Homebrew Birdkin Species Details
Sequestered in high mountains atop tall trees, the Birdkin, evoke fear and wonder. They are immigrants, refugees, scouts, and explorers, their outposts functioning as footholds in a world both strange and alien.
Beak and Feather
From below, Birdkin look much like large birds. Only when you get close to them do their humanoid figures become apparent. Standing upright, Birdkin vary in height from approximately 4'2" to 5"4", and they will either have their bird heritage more or humanoid. Also on average they are very light since birds have hollow bones they usually only weigh between 60-110lbs.
If the bird heritage is more dominant they will be more feathered over the entirety of their body and may have talons for feet. If the humanoid is more dominant they may just have the head of a bird with all humanoid features.
Sky Wardens
Though they descend from birds the Birdkin cannot fly. However they are still more comfortable in elevated climates than most humanoids with a high perception and instinct for survival.
Homelands
The birth place of the Birdkin was deep in the forests and jungles. It is part of the reason why they are so good at survival. Also due to their beginnings they also lean more towards the lifestyle and callings of druids and rangers because they have a strong connection to nature and the earth.
Great Purpose
Birdkin enjoy peace and solitude. Most of them have little interest in dealing with other peoples. For this reason, it takes an exceptional circumstance for an Birdkin to leave his or her tribe and undertake the adventurer’s life. Neither treasure nor glory is enough to lure them from their tribes usually; a dire threat to their people, a mission of vengeance, or a catastrophe typically lies at the heart of the Birdkin adventurer’s chosen path.
Birdkin Names
Birdkin names include two to four syllables with the sounds, whisltes or clicks, acting as connectors. When interacting with other races, Birdkin may use nicknames gained from people they meet or shortened forms of their full names.
A Birdkin of either gender may have one of these short names: Aera, Aial, Aur, Deekek, Errk, Heehk, Ikki, Kleeck, Oorr, Ouss, Quaf, Quierk, Salleek, Urreek, or Zeed.
Birdkin Traits
As an aarakocra, 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 aarakocra requires special consideration by your DM.Ability Score Increase
Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.
Age
Birdkin reach maturity by age 16-20. Birdkin live 80-100 years.
Alignment
Most Birdkin 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
Birdkin are approximately 4-5ft tall. They have thin, lightweight bodies that weigh between 60 and 110 pounds. Your size is Medium or Small.
Speed
Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
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 Common