Homebrew Bubavian Species Details

Race of Birdfolk exclusively located within the Ulog'li Shroud, within the plane of Arborea.  Descended from Harpies, but divinely modified by Silvanus for increased intelligence and a bias away from chaotic evil natures.  

Their occupations range from alchemists to warriors, from merchants to priests.  They live primarily within large trees, tidally locked in suspension around the star N'do.

Beak and Feather

From below, Bubavia look much like large birds. Only when they descend to roost on a branch or walk across the ground does their humanoid appearance reveal itself. Standing upright, Bubavia might reach 5 feet tall, and they have strong, thick that taper into sharp talons.

Feathers cover their bodies. Their plumage typically denotes citizenship within a specific tree:

• Purple feathers are native to Tsiqua Tree
• Brown feathers are native to the Amayula Boglands
• Yellow feathers are native to Golana Tree
• Red feathers are native to Wohali Tree

Of Tree and Tide

The average bubavian spend most of its life within its home tree, living amongst the branches and flying between roost-like buildings and structures.  The pull of gravity differs depending on one's proximity to N'do; tree settlements that are closer to N'do (called proximal settlements) have higher gravity and tree settlements that are farther from N'do (distal settlements) have weaker gravity.  A bubavian's strength as well as their endurance during flight will often depend on their gravity-dependent environmental conditioning.

In average gravity (somewhere between distal and proximal settlements, like Milama of Tsiqua Tree), a Bubavian can fly for 3-5 days, gliding occasionally or floating in weaker tide, before exhausting.

 

Avian Mannerisms

The resemblance of Bubavia to birds isn’t limited to physical features. Bubavia 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.

Many Bubavia 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 Bubavian might become frustrated with people who fail to pick up on the nuances; a threat might be taken as a jest and vice versa.

Confinement terrifies Bubavia. To be trapped within a tree, or imprisoned within stone is a torment few Bubavia can withstand. Even when perched on a high branch or at rest in their homes, they appear alert, with eyes moving and bodies ready to take flight.

 

AARAKOCRA BACKGROUNDS

Backgrounds that are most appropriate for Bubavia include the citizen, the tuftrider, the outcast, and the priest.

The small colonies of Bubavia are insular and remote, and few Bubavia live away from their settlements. In Tsiqua Tree, no more than a few dozen bubavia live outside of the settlements of Milama, Autumnwatch, or Harmony.  Other trees see similar social patterns and close, clustered living.  Those that deviate from this are usually rangers or outcasts, who likely have been stripped of citizenship.

 

Bubavian Traits

As a Bubavian, 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 Bubavian requires special consideration by your DM.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Bubavia reach maturity by age 3. Compared to humans, bubavia don’t usually live longer than 40 years.

Alignment

Most bubavia are good and rarely choose sides when it comes to law and chaos. Tribal leaders and warriors might be lawful, while explorers and adventurers might tend toward chaotic.

Size

Bubavia are about 5 feet tall. They have mobile, lightweight bodies that weigh between 80 and 120 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 25 feet.  Your flying speed is 50 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.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Celestial.