Homebrew Avari Species Details

Sequestered in Barren Jetty, sheltered within the stark peninsulas and shimmering forests, the Avari, sometimes called birdfolk, evoke a sense of wonder and reverence for their songs and methods of catching prey. Many Avari are native to the cold waters located in Sethros region of Hysha, where they use their alluring music to catch prey. Many a shipwright have told tale of siren songs in the desolate waters of the Jetty.

They are song writers, musicians, and skilled rhetoricians, their outposts functioning as footholds in a world both cold and barren.

Beak and Feather

From afar, Avari look much like large huddling birds. Only when they approach does their more humanoid appearance reveal itself. Standing upright, Avari might reach 7 feet tall, and they have long, narrow beaks that taper to sharp points.

Black feathers cover their bodies, masking their underlying form. In particular, their large, billowing neck feathers resembles thick down coats of the local fishmongering Low-Landers. Males are more brightly colored, with feathers of red, orange, or deep purple; however, this is relative, as their coloration only reveals itself if caught by the light. Females have more subdued colors, usually brown or grey. Their heads complete the avian appearance, having large white beaks that blend with white facial feathers to form a mask-like appearance.

Beak Craftsman & Musical Heritage

No Avari is ever without their natural instrumentation. Instilled within the culture of the Avari is the practice of beak carving. During this process, the beak of an Avari is carefully carved and whitted to form natural wind instrumentation. As the Aavri age, their beaks grow longer, creating a more robust and enchanting tone. As such, their culture in imbued with a strong respect and reverence for their elders. Songs passed through the generations are treated with great respect and considered the true factual record of Hysha's history

Avian Mannerisms

The resemblance of Avari to birds isn’t limited to physical features. Avari 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 Avari 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. An Avari might become frustrated with people who fail to pick up on the nuances; an Avari threat might be taken as a jest and vice versa. Those who are not versed in the Avari dialect and mannerisms, may note they distinctly lack any facial expression.

 

Homelands

Once tribes of Avari 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, conjoined nests made of ice. The eldest acts as leader with the support of a council (the chamber of chorus).

Avari and the Quelled Guild

The Avari are known to have their secrets; however, songs sung in hushed tones are heard on the wind's breath tell about a guild comprised of elite members.

Great Attitude

Avari enjoy peace and solitude. Most of them have little interest in dealing with other peoples and less interest in spending time exploring beyond their region. For this reason, it takes an exceptional circumstance for an Avari to leave his or her tribe and undertake the adventurer’s life. Neither treasure nor glory is enough to lure them from their tribes; a dire threat to their people, a mission of vengeance, or a catastrophe typically lies at the heart of the Avari adventurer’s chosen path.

 

AVARI BACKGROUNDS

Backgrounds that are most appropriate for Avari include the outlander, the hermit, and the sage.

Avari Traits

As an Avari, you have certain traits in common with your people. Being able to fly at high speed at higher 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

Avari reach maturity by age 18. Avari don’t usually live longer than 100 years.

Alignment

Most Avari 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

Avari are about 7 feet tall. They have thin, lightweight bodies that weigh between 80 and 100 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 25 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, Aracrokra, and Auvann (the latter two are native Avari languages).