Homebrew Avariel Aarakocra Species Details

To one unfamiliar with their mythical namesakes, the Avariel Aarakocra might be mistaken for the Winged Elves of legend. Despite their pointed ears, however, their physical appearance belies little of their fey ancestry. Like a mermaid or a satyr, the Avariel Aarakocra appear mostly humanoid, but their arms and legs end in talons, and even their more humanoid features are altered; eyes are set for a more predatory gaze, tufts of feathers sprout from the chest and extremities, and in some instances a beak appears on an otherwise human-like face.

While the traditions of their now-extinct namesakes remain lost to time, the Avariel Aarakocra shares in the abilities, magics, and traditions of their elvish progenitors. Despite their bestial appearance - or perhaps because of it - they are blessed with superb grace, and Avariel Aarakocra bards are said to have the most beautiful voices within the mortal realms.

Allegations that the Avariel Aarakocra are the result of a failed experiment to bring back the original Avariel race remain entirely unfounded.

Avariel Aarakocra Traits

As an Avariel Aarakocra, you have the following traits:

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.
Alternatively, you can increase an ability score of your choice by 2, and a different ability score of your choice by 1.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Age

Unfortunately, hybridization between races with such drastically differing lifespans can result in highly unpredictable health complications. While they can theoretically see centuries of life, many Avariel Aarakocra find themselves with a lifespan even shorter than that of an average Aarakocra.

Flight

Your wings grant you a flying speed equal to your walking speed. 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 1d6 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Auran, and Elvish.

Elvish Heritage

You are considered a half-elf for any prerequisite or effect that requires you to be an half-elf.  (I can't actually get you to qualify for the feat, but just turn off feat prerequisites and it'll let you add half-elf specific feats like Elven Accuracy.)

In addition, you gain one of the following features from your elvish ancestry:

Aquatic - Swim Speed. You gain a swimming speed equal to your walking speed.

Dark Elf - Drow Magic. You know the Dancing Lights cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Faerie Fire spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the Darkness spell once, and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. You can also cast these spells using any spell slots you have of the appropriate level. Your spellcasting ability for this spell is your choice of Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma.

High Elf - Elf Weapons Training. You have proficiency with the longsword, shortsword, shortbow, and longbow, or four martial/simple weapons/tools of your choice. 

High Elf - High Elf Magic. You know one cantrip of your choice from the wizard spell list.Your spellcasting ability for this spell is your choice of Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma.

Wood Elf - Fleet of Foot. Your base walking speed increases to 35 feet.

Wood Elf - Mask of the Wild.  You can attempt to hide even when you are only lightly obscured by foliage, heavy rain, falling snow, mist, and other natural phenomena.

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