Homebrew Owl Folk Species Details

Owlfolk resemble anthropomorphic owls, with humanoid bodies and limbs. Their legs retain the angular bend which raptors have, as well as a foot full of razor sharp talons. Their wing ends have human prehensile hands, making them different from how aarakocra have wings separate from their arms. Owlfolk have developed longer legs and thicker bodies, where the ruffage is fluffier. This development has made their wings proportionately smaller, unable to carry their weight. They have developed good running skills, using their wings as enhancers of speed instead. Full grown owlfolk grow lengths of wingspans and are eventually able to fly.

The owlfolk are a race of peoples from the Elemental Plane of Air that are speculated to have migrated originally from Frostfell. Their polar cousins retain more of their arctic qualities and pristine feathers. These normal owlfolk are colored with spotted feathers of browns and speckles. They had clashed with aarakocra over territory before, but this proved futile in their part due to aarakocra having aerial advantages. Owlfolk are thus regarded as kenku are in the eyes of those who can fly. In migrating to the Material Realm, owlfolk looked for a more grounded life to escape their inferiority compared to beings of the air. It is not entirely clear what made them evolve to lose their wings. Some believe it a mistake of the deity which created them, or perhaps an adaptation which pushed for them to develop wings only later in life.

 

Owlfolk prefer to be efficient and intelligent in their designs and machinations. They are ruled by a leader with the title of Talon Lord, who consults a Council of Feathers. They are a society of wizened hunters, essentially. Older owlfolk who can fly usually accompany fledglings on the ground to catch what they allow to escape. They put these skills to work in their villages usually built within the confines of pine forests and chilly alpines, preferring colder weather. The virtues of efficiency and knowledge allow for them to be excellent trappers and procurers of the best game, which they sell in trade to others. Owlfolk are fairly peaceful, and they are social enough with many other races within proximity. They do not have any grand world net of connections however.

Owl Folk Traits

As an aarakocra, 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 an aarakocra requires special consideration by your DM.

Ability Score Increase

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

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.

Predator Senses

Like owls, you can see very well and spin your head about to see very well. You have advantage in Wisdom Perception checks using your sight.

Bone Eater

 Owls have tough digestive systems to process bones and all animal parts. You are immune to diseases or being poisoned by food or drink.

Light Feathers

Your feathers still provide marvelous muffling for speed. You are proficient in the Stealth skill. To use this speed, you must not be wearing heavy armor.

Talons

 Your talons are sharp and lethal natural weapons for unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier.