Homebrew Corvidae Species Details

Destroyed by something, they're now an amalgamation of a fever dream of corvids.

Behavior and Appearance

Corvidae, born through curses, experiments, or something else that were to cause this. Once humanoid beings like goblins, humans, orcs, or whatever else, they now exist as birds with the shattered soul fused with corvid forms, representing species such as crows, ravens, rooks, magpies, jackdaws, jays, treepies, choughs, and nutcrackers. While it's more common to witness a flock comprised of a single corvid species, there's always a chance for a different bird species to join the ensemble. If two corvidae were to unite forces, they could bring together a diverse flock, although such partnerships tend to be temporary in nature, but who knows? They might become long-term companions.

When left to their own devices, Corvidae don disguises, concealing their true nature as a unified flock of birds. Opting for loose, baggy attire, they ensure all members fit snugly within the clothing, effectively camouflaging their multifaceted avian composition. Initially, their attempts to mimic their former selves are awkward, limited to communicating in the language of their bird kin. Although they retain the characteristic behaviors of their respective species, their intellect far surpasses that of their avian counterparts.

These corvids naturally gravitate towards one another, forming tightly knit flocks that navigate the world together. Within this collective, a hierarchy emerges, primarily determined by the distribution of shattered souls. Typically, one bird possesses a more substantial fragment of the original soul, assuming the mantle of leadership. The remaining birds acquiesce to their authority, forming a cohesive structure. However, on occasion, multiple birds may harbor equal soul values, offering the possibility of a decision-making council where the flock collectively determines their course of action. In such instances, leadership roles may shift or be subject to deliberate transitions as desired by the group.

 The corvids look like the regular bird of the species, but they do have blue marking across them that lights up, and seem ghostly in a way.

Corvidae Names and Way of Speaking

When it comes to naming, Corvidae have a rather peculiar approach. Due to their tendency to forget their own names when broken into soul birds, when interacting with others and asked for their name, they often respond with a collection of bird noises that align with their corvid species. However, if they have managed to learn one of the many languages spoken in the world, they may adopt a common name from that language. It's worth noting that Corvidae can have different names at different times or use the same name consistently, typically aligning with the individual who possesses the dominant soul among the myriad birds that make up their being.

In terms of communication, Corvidae employ the use of third-person perspective. This means that the bird currently in control of their collective speaking conveys information about themselves as if they were a separate entity.

Here are a few examples to illustrate this:

1. "I'm Maria, and I typically enjoy feasting on worms!" - While some Corvidae may occasionally use this format, it is less common compared to third-person speech.

2. "We're Maria, and we typically relish the taste of worms." - By speaking collectively, using the plural pronoun, they indicate their avian nature and acknowledge that they are, quite literally, a flock of birds concealed within a trenchcoat.

3. "I'm not John; I am Maria. I too have an affinity for devouring worms." - In situations where the control of the flock's speech shifts among the birds, this switch in self-identification can occur more frequently, particularly among the more assertive and aggressive corvid species or ones that has more corvid species in one flock.

4. "Maria enjoys the daily indulgence of worms." - Third-person phrasing is commonly employed among Corvidae, allowing them to distance themselves from their avian nature and present information from an external perspective.

 

Corvidae Traits

As an corvidae, 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 corvidae requires special consideration by your DM.

Advantage

Corvidae have an advantage in Wisdom.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Corvidae typically don't live long due to dying before figuring out how to survive, though the few that have survived have manage to live up for 70 years.

Alignment

Most corvidae are true neutral or on Neutral Evil

Size

Corvidae often are about 3 to 5 feet tall, though if they have more than one corvid species, then they would likely be taller.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 25 feet, while flighting is about a base of 30 feet.

Flight

You have a flying speed of 30 feet. To use this speed, you can’t be wearing medium or heavy armor.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Bird, and Auran. 

You can also choose one language that your character can speak, write, and read in, however you might not be good at it.