Homebrew Aarakocra Variants Species Details
A winged people who originated on the Elemental Plane of Air, aarakocra soar through the sky wherever they wander.
From below, aarakocra look like large birds and thus are sometimes called birdfolk. Only when they roost on a branch or walk across the ground is their Humanoid nature clear. Standing upright, aarakocra are anywhere from 3 to 7 feet tall, depending on the bird they are based on. They have long, narrow legs that taper to sharp talons. Feathers cover their bodies—coming in all colors such as red, orange, yellow, brown, green, black or gray. Their heads are also avian, markings and beaks resembling their heritage bird.
Aarakocra Variants Traits
As an aarakocra, you have the following racial traits.Creature Type
You are a Humanoid.
Size
Your size is Small or Medium.
Speed
Your walking speed is 30 feet.
Flight
Because of your wings, you have a flying speed equal to your walking speed. You can’t use this flying speed if you’re wearing medium or heavy armor.
Talons
You have talons that you can use to make unarmed strikes. When you hit with them, the strike deals 1d6 + your Strength modifier slashing damage, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.
Crow (Aarakocra)
You're on the larger side of Aarakocra. Your beak is large but slender, your feathers black with an iridescent sheen. Your kind are crafty, intelligent, and quick on their feet.
Crafty
You can piece together how things work quicker than most others- you're adaptive and know how to fit pieces together, even if you've never seen them before.
You have half proficiency in all tools you are not already proficient with.
Hawk (Aarakocra)
Noble, strong, and steadfast. Your curved beak, large wings and imposing figure strike a fierce silhouette that inspires joy and hope in friends, and terror in enemies.
Keen Sight
Your eyesight is impeccable, trained to hunt through the generations and detect the smallest movement in any situation.
You have advantage when making Perception checks using sight.
Fast Flyer
Once per short rest, you may use your bonus action to double your flying speed.
When used with other movement abilities, this is multiplicative, not additive.
Example:
If base movement speed is 30ft, and you use an action to Dash for 60ft then use this ability, your flight speed would be 120ft, not 90ft.
Lyrebird (Aarakocra)
Long, lovely, colorful plumes of tailfeathers mixed in with blue and blacks across your body. Tending to the smaller side of the Aarakocra, lyrebirds tend to be short and petite with wings and beaks to match. Unless tucked away, they have a gorgeous plume that acts as a tail for them that is sure to turn heads.
Mimicry
You have a knack for mimicry. Since you were young, you've always been capable of imitating the sounds and voices around you to an impeccable degree.
You may mimic any sound or voice you have heard in the last week with a successful DC 15 Performance check.
Owl (Aarakocra)
Flat faced, curved beak, and quiet as anything. The Owl variant of aarakocra are silent and reserved, perceptive and often stereotyped as wise and introspective. In reality, they make just as good hunters as they do scholars.
Inclination - Hunter or Scholar
Choose between the following:
Hunter's Preference:
You've leaned into your natural ability to hunt and be silent, taking to shadows and ambushing prey from above.
You have proficiency in Stealth or Slight of Hand.
You also have Advantage on Stealth checks made while flying.
Scholar's Propensity:
You spend your time quiet in libraries and study halls, learning about how the world works and tending to your natural curiosity.
You have proficiency in either History, Arcana, or Insight.
You also have advantage on Wisdom checks related to learning or researching.
Pheasant (Aarakocra)
Ringnecked or Golden, Pheasant Aarakocra are known for their strong sexual dimorphism. Males display bright colors and iridescent plumage, while females tend to be more neutral tones of brown and grey. They're are among the fastest on land and are confident flyers, making them extremely mobile.
Strong Legs
Pheasants are nimble on the ground, typically able to run quicker than most of their counterparts.
Your base movement speed is 40 ft.
Strong Wings
Your wings are robust and strong, capable of carrying your own weight and more.
You can fly at half speed while wearing Medium Armor, and glide while wearing Heavy Armor.
Raven (Aarakocra)
Slick black feathers that taper into a long feathered tail. A long black beak and slender body with wings that are as majestic as they are dark, the Raven variant of Aarakocra are intelligent, graceful, and beautiful.
Darkvision
You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray. Visual obscurities such as fog, heavy rain or snow do not affect your ability to see.
Inquisitive Mind
You have proficiency in Investigation.
Robin (Aarakocra)
Coming in a plethora of vibrant colors, Robins are a cheerful sort. They love to sing and socialize, and are exceptional at foraging. Small, vibrant beaks and narrow tailfeathers, they are a joy to be around.
Forager
Foraging comes easy to you. The wilderness has never been an issue for you- getting lost as a child never lasted long.
You can pick to have proficiency in either Nature or Survival.
Songbird
You're a social creature. People gravitate towards you, as you make them feel better, seen, or safe. Whether it be because of your quiet and calming disposition, your ability to stand up to the threat of violence, or your outgoing and charming nature.
You are proficient in either Persuasion, Intimidation, or Performance checks.
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