Homebrew Byrae Species Details

Introduction:

Deep within the labyrinthine caverns of the Underdark, where darkness reigns and eerie silence pervades, the Byrae have thrived for millennia. These enigmatic bat-like humanoids have evolved to adapt and survive in the subterranean world, mastering the art of silent communication and aerial navigation.

History:

The origins of the Byrae are shrouded in mystery, as their presence in the Underdark predates recorded history. Some scholars speculate that they are the result of magical experimentation. While others believe they are the descendants of ancient subterranean avian creatures. Regardless of their origins, the Byrae have endured countless hardships and threats in the harsh Underdark, adapting and evolving over centuries.

Physical Appearance:

Byrae are small, batlike, humanoids, standing at a height of around 3 to 4 feet. Their bodies are covered in short, sleek fur that varies in color, often mimicking the hues of the cavernous walls of the Underdark. Their most distinctive features, however, are their large, cartilaginous, rotary ears which protrude upwards out of their skull, as well as their wings which are a natural extension of their arms. With a wingspan typically reaching 5 to 6 feet, these wings are strong enough to carry them through the air. Byrae also possess sharp teeth and claws (no practical in-game application), elongated snouts, and large, expressive eyes that are adapted to their dark environment

Culture:

Byrae society is highly communal, with tight-knit family units living in cave colonies, similar to tribes, deep within the Underdark. Their reliance on echolocation and sonar communication fosters a sense of unity, as they share thoughts and ideas silently. They are known for their adaptability and resourcefulness, making the most of their environment and forming alliances with other subterranean races when necessary.

Byrae Traits

Byrae gain abilities related to that of bats. i.e. flight and echolocation related abilities

Ability Score Increase.

When determining your character’s ability scores, increase one score by 2 and increase a different score by 1, or increase three different scores by 1. You can't raise any of your scores above 20.

Creature Type.

You are Humanoid.

Size.

You are Small.

Speed.

Your speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision.

You can see in dim light within 90 feet of you as if it were bright light and in darkness as if it were dim light. You discern colors in that darkness only as shades of gray.

Wings.

You have a base flying speed of 40 feet in no armor, light armor, and medium armor, you cannot fly in heavy armor. While flying, if the attack action is taken you automatically fall prone.

Blindsight.

At close distances, your echolocation becomes exceedingly precise granting you blindsight out to 5 feet.

Sonar Communication.

Byrae speak, read, and write common but do not have a racial language of their own. Instead, they communicate ideas with each other by creating sound waves which are inaudible to most humanoid creatures. This form of speech is unable to be deciphered by spells such as comprehend language or tongues.

Echo Navigation.

You gain proficiency in perception and have advantage on perception checks that rely on hearing.