Homebrew Aquilocer Species Details

Sequestered in the tropical, floating islands of Insulae, the Aquiloci evoke fear and wonder. Many Aquiloci aren’t even native to the Material Plane. They hail from a world beyond — from the boundless vistas of the Elemental Plane of Air.

They are immigrants, refugees, scouts, and explorers, their floating islands functioning as a foothold in a world both strange and alien.

Beak, Feather, and Hoof

From below, Aquiloci look much like large birds. Only when they descend to roost on a branch or walk across the ground does their humanoid appearance reveal itself. Standing upright, Aquilocer might reach 5 feet tall, and they have long, well-built, legs that resemble that of a deer and deliver a powerful kick.

Feathers cover their bodies. Their plumage typically denotes membership in a tribe. The most common is an orangy-copper color but there are also many shades of bronze, creme, yellow, and tarnished gold. Their heads complete the avian appearance, being something like a parrot or eagle with distinct tribal variations.

Sky Wardens

Nowhere are the Aquiloci more comfortable than in the sky. They can spend hours in the air, and some go as long as days, locking their wings in place and letting the thermals hold them aloft. In battle, they prove dynamic and acrobatic fliers, moving with remarkable speed and grace, diving to lash opponents with weapons or talons before turning and flying away.

Once airborne, an Aquilocer leaves the sky with reluctance. On their native plane, they can fly for days or months, landing only to lay their eggs and feed their young before launching themselves back into the air. Those that make it to a world in the Material Plane find it a strange place. They sometimes forget or ignore vertical distances, and they have nothing but pity for those earthbound people forced to live and toil on the ground.

Avian Mannerisms

The resemblance of Aquiloci to birds isn’t limited to physical features. Aquiloci display many of the same mannerisms as ordinary birds. They are fastidious about their plumage, frequently tending their feathers, cleaning and scratching away any tiny passengers they might have picked up. When they deign to descend from the sky, they often do so near pools where they can catch fish and bathe themselves.

 

Homelands

Most Aquiloci live on the Elemental Plane of Air. Aquiloci can be drawn into the Material Plane, sometimes to pursue enemies or thwart their foes’ designs there. Accident might also send a nest of Aquiloci tumbling into a world on that plane. A few find their way to such a world through portals on their own plane and establish nests in high mountains or in the canopies of old forests.

Once tribes of Aquiloci settle in an area, they share a hunting territory that extends across an area up to 100 miles on a side, with each tribe hunting in the lands nearest to their colony, ranging farther should game become scarce.

A typical colony consists of one large, open-roofed nest made of woven vines. The eldest acts as leader with the support of a shaman. 

Aquilocer Traits

As an Aquilocer, you have certain traits in common with your people. Being able to fly at high speeds, deliver powerful kicks and use your talons as a natural weapon.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Aquiloci reach maturity by age 5. Compared to humans, Aquiloci don’t usually live longer than 40 years.

Alignment

Most Aquiloci 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

Aquiloci are about 5 feet tall. They have thin, lightweight bodies that weigh between 80 and 100 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 35 feet.

Flight

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

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, Aquilocan, and Auran.