Animora, the Hundkin
"Hundkin make fine sellswords if you can stomach the bluntness. They'll tell you exactly what they think of your plan, your coin, and your character. And that tail never lies even when they try to be diplomatic! Pay them fairly and keep your word, because they remember every debt and slight. Cross one and you've crossed their whole pack. Loyal, but you've got to earn it."
Animora resemble humanoid dogs, standing between 5 and 7 feet tall depending on lineage. Their builds, fur patterns, ears, and muzzles vary enormously. Fur colors span the full range found in domestic dogs. They have digitigrade legs, clawed feet, and hands with short claws capable of fine manipulation. Tails are expressive and difficult to control, often betraying emotions their owners would prefer to hide.
The Animora are, above all else, a people of loyalty and pack. Their societies organize around extended family groups called Holdings, each led by a council of elders. Loyalty to one's Holding is paramount, but Animora who leave to seek their fortunes abroad often transfer that fierce devotion to companions, crews, or causes.
They have a reputation among other races as reliable mercenaries, scouts, and guards. Their culture prizes honesty (lying is considered a serious character flaw), courage, and remembrance of debts both owed and owing. Animora communicate extensively through body language: ear position, tail carriage, hackle-raising, and subtle vocalizations. Among themselves, much goes unspoken. This can make them seem inscrutable or blunt to others, as they often fail to verbalize things they consider obvious.
Animora society has a certain volatility. Status and reputation matter intensely but can shift rapidly. A leader who fails their pack may find their authority evaporating overnight; a young upstart who proves themselves in a crisis may rise with startling speed. Charisma and proven competence matter more than bloodline or seniority.
Keen Senses. Their sense of smell is extraordinary; sometimes able to detect the presence of creatures within 30 feet by scent alone (though not their precise location).
Tracking Nose. They can spend 10 minutes sniffing an object or area to memorize a scent. For the next 24 hours, they can easily track a creature bearing that scent.
Pack Tactics.
Bite, Claws Their jaws are a natural weapon, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. Their claws can't retract and objects carried can be damaged accidentally.
Loyal to the Pack. Cannot be frightened or intimidated when a chosen pack is near.