Canin, Standard (3.5e Race)

Author: Halloweenman33 (talk) Date Created: February 21 2017 Status: Finished, but open to improvement suggestions Editing: Clarity edits only please

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Canin, Standard

Canin look like an anthropromorphic version of a dog. The exact appearance will vary depending on what breed they are.

Personality

Canin are generally friendly. They are extremely loyal to their friends, often to a fault. Standard Canin are diligent and hardworking, often enjoying a day's labor

Canin are an extremely diverse race. In addition to the basic race, there are also several different breeds. When creating a Canin character, you can stick with the basic race or choose a breed and apply it like a mini template, changing a few abilities and other aspects. I left the names of the breeds the same as they really are (mostly for simplicity), so name changes may be required. Just use whatever name would be the best fit for your setting

Airedale Terrier:|[1] The Airedale is the largest of the terrier Canin, earning it the nickname “King of Terriers”. Airedales can be Exterminators, Workers, or Herders, although they rarely ever hunt birds so they aren’t good Sporters, causing them to fall just short of the Jack of All Trades group. Airedales are very intelligent, independent, strong-minded, stoic, and can sometimes be stubborn. They are loyal to their friends and family, courageous, and protective. Airedales have a bit of a goofy streak and love to clown around, which can either amuse or exasperate their companions depending on the situation. They have an excellent memory and can hold a grudge, never forgetting, nor forgiving cruelty. They are strong swimmers as well, earning it yet another nickname: the “Waterside Terrier”.

Afghan Hound|[2] (qualifies for Canin Sighthound template if desired): Afghan Hounds are beautiful creatures with an aristocratic bearing. Their majestic appearance has earned them the nickname the “King of Canin”, which they take fairly seriously. They are amazingly quick and agile. They are quite spirited creatures, and can show a stubborn and defiant streak if they feel that they are being mistreated. They are quite affectionate with friends and family, but tend to be aloof toward strangers. They are very sensitive and can sink into depression if they feel that they are being neglected by their companions.,

Australian Shepherd:|[3] Australian Shepherds are intelligent and highly energetic, requiring several hours of exercise a day. They love working and are highly versatile, able to take on almost any type of job. They can be reserved and cautious, but they are kind, loving, and devoted to those they know. They learn quickly and love to play.

Basset Hound:|[4] Basset Hounds are friendly, outgoing, and playful creatures. They are are mild-mannered and laid back to the point of rarely getting angry, but are known for being stubborn and getting them to do something they don’t want to do is difficult at best. Unless you bribe them with food. Basset Hounds are foodies to the core and love to eat. With the structure of their face, they have deep soulful eyes that make them excellent beggars. Their body structure is unusual. Height-wise they are a miniature breed, but they are big boned to the point of having the weight of a Labrador Retriever. Their build could be considered to be similar to that of a dwarf as they have such short legs that they are slower than many Standard breeds, but are a bit stronger and tougher. They have great endurance though and can keep going for long periods of time. They automatically apply the Canin Scent Hound Template at character creation

Border Collie|[5]: The Border Collie is highly intelligent, extremely energetic, acrobatic, and athletic. They are considered to be the most intelligent of all the Canin breeds. They are known for their demanding personalities and require a lot of exercise. When herding, their working style is fairly unique. They encircle their stock with wide sweeping outruns and then control them with an intense gaze known as the “eye” while using a stalking style movement. They are keen, alert, expressive, and intense.

Boxer|[6]: Boxers intelligent, energetic, and playful with an alert, dignified, and self-assured bearing. They love children and are patient and spirited, with them, but very protective. They are patient creatures overall and are generally not aggressive or vicious. They take naturally to Guardian jobs and become very attached to their friends and family. Boxers dislike being alone and are more comfortable with companionship, humanoid, Canin, or canine alike. They get along quite well with smaller Canin and Canin pups, but can have problems with larger adult Canin. Boxers are deliberate and wary of strangers, but are quite curious creatures. However, they are fearlessly courageous if threatened.

Bulldog|[7]: Bulldogs are equable and kind, resolute, and courageous (not vicious or aggressive), and demeanor should be pacific and dignified. They are friendly and patient, getting along very well with humanoids (especially children), animals, and other Canin. While they are sometimes cautious with strangers, they are generally friendly with everyone. Bulldogs have a bizarre body structure with a big head, large upper body, and slender hips and legs. Due to this, they are a bit clumsy

Chow Chow:|[8] Chow Chows (or Chow for short) are stubborn creatures. They are suspicious of strangers and have a reputation for being aggressive, especially with other Canin. They are strong, but have a somewhat stocky build under all that hair. Chows excel at intimidating others.

Dalmatian|[9]: Dalmatians are restless creatures and hate having nothing to do. They are highly energetic, have great stamina, and are loyal, sensitive, and very playful. They love humanoid companionship and tend to get depressed if no-one is around. Dalmatians have an excellent memory and can remember a single case of cruelty for a long time.

Ibizan Hound:|[10] Ibizan Hounds are intelligent and agile creatures, known for their problem solving abilities. They are known for their sense of humor and are often described as clown-like (although not quite to the extent of Boston Terriers or French Bulldogs). They are also quite stubborn and often refuse to listen to reason if they have set their mind to something. They are not quite as strong as other Standard Breeds, but are agile enough to make up for it. Ibizan Hounds have a reputation as escape artists. They can jump incredible heights from a standstill, are very good climbers, and are quite skilled in getting locks open.

Pit Bull:|[11] Pit Bulls have a bad reputation, but are actually very sweet natured. Unfortunately, the rare evil and aggressive Pit Bull Canin were among the first of their breed encountered, giving rise to a stereotype and reputation that the breed as a whole has been unable to shake off. Most people view them as having an alignment of Always Chaotic Evil. Despite their reputation, the Pit Bulls’ alignment is actually Usually Neutral Good or Lawful Good.

Poodle (Standard)|[12]: Poodles are highly intelligent, loyal, and mischievous. Despite their regal appearance, Poodles have a goofy streak and love to play, being up for a game of any kind. They are loyal and affectionate with friends and family, but they take a while to warm up to new people. Poodles as a whole are the second smartest of all the Canin (second only to the Border Collie). They are amazingly clever, learn fast, and have great memories.

Puli:|[13] Pulis are unusual looking creatures. Their hair weaves itself into thin, rope-like cords that resemble dreadlocks. They are intelligent, energetic, very friendly, and sensitive creatures. Their bulky appearance is deceiving and they are far more agile and faster than they appear to be. They are very loyal and protective of their friends and family, but tend to be wary of strangers. They are livestock herders, specifically sheep, by nature and fiercely protective of their flocks. They are focused, determined, and fearless in their work and, despite their relatively small size, will try to scare and drive intruders away with little regard for their own safety, although they will rarely inflict actual injuries. Because of their protectiveness and and sensitivity to the needs of their friends, pulis make great babysitters. They are also sensitive to the needs of the elderly and the sick. They are quite vocal and not afraid to let their opinions be known.

Siberian Husky|[14]: Siberian Huskies are active, energetic, and resilient. They are well known for their ability to rapidly travel long distances in cold weather and can withstand temperatures as low as -60 Celsius. They are fast, intelligent, and strong-willed, only carrying out instructions once they see the point of it. Huskies are cheerful creatures and affectionate toward their friends and family. Huskies love adventures and greatly enjoy exploring. Huskies are very vocal. They love to talk and can get quite chatty.

Standard Schnauzer|[15]: Schnauzers are alert, spirited, playful, friendly, and intelligent. They are often aloof with strangers until their friends greet and welcome the guest, at which point they are very friendly to the new arrival. Schnauzers are hunters and have a high prey drive, seeking out small animals to hunt. They are extroverted creatures who love being the center of attention and greatly enjoy spending time with their humanoid friends. They don’t seem to have an idea of just how small they are and have a tendency to trash talk to larger creatures without any thought of the consequences, which can get them in trouble

Vizsla:|[16] Vizslas are are lively, gentle-mannered, demonstrably affectionate and sensitive, as well as fearless and possessed of a well-developed protective instinct. They are very high energy, gentle-mannered, loyal, caring, and highly affectionate, quickly forming close bonds with their friends and family, children and even strangers. They have a sensitive temperament and have a tendency to cry or whine when unhappy. They are excellent swimmers and love the water.

Xoloitzcuintli (Standard):|[17] The Xoloitzcuintil, also known as the Mexican Hairless, is a naturally hairless breed, although there is a 25% chance of them being born with a short fuzzy coat. Roll a percentile die at character creation to determine if they are hairless or not. They are calm, smart, and sensitive creatures, attentive toward friends and family, but aloof and wary toward strangers. Making friends outside of their own family is difficult, but they do eventually come around. They are not especially vocal, but are alert and will sound the alarm if they see something that seems of concern. They are very athletic and excellent jumpers.

Physical Description

Canin look like an anthropromorphic version of a dog. The exact appearance will vary depending on what breed they are. Canin can best be described as dogmen. They have the body of a human, but the head of a dog and are covered in fur from head to toe. Describing an average canin is difficult due to the wide variety of them. Canin come in many “breeds” (as many as dogs do in fact) and each breed can vary greatly in size. They can be as smaller than a gnome or larger than a troll and everywhere in between. Canin place great value in honesty, integrity, and loyalty. Like dogs, Canin are fiercely loyal to their friends. Some are loyal to a fault. However, if one betrays or severely violates a Canin’s moral code, it is possible to lose their loyalty, but only if the act was severe enough to destroy the friendship (something that Canin do not take well at all). Evil Canin are extremely rare. The few that exist (that aren’t undead or, in one extremely rare and tragically ironic case, a werewolf) are that way because of tragic circumstances in their past, usually multiple instances of abuse or betrayal by those they trusted. Most Canin are hard working and quite happy to do physically demanding jobs, although some of the larger breeds are known to be a bit lazy. Canin seem to have a readiness to fight inversely related to size. The smaller the Canin, the more feisty and ready for a fight they seem to be (although most will end up hiding behind a larger friend when the one they challenge seems to accept). Smaller breeds of Canin also seem to have more dominant personalities. It is not uncommon to see a group of troll sized Canin taking orders from a gnome sized one. Their senses of hearing and smell are extraordinary, making them excellent trackers and leading more than a few to pursue the career of a woodsman or a bounty hunter. There are too many breeds of Canin to stat each one individually, but they can be easily divided into five categories: Toy, Miniature, Standard, Large and Giant. While they are all the same species, some of the racial features may differ between the different categories. Most will be the same, but attributes will differ. Standing around the same size as humans, give or take a foot or so, the Standard Canin are what most people think of when they think of the Canin. They are the most versatile group among the Canin, with individuals covering more environments, jobs, body types, etc. Overall they are the most intelligent of the Canin as well. Breeds among the Standard Canin include the Boxer, Standard Poodle, Dalmation, Schnauzer, Vizsla, and any other breeds in that size range. When creating a Standard Canin character, you can either choose a breed for your character to be or just stick with the basic race as is and call yourself a mutt. Some breeds may have additional abilities that are added onto the basic race.

Relations

Canin get along with most of the other races. They are especially friendly with humans. Dwarves find them to be a bit clingy for their tastes, but generally enjoy their company overall and admire their work ethic. Canin are a bit leery of half-orcs, but are more open minded than other races and are willing to give individuals a chance, often warming up to them. They dislike the drow, orcs, and other monstrous evil races for their cruel ways, but are sometimes willing to give individuals a chance to prove themselves.

Alignment

Usually Neutral Good

Lands

Similar to humans, canin are all over the place.

Religion

Canin are generally not particularly religious, but they tend to prefer to worship nature deities

Language

Any. Canin mostly speak Common, but can speak just about any other language. Exactly what each individual speaks will vary depending on whatever the dominant race or culture is where they live

Names

Their names are as varied as those of humans and normal dogs

Racial Traits

• +2 Dexterity, +2 Intelligence, -4 Wisdom: Standard Canin are quick and intelligent, but they are known to suffer from a lack of common sense
• Humanoid (Anthro) 
• Medium: As a Medium creature, a canin, standard has no special bonuses or penalties due to its size.
• Canin, Standard base land speed is 30 feet.  
• +2 Racial Bonus on Spot checks 
• +4 Racial Bonus on Listen checks 
• +4 Racial Bonus on Survival when tracking by scent 
• Endurance (Ex): Standard Canin gain Endurance as a Bonus Feat 
• Scent 
• Natural Attack (Ex): Bite dealing 1d6+1.5x Strength Modifier Damage 
• Chocolate Vulnerability (Ex): Chocolate is bad for Canin. If ingested, it is treated as a Poison, specifically Black Adder Venom with a DC of 20 
• Intellectual Sensory (Ex): Canin use their Intelligence Modifier on Spot, Listen, and Survival checks instead their Wisdom Modifier. 
• Smart Wits (Ex): Canin use their Intelligence Modifier instead of their Wisdom Modifier on Will Saves 
• STUPID DOG! (Ex): Smart as they are, Canin are known for their lack of common sense. They have a tendency to do something without thinking things through, including things that most people would not do out of simple common sense. Examples include picking a fight with a creature significantly bigger and stronger than yourself (adventurers don’t count since that’s part of their job), tasting a strange looking food-like object in the middle of a dungeon, testing a trap discovered by the Rogue to see what it does, etc. Whenever a Canin has the urge to do something that is considered by most to be a bad idea by common sense, they must make a Will Save (DC 15 +1 per round that they remain in the area with the temptation still around) to resist. If the save fails, they must do whatever it is that they want to do. Only being physically restrained by their companions will prevent the action, allowing for another save to resist the urge. When STUPID DOG! comes into play, Smart Wits does not apply and they roll the Save using their Wisdom Modifier as normal
• Automatic Languages: Common
• Bonus Languages: Any (except for any secret languages, such as Druidic)
• Favored Class: Ranger
• Level Adjustment: +0
• Effective Character Level: 1

Vital Statistics

Table: Canin, Standard Random Starting Ages

Adulthood	Simple	Moderate	Complex
15 years	+1d4	+1d6	+2d6

Table: Canin, Standard Aging Effects

Middle Age1	Old2	Venerable3	Maximum Age
35 years	53 years	70 years	+2d20 years
At middle age, −1 to Str, Dex, and Con; +1 to Int, Wis, and Cha. At old age, −2 to Str, Dex, and Con; +1 to Int, Wis, and Cha. At venerable age, −3 to Str, Dex, and Con; +1 to Int, Wis, and Cha.

Table: Canin, Standard Random Height and Weight

Gender	Base Height	Height Modifier	Base Weight	Weight Modifier
Male	5' 1"	+2d10	120 lb.	× (2d6) lb.
Female	4' 11"	+2d10	110 lb.	× (2d4) lb.

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