Homebrew Avani (Cloudborn) Species Details

The winds won't carry you forever," his mother said, fastening the simple leather harness across his chest. "You must learn to carry yourself."
He stretched his wings wide, the early sun catching the shimmer of his feathers. The cliffs loomed ahead — high, sharp, unyielding. Heart pounding, he sprinted forward, the air roaring past him, and leapt.

For a terrifying heartbeat, he plummeted. Then instinct took hold: wings beat, muscles burned, and the sky lifted him.
High above the world, he laughed, a sound like the rushing breeze.

"Strength first," he whispered to himself. "Then flight."

 

Every draft of wind, every shifting cloud, every hard-fought moment between earth and sky — this is the life of the Avani. Their magic lies not in spells or bloodlines but in the fierce mastery of their bodies, wings, and will.

Children of the Sky

Avani are born with an innate bond to the open air and an enduring drive to test themselves against the world’s heights and hardships. They are guardians, messengers, and warriors of the skies — building cities atop cliffs, patrolling cloud-kissed peaks, and mastering the arts of battle as easily as the dance of the wind.

Though they possess no innate spellcasting, their speed, agility, and fierce training often make their deeds seem magical. An Avani patrol riding the storm currents can strike with the swiftness of lightning, defend a distant outpost, or rescue stranded travelers far from civilization.

In battle, Avani favor precision and speed over brute force. In peace, they are builders of elevated communities, architects of rope bridges and sky towers, and singers whose voices echo across valleys.

Airborne Forms

From the waist up, Avani appear slender and agile, with lithe shoulders and toned arms built for nimble movement rather than brute strength. Their hair is not hair at all, but feathers—long, soft, and flexible, growing much like human hair, and often styled in braids, ties, or left to flow freely. From the waist down, their legs resemble those of a bird, covered in fine feathers that match the hues of their head plumage, ending in sharp, curved talons designed for climbing, perching, and combat. Small feathered crests may rise from their heads, twitching with emotion or curiosity, giving them a lively, alert appearance.

Avani skin tones are often fair to sun-kissed, with subtle iridescent or metallic sheens that catch the light. Feather-hair colors vary widely: silvers, pale blues, soft golds, and muted pastels are common, with streaks or patterns unique to each individual.

Avani favor light, practical clothing that allows complete freedom of movement. Tunics, sashes, and scarves are common, often layered with belts or straps for carrying tools and small treasures. Festival attire may incorporate extra feathers, bright colors, and delicate embroidery that sways with their wings and talons.

Curious and Fierce

Avani are curious and free-spirited, valuing personal freedom, cleverness, and connection with others. They are quick to explore, quick to question, and often quick to anger—especially when provoked. Despite their fiery tempers, they are loyal to friends and allies, and a clever and tenacious opponent in any conflict. Street smarts and adaptability are common traits, making Avani excellent problem-solvers, messengers, scouts, and daring adventurers.

While some Avani prefer to remain near their home clouds or settlements, others are drawn to distant lands, spreading their restless energy wherever they go. They often become steadfast companions, bringing insight, curiosity, and a streak of daring to every endeavor.

Avani Names

Avani names tend to be short, melodic, and spirited, often evoking air, movement, or natural phenomena.

Male Names: Zephyr, Cael, Fynn, Talon, Orrin, Auron, Skye, Lyric, Soren, Riven
Female Names: Liora, Elowen, Vanya, Sylpha, Nyra, Caelia, Isel, Thalira, Aeliana, Seris
Family Names: Cloudstride, Skytalon, Dawnwing, Starfeather, Windcaller, Lightcrest, Silvergale

Avani (Cloudborn) Traits

Avani share certain species traits as a result of their bond with the open skies and their legacy of agile strength and martial tradition.

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1.

Age

Avani mature at a similar rate to humans, reaching adulthood in their late teens. Their bond with the skies grants them long vitality, and they can live up to 120 years.

Size

Avani tend to be leaner and lighter than humans, with hollow bone structures similar to great birds of prey. Though their frames are wiry, their wingspan ranges from 12 to 14 feet, giving them a commanding presence in the sky. Your size is Medium, typically standing between 5 and 6 feet tall but weighing noticeably less than a human of the same height.

Speed

• Walking Speed: 30 feet

• Flying Speed: 35 feet (you can’t fly while wearing medium or heavy armor, or carrying more than your Strength score in pounds).

 

Skyborn Resilience

You have advantage on saving throws against effects that would cause you to fall prone. Additionally, you can hold your breath for up to 10 minutes, accustomed to thin air and high altitudes.

Cloud Glide

When falling at least 10 feet, you can spread your wings to slow your descent. You fall at a rate of 30 feet per round and take no damage from falling as long as you are conscious and not incapacitated.

Wind Step

Your mastery of balance and momentum lets you leap farther. Your long jump and high jump distances are doubled.

Avani Combat Training

You are proficient with spears, shortswords, and shortbows — traditional Avani skyfighter weapons.

Sky Vision

You have proficiency in the Perception skill. In addition, when you are in open skies or elevated terrain, you can see up to 1 mile away clearly as if it were within 100 feet.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Auran