Homebrew Aviatic (Birdfolk) Species Details

(Yes I realize Aaracokra exist but I don't care.)

The Aviatics are a type of bird folk that are fond of forests. They roam around with curiosity and wonder about the world around them. They are very delightful and are hard to make angry.

The Aviatics' arms resemble that of the wings of a bird, ending in long finger-like feathers that they use for grip like a normal person. Their legs also resemble that of talons with a feral look to them that help them to grip onto branches and poles. Their "wings" can stretch up to 3 feet long (a foot longer then the average human arm) and the feathers of the wings are able to open up for flying capabilities, and then fold down for better gripping ability.

Avian Mannerisms (Copied from the Aarakocra)

The resemblance of Aviatics to birds isn’t limited to physical features. Aviatics display many of the same mannerisms as ordinary birds. They are fastidious about their plumage, frequently tending their feathers, cleaning and scratching away any "tiny passengers" they might have picked up. When they deign to descend from the sky, they often do so near pools where they can catch fish and bathe themselves.

Many Aviatics punctuate their speech with chirps, sounds they use to convey emphasis and to shade meaning, much as a human might through facial expressions and gestures. An Aviatic might become frustrated with people who fail to pick up on the nuances; an Aviatic’s threat might be taken as a jest and vice versa.

The idea of ownership baffles most Aviatics. After all, who owns the sky? Even when explained to them, they initially find the notion of ownership mystifying. As a result, Aviatics who have little interaction with other people might be a nuisance as they drop from the sky to snatch livestock or plunder harvests for fruits and grains. Shiny, glittering objects catch their eyes.

They find it hard not to pluck a treasure and bring it back to their settlement to beautify it. An Aviatic who spends years among other races can learn to inhibit these impulses.

Confinement terrifies the Aviatic. To be grounded, trapped underground, or imprisoned by the cold, unyielding earth is a torment few Aviatic can withstand. Even when perched on a high branch or at rest in their mountaintop homes, they appear alert, with eyes moving and bodies ready to take flight.

Aviatic (Birdfolk) Traits

As an Aviatic, you have certain traits in common with your people. Being able to fly at high speed starting at 1st level is exceptionally effective in certain circumstances and exceedingly dangerous in others. As a result, playing an Aviatic requires extensive thought with every move to make sure you don't end up killing yourself.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.

Size

Aviatics are about 4'10 feet tall. They have thin, lightweight bodies that weigh between 60 and 90 pounds. Your size is Medium or Small.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Flight

You have a flying speed of 50 feet. To use this speed, you can’t be wearing medium or heavy armor.

Talons

Your talons are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.