Homebrew Filolial Species Details

Filolials are bird-like creatures which are most often used as beasts of burden. They are strong, fast, and have an ingrained loved for pulling carts and carriages. They have superior pulling capabilities compared to horses and are roughly equivalent to tamed drakes. Filolials also have an instinctual hatred towards dragonkin.

At the top of the filolial pecking order is the Filolial Queen/King. The Filolial Queen/King protects the species and commands their subjects if necessary. 

The filolial species are not a naturally-generated creature, but was instead created in the ancient past by two legendary heroes of old. They were created as a byproduct in reviving a beloved pet of the heroes. Some filolials can gain access to a humanoid form. 

Development

Egg

The first stage of development of the filolial species is incubating the egg. These eggs are usually magically sealed in captivity until ready to give to someone.

Chick

The second stage of development is the hatching of the egg. These particular creatures have already fully developed their first set of feathers before they hatched, they're also known to be feisty eaters.

Filolial

The third stage of development is the growth of the chick. These particular creatures normally take three months or more to develop into a full-grown filolial and look similar to an ostrich. They can eat any food that is given to them.

Filolial Candidate

Under the influence of a bonded hero, filolials will continue to develop into a rare stage of development called Filolial Candidates. The "filolial" form in this stage looks like an large extra-fluffy chicken.

At this stage, the filolial will gain the ability to transform into a second humanoid form. In most cases, this form looks like a young child with feathery wings on the back. They are also able to speak fluently in both forms in their bonded's language. In rare cases, a filolial's diet when growing may have an impact on their development. For example, a filolial eating draconic meat can allow their humanoid form wings to have a different coloration & texture than her filolial form. There is also a rare condition which causes the humanoid form to resemble a fully-developed man or woman, instead of the childlike appearance. (This is the stage for player characters)

Filolial Queen/King

Upon receiving recognition from the current leader of the filolials, a filolial queen or king inherits the position and title of the next Queen or King of the Filolials. The candidate upon becoming acting ruler will be able to reach a gargantuan size in their filolial form. 

Filolial Traits

Hybrid bird humanoids that can fully transform into birds

Alignment

Filolial are generally good-hearted beings who will follow their master to the ends of the earth. Most will fall under Good alignments. They lean Chaotic, but can be more lawful as well depending on their master.

Age

Normal Filolials will reach maturity at about 2 years old. However Filolial candidates can reach maturity in less than a week if the bond with their master is strong enough. This can be sped up even further by being near draconic beings. Filolials will generally live for about as long as most humans, unless they become a Queen/King. They can then live for hundreds of years

Ability Score Increase

Your Wisdom & Dexterity increase by +2 each. Your Strength Increases by +1

Wings

In either form, you have wings that you can use to fly. Your flying speed is 30 feet

Angelic Transformation

As a Bonus Action, you may transform from your Filolial form to your humanoid form in a large puff of smoke & feathers. You become small in size, and resemble a human child with small feathery wings upon your back. It costs a bonus action to turn back as well. Additionally, No magic can forcibly transform you against your will.

Filolial Form

In your natural Filolial form you are considered a medium creature, however for lifting, dragging, pulling, and carrying capacity, you are considered a large creature. You also have sharp talons on your feet and a large beak that can be used as natural weapons. You are resistant to bludgeoning damage due to your very fluffy feathers shielding you from certain attacks. You become proficient in perception.

Finally, you also may make a powerful kick attack with your extremely strong Filolial legs. If you hit the enemy must make a Strength saving throw to avoid being pushed back 10 feet.

Humanoid Abilities

In your humanoid form, you gain the Gust of Wind spell & True Strike cantrip. Your Spellcasting ability for these is Wisdom and you need no components to cast them. You also gain Advantage to Charisma checks while in this form due to your cuteness.

Powerful Metabolism

Filolials need to eat at least half of their body weight in food per day to be considered healthy. You gain immunity to being poisoned due to your fast metabolism.