet and your high jump is up to 10 feet, with or without a running start.
* **Airborn Senses:** You can cast *Detect Good and Evil* as a ritual. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for this spell.

#### ***Fýrbana (Ith'nara)***

* **Ability Score Increase:** Your Strength score increases by 1.
* **Blazeclaw:** When you make a melee attack, you can add 1d4 fire damage to the damage roll. You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Strength modifier, regaining all expended uses after a long rest.
* **Fire Resistance:** You have resistance to fire damage.

#### ***Nihtgenga (Mog'dura)***

* **Ability Score Increase:** Your Wisdom score increases by 1.
* **Dreamweave:** You can freely enter the dreams of others. If you wish to manipulate the dreams of others without alerting the subconscious, they must fail a Wisdom saving through (DC equal to 8 + your proficiency + chosen spell casting modifier).
* **Night Camouflage:** You have advantage on Stealth checks in dim light and darkness.

#### ***Rúnsceadu (Sis'ithra)***

* **Ability Score Increase:** Your Intelligence score increases by 1.
* **Shadowphase:** As a bonus action, by passing through the Shadow Plane, you can teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space that you can see.
* **Mystery Keeper:** You have advantage on Arcana and History checks related to forbidden or hidden knowledge.

***Heofonwulf***

* **Ability Score Increase:** Your Intelligence score increases by 1.
* **Cosmic Insight:** You have advantage on Intelligence (Arcana) checks related to celestial events and cosmic lore.
* **Guiding Light:** Once per long rest, as an action, you can cause your fur to emit a soft, star-like light for 10 minutes. This light illuminates a 20-foot radius and dim light for an additional 20 feet. Allies in the light’s radius gain advantage on saving throws against being frightened or charmed.

### **Racial Feats**

#### *Ultra Keen Senses*

* Gain 10 feet of blindsight.
* Gain expertise in the Perception skill. Prerequisite: Proficiency in Perception.

#### *Ties of the Pack*

* Form a magical bond with two allies of your choice.
* Twice, when you are within 30 feet of a bonded ally, you have advantage on attack rolls. *Prerequisite: Level 6.*

#### *Hunter's Evasion*

* Thrice a day, when you take the Dodge action, you can choose a number of enemies equal to your Dexterity modifier (minimum of 1) within 30 feet of you. Until the start of your next turn, any attack roll made against you by the chosen enemy has disadvantage if the attacker can see the dodging creature. *Prerequisite: Level 10.*

#### **Random Height and Weight**

* **Base Height**: 5 feet 4 inches
* **Base Weight**: 150 lbs
* **Height Modifier**: +2d10
* **Weight Modifier**: +2d6