Homebrew Civilized Harpy Species Details

Civilized Harpies have evolved to live alongside the other humanoid races. Wearing clothes, speaking humanoid languages, living in houses instead of nests made of sticks and debris, and even, though rarely, developing intimate relationships with other humanoids.

They are immigrants, refugees, outcasts. Many are seen still as monstrosities that are to be hunted down to protect livestock.

Angel or Demon

Even from below, a harpy is easily recognizable as a flying woman. Because of their more civilized nature, these harpies fly openly and much lower than their more feral counterparts. Standing upright, a harpy might reach 5 feet tall, and they have long, slender limbs that taper to sharp talons. From below, some may mistake them for a beautiful celestial, or a hideous fiend.

Feathers cover their large wings, usually in subdued colors like black, brown, or gray.

Dominant Genes

Civilized harpies, even those born of a harpy and another humanoid, are always female and are always harpies. There will never be a male child born of a harpy and another humanoid. Exotic, less humanoid races such as a dragonborn are not able to produce a child with a harpy

Avian Mannerisms

Civilized Harpies display many of the same mannerisms as ordinary birds. They are fastidious about their wing care, frequently tending their feathers, cleaning and scratching away any tiny passengers they might have picked up.

Confinement terrifies these harpies. To be grounded, trapped underground, or imprisoned by the cold, unyielding earth is a torment few harpies could withstand, but one many humans are all too willing to provide. 

Homelands

Most harpies live in forests, crafting small settlements near human villages that are called nests, but are made up of houses hung high in the trees to allow for easier access to the skies. Many houses have roofs made of fibers or planks that can be moved to allow unrestricted access to the sky on clear days, but can be pushed back  

The societies are led by matriarchs elected by the community, and rule with the support of a shaman. 

 

Civilized Harpy Names

Civilized harpies tend to use names of other races, but tend to choose shorter names that are easier to pronounce, or names relating to the wind or the sky.

 

CIVILIZED HARPY BACKGROUNDS

Backgrounds that are most appropriate for civilized harpies include the outlander, the hermit, and the sage.

The small colonies of civilized harpies are very rare, and are most often on the fringes of civilization, for humanoid society still see them as monsters, no matter how hard they try.

Civilized Harpy Traits

As a harpy, you have certain traits in common with your more feral sisters. Being able to fly starting at 1st level is exceptionally effective in certain circumstances and exceedingly dangerous in others. As a result, playing a harpy requires special consideration by your DM.

Darkvision

Thanks to your nocturnal heritage, you have superior vision in dark and dim Conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in Darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in Darkness, only Shades of Gray.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Because of the rate at which they were once hunted by humanoids, harpies have evolved to reach maturity at a slightly faster rate than humans, being fully mature around age 9 They also have slightly shorter lifespans at roughly 60 years.

Alignment

Most Harpies tend to be neutral, typically ignorant of traditional values of good and evil. Matriarchs and warriors might typically lean towards law, while explorers and adventurers might tend toward chaotic.

Size

Harpies grow to be between 4 and 6 feet tall, with the average being about 5 feet. They have lean, wiry bodies that weigh between 80 and 100 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 35 feet.

Flight

You have a flying speed equal to your walking speed. To use this speed, you can’t be wearing medium or heavy armor.

Swift 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 Dexterity modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice.