Homebrew Corvius Species Details

Distant genetic cousins to the proud Aarakocra, the Corvius are a black-feathered race of avian humanoids which reside in the outskirts of the Wastelands in semi-nomadic tribes that often travel with flocks of ravens and crows. Like their bird companions, they are scavengers by nature, and can very rarely be seen picking over the scenes of roadway wagon crashes, tornadoes that ripped through hamlets, or the aftermath of Orc raids. They tend to be skittish, too, so seeing any generally means you'd spy them from a distance or approach them very stealthily, lest they fly away.

Their culture is entirely based on the capability to either use nature's magics or scavenge, forage, or provide value to the tribe. The more a Corvius can provide, the more elevated their status is amongst their tribe. For this reason, some few Corvius might indulge in a short or sporadic adventuring career, but will commonly horde their spoils to bring them "home" to their tribe. They regularly revere nature and nature's magic, particularly the entropic forces such as rot and decay. It isn't a nihilistic outlook that colors their worldview, but a view that all things must be returned to the world so that they might encourage new life. Almost contrarily, they don't see undead objectively as abominations, but the unnatural long existence that evades death certainly is, and for this, even Elves aren't very trustworthy in their opinions. They are the only known purveyors of the Circle of Spores druidic tradition in Avalestra, a tradition which esteems rot and promotes lesser life forms like molds and fungus.

Where Aarakocra distinctly resemble raptor and harrier birds, Corvius resemble either ravens, crows, rooks, or other blackbirds like magpies. The differences in physiology make them quite distinct, and their propensity for surrounding themselves with carrion, slime mold, and mushrooms is something most Aarakocra would be repulsed by utterly. The Corvius don't mind being on the ground, and commonly venture to the floors of forests or inside caves with little hesitation. They don't have the sharp talons of their Aarakocra cousins, and have slender hands with spindly fingers, so they are frequently less aggressive than their raptor-like counterparts. 

What they might lack in ferocity, they make up for in cunning. Most adventuring Corvius choose paths of cunning and skill, and their unique ability to copy any sound they've heard is useful as bards and rogues, but also many are clever druids who wield unique deathly magic. There are very few warriors amidst their ranks, as most have no need to fight when they can either outwit or escape most threats. What few warriors do exist are typically Barbarians who scream a furious cacophony as they rip into their enemies. 

Corvius Traits

As a Corvius, you have certain traits in common with your people. Being able to fly at high speed starting at 1st level is exceptionally effective in certain circumstances and exceedingly dangerous in others. As a result, playing a Corvius requires special consideration by your DM.

Ability Score Increase

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

Copy Sound

Corvius possess the uncanny ability to replicate and make an audible sound exactly like any sound they've heard before. Exactly as if they created an auditory illusion with the Minor Illusion Cantrip, a Corvius may make any sound they choose, from a whisper to a scream, at will. The sound must emanate from their mouth. Additionally, they also do not require either Deception or Performance checks to exactly mimic the voice, speech, or inflections of any speaker they share a language with. 

Keen Awareness

You are proficient in Perception and gain a +2 bonus to your Passive Perception score. 

Age

Corvius reach maturity by age 3. Compared to humans, Corvius don’t usually live longer than 30 years.

Alignment

Most Corvius are neutral in terms of any moral compass 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

Corvius 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 25 feet.

Flight

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

Languages

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