Homebrew Dromaid Species Details

Ancient Beings:

The Dromaids closely resemble the popular image of a Velociraptor (aka the Deinonychus), built for speed and wielding some nasty-looking teeth and claws. Unlike the popular depiction, Dromaids are heavily feathered. Their plumage comes in many shades of brown and grey, maroon, black, and a deep forest green. They are often patterned by stripes, freckles, different-colored underbellies, or patches like a Calico cat (though some have no pattern at all). They have three long quills on both sides of their head that look much like peacock feathers-these are used for communication, moved to display the Dromaid’s emotion. They stand around 4”11 to 5”8 tall. Due to their hollow bones, dromaids are surprisingly lightweight, averaging at around 80 pounds. Their hands end in four fingers with short, curved claws. Their three-toed feet also boast the trademark 6-inch sickle claw used in hunting and fighting. They often wear heavy fur coats in colder climates, as they handle the cold poorly and, despite their feathers, are much more susceptible to hypothermia. Dromaids are mostly carnivorous--while they can handle grains, nuts, and roots, most of their diet is strictly meat-based.

 

A Lifetime of Devotion

Dromaids form deeply powerful and personal bonds with others called Imprints. The Imprint is considered sacred to the Dromaids, and the most important bond they can possibly have, more important than pack, nationality, or creed. The bond doesn’t have to be romantic, although it certainly can be. Imprints don’t have to be other Dromaids; Dromaids are capable of imprinting on any other sentient species, and will remain just as fiercely devoted to them. The bond must be consensual in order to truly form, however, or it will die off and the Dromaid will seek a new partner. Dromaids will instinctively attempt to form the bond and will be notedly more paranoid and anxious without one. A Dromaid without an Imprint, or one who has lost their Imprint, is often treated with great concern or pity by other Dromaids.

 

Run Today So You Can Run Tomorrow:

Dromaids are devoted to their packs and Imprints. Having lost their homeland centuries ago in a near-extinction event, Dromaids are nomadic, community-centered, practical people with a tendency to be a bit paranoid and anxious. A social race by nature, they avoid conflict as much as possible, which is unfortunately tricky for them. The other races often see them as freeloaders or invaders, making them something of an outcast race. Many go so far as to claim that both Sitska and the meteor impact are stories made up by Dromaids to garner sympathy. Most packs live in the unclaimed wilds, using their sharp natural hunting instincts to defend their temporary settlements and feed themselves. Many interactions between Dromaids and other races are done through trade, as many Dromaids are merchants by profession. Their nomadic existence makes it very easy for them to find unusual goods that can be sold for a tidy profit.

Unfortunately, some Dromaids have grown quite bitter over this unnecessary exile. Their natural cunning and cooperative capabilities have led some packs to develop organized crime rings few dare to cross. As one can imagine, this has done little for their public image. 

Dromaid Traits

Highly dexeterous dinosaur race

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Constitution increases by 1

Menacing

There is something primal in the eyes of all Dromaids. You gain proficiency in the Intimidation skill.

Darkvision

Having evolved from apex predators, your senses are heightened. 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.

Talons

You are proficient with your unarmed strikes, which deal 1d4 slashing damage on a hit.

Frostbite

Dromaids aren’t meant to deal with the cold. You take double damage from ice-based attacks, and your speed drops to 30 in cold climates.

Touched by Fire

Being touched by arcane flames during the meteor strike, dromaids of any class can cast Control Flames.