Homebrew Mistral Raptor Species Details

When the birdfolk think of hunters or rangers, they picture a raptor. Resembling small hawks, eagles, and other birds of prey, they have sharp talons and agile builds that help them effortlessly glide through the canopy. These birdfolk are swift and strong with an uncanny knack for tracking. They are rarely prey, and are quick to turn the tables when finding themselves hunted.

Perceptive Awareness

Given their heightened senses, often raptors appear to be distracted or deep in thought. In reality, they are processing the wealth of sensory information they receive from their articularly
keen eyes and sensitive ears. While many folk are only ever aware of what goes on directly around them, raptors have an extremely wide field of awareness. Raptors are adept at living off the land. They are skilled hunters, usually leading the harvesting of meat and skins for their perches. Raptors are especially well versed in stalking prey from great heights, lining up impossible shots that their prey could not predict.

Natural Predator

While many of the birdfolk races are culturally communal, raptors don’t have a great sense of connectedness, nor do they tend to create their own perches. They are more likely to adopt
a transient lifestyle, moving from perch to perch, or to simply live in the vast forests of the Wood itself. Though typically quiet, raptors are not averse to forming relationships with other birdfolk. Despite their reserved nature, raptors value personal bonds more highly than societal or even familial ties.

Mistral Raptor Traits

Glide, Talons, Keen Senses, Woodland Hunter, Hunter's Training, Aerial Defence.

Glide

Using your feathered arms, you can slow your fall, and glide short distances. When falling you can use your reaction to spread your arms, stiffen your wing feathers, and slow your descent. While doing so, you continue to fall gently at a speed of 60 feet per round, taking no fall damage when you land. If you would fall at least 10 feet in this way, you may fly up to your movement speed in one direction you choose, although you cannot choose to move upwards, landing in the space you finish your movement. You cannot glide while carrying heavy weapons or wielding a shield (though you may drop any held items as part of your reaction to spread your arms). You cannot glide while wearing heavy armor, or if you are encumbered.

Talons

Your sharp claws aid you in unarmed combat and while climbing. Your damage for an unarmed strike is 1d4 piercing damage. Additionally, you have advantage on Strength (Athletics) checks made to climb any surface your talons could reasonably grip.

Woodland Hunter

Your accuracy allows you to treat three-quarters cover as half cover and half cover as no cover.

Hunter’s Training

You have proficiency with the longbow, short bow, and spear. Additionally, your familiarity with the longbow means that it is not considered a heavy weapon for you.

Aerial Defence

Creatures that attack you while you are falling, gliding, or jumping have disadvantage on their attack roll. 

Ability Score increases

Dexterity +2 / Wisdom +1

Proficiency

Perception / Acrobatics