Homebrew Burde Species Details

Isolated from most of society are the Burdes, staying within their villages located in ideal spots in their habitats. The Ice Burdes may set up in a tall mountain with a large plateau at the top, and Water Burdes would have a town on the beach or on an island. 

They are the evolved forms of different types of birds that exist already, such as penguins and parrots. They exist as merchants, soldiers, and mages who uphold their own societies.

Beak and Feather

From below, the Burdes look like slightly larger versions of existing birds, but the humanoid aspects of their appearance are only available to the eye when they are standing straight and viewed from the front.

On average, a Burde will reach 3 feet tall standing straight. Their wings are normal except for three clawed fingers ending each one, for piercing and grabbing things like human hands.

Their heads appear just like the bird they have ascended from, but slightly larger and more simple, with mostly the beak and the eyes and little else.

Feathers cover their bodies. Their plumage typically denotes membership in a village, for example red is the leader of a desert Burde village, and orange would be the slightly lesser members.

Ground Dwellers

Although harnessing the divine gift of flight regularly, they are most comfortable on the ground, as they like to settle in one place for most of their lives. They only go into the skies for work and combat purposes, and sometimes for adventuring.

They have evolved to be as intelligent as humans, and have made many tools to aid them throughout their lives. They normally wield spears, but anything else will do.

Avian-Human Mannerisms

The resemblance of Burdes to normal birds isn’t limited to physical features. Burdes 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.

Many Burdes punctuate their speech with chirps, sounds they use to convey emphasis and to shade meaning, much as a human might through facial expressions and gestures. A Burde is fine if people do not pick up on these things, but may be a little aggravated in some cases.

The idea of ownership is precious to many Burdes, who use it’s concept at any chance to protect their valuables or another’s. They also find it hard to tolerate thieves and the unjust who seek to ruin lives and watch everything burn before them.

Varying Towns

Burdes of all types generally seek refuge in villages. These are small safe spaces for 3-5 families to stay and grow larger and larger over time, incorporating more families and houses as they expand.

A typical village consists of multiple houses packed together in a more urban setting, a few huts in a circle in more primal and outlandish areas, and a single nest for single families and Burdes. The eldest acts as leader with the support of 8 other Burdes who help to make major decisions.

 

Burde Names

Burdes are more industrious folk, so they generally let their children name themselves to allow more freedom in their lives. They normally consist of Human, Elven, and Dwarfish names chosen by the Burde, and sometimes other racial types of names too.

Burde Traits

As a Burde, you have certain traits in common with your people.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Burdes age and mature at the same rate as humans, but can live up to 1000 years of age.

Alignment

Burdes are mostly lawful citizens who have good hearts and intentions, making them tend towards lawful and good alignments.

Size

Burde are about 3 feet tall. They have average, lightweight bodies that weigh between 60 and 80 pounds. Your size is Small.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Flight

You have a flying speed of 40 feet. To use this speed, you can’t be wearing medium or heavy armor.

Talons

You are proficient with your unarmed strikes, which deal 1d4 slashing damage on a hit.

Languages

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

Charm

You can cast Charm Person once a day.