Homebrew Aviaan Species Details

Aviaans are a very diverse race ranging from humanoids that look like owls to hawks to finches! The smaller of them are typically more dexterous whereas the larger are more intelligent.

Claws and Feathers

Similar to Aarakocra, Aviaans have the lower legs of a bird. From the shins down, they have scaled legs and large claws that act like vice grips, depending on the size of the Aviaan they could likely lift a medium creature (or smaller) in those claws.

Along with their clawed feet, Aviaans have tougher nails than most that somewhat resemble claws, they can be cut, yes, but most Aviaans like to keep them sharp in case they need to use them as an emergency weapon. 

Aviaans are not covered in feathers like the Aarakocra, however, possessing more human faces and bodies though they do have feathers in place of some body hair, mostly on the arms, back - around the base of the wings - and the back of their necks. They can be shorter or longer depending on the species of bird they resemble but can  be removed (Like.. body hair), though this is decently painful for the person in particular. 

Variants

Aviaans come in many shapes and sizes as they're all based off different types of birds. Corvid or Owl Aviaans typically have higher intelligence/wisdom whereas Birds of Prey have higher strength/constitution and smaller birds like finches or songbirds have better dexterity/charisma. 

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Homeland

Aviaans hail from a hidden island across the ocean consisting of several mountains that pierce the clouds. Some Aviaans live in the lower mountain just below the clouds where you can see small windows and cave entrances subtly scattered about. There are 5 primary mountains within the range with 4 of them surrounding the largest in the center. 

• Sharp-talon is one of the four surrounding the center mountain, this one is predominantly focused on defence and militia, the Aviaans hailing from Sharp-Talon being mostly birds of prey like falcons and hawks, though the owls are distinctly missing from this group aside from one or two. Sharp-Talon is a little less focused on appearances than the rest of the cloud mountains, though that's to be expected on the militia side of things. 
• Wing's-Rest is another of the surrounding mountains that's focused on leisure, again mostly inside of the mountain Wing's-rest bares many means of relaxing and having fun such a a bathhouse, taverns and markets. There's no specific type of Aviaan that inhabits this one.
• Knowing-Eye is the third surrounding mountain that consists of many towers built off the mountain, primarily above the clouds though the main schools are within the mountain itself for safety. Knowing-Eye is the mountain of invention, magic and education where most of the schools and more powerful spellcasters reside, these Aviaans primarily consist of corvids and owls.
• Harvest-song is the fourth mountain that's used primarily for agriculture and farming. This mountain plateaus just above half way up, leaving vast space for farms along with being the only mountain with naturally grown trees, the others being planted by the Aviaans. Again, no specific variant inhabits this mountain with it being more of a mix of all of them. 
• The center mountain -  also known as Aves Peak - consists of the royal palace housing the reigning monarch (A peacock) and space atop of the clouds for lavish festivals, parties and other spectacles as the Aviaan folk - especially the royals and nobility - LOVE extravagant shows and they have the wealth to spare to do this as they're extremely self sufficient, needing no trade as the mountains they're based are rich in natural resources and minerals. Most housing is on the center mountain as are alot of wealthier shops. 

Travellers and The Murmury 

Some Aviaans have decided that instead of living in the cloud mountains that they'd be travellers and explore the distant edges of civilisation on a quest for more adventure and more knowledge, many travellers return to the cloud mountains every now and then to report their findings to the researchers and see their friends and families so, while uncommon, seeing smaller traveller groups of Aviaans isn't abnormal. 

The Murmury however is a group of Aviaans who have broken off from the Cloud Mountains entirely, instead residing within a hidden civilisation within a jungle somewhere in Faerûn. They primarily consist of corvids or more common birds such as wood pigeons, robins, etc. most being rogues - thieves or mercenaries. They tend to keep to themselves, being very cautious of outsiders as due to their hollow bones they'd be quite weak if somebody were to surprise them with a strong bludgeoning blow. They keep their own safe and are generally quite hostile to outsiders... 

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Background

If an Aviaan hails from the Cloud Islands a fitting background may be (Sharp-Talon) Soldier, Knight, (Wing's-Rest/Aves Peak) Guild artisan/Guild merchant, Entertainer, Noble, (Knowing-Eye) Sage or Acolyte.

If an Aviaan hails from The Murmury, a fitting background may be Criminal/Spy, Charlatan or Outlander.

 

 Names

Aviaan's names are typically based around astrological features like planets, stars or constellations though other names may be derived from alternative natural features like clouds, mythology or plants.

Examples may be; Athena, Aroura, Chrys (Short for Chrysanthemum), Cyrus, Celeste, Juniper, Jupiter, Nils, Orion, Saturn, Sirius

Aviaan Traits

Flight is one of the more obvious abilities Aviaans possess. Along with increased ability scores depending on which mountain you hail from.

Hollow Bones

While having hollow bones is a major advantage when it comes to flight and agility, it does give Aviaans a vulnerability to bludgeoning damage. 

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Aviaans live about as long as most humans with a lifespan of 70-80 years, considered mature at 16.

Alignment

Most Aviaans are quite neutral when it comes to picking sides, preferring to keep out of conflict and most affairs though, of course, this depends on the individual.

Size

Aviaans are very lightweight due to their hollow bones that aid in flight, the larger species about 140-160lbs while the smaller are 90-100lbs. Your size is medium or small.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Flight

You have a flying speed of 50 feet. To use this speed, you can’t be wearing medium or heavy armor.

Slash

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. This can be via your taloned feet or your clawed hands.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Aarakocra, and Auran.