Homebrew Duck Species Details

Thriving in lakes and ponds, Duckfolk, sometimes called just Ducks, evoke only wonder. They are very peaceful and wish only to stop fights, not start them. But this can of course sometimes get in the way of Ducks adventurous side. 

Beak and Feather

The overall body plan of ducks is elongated and broad, and the ducks are also relatively long-necked, albeit not as long-necked as the geese and swans. The body shape of diving ducks varies somewhat from this in being more rounded.

Lake Wardens

Nowhere are the Ducks more comfortable than in the water. They can spend hours in the water,  they prove to be dynamic and acrobatic in battle, moving with remarkable speed and grace, diving to attack opponents with weapons or spells before turning and flying away.

Once in the water or air, a Duck leaves the sky, pond or lake with reluctance.

Aarakocra Names

As with much of their speech, Duck names include clicks, quacks, and whistles to the point that other peoples have a difficult time pronouncing them. Typically, a name has two to four syllables with the sounds acting as connectors. When interacting with other races, Ducks may use nicknames gained from people they meet or shortened forms of their full names.

A Duck of either gender may have one of these short names: Quillen, Aur, Deekek, Errk, Heehk, Ikki, Kleeck, Oorr, Ouss, Quaf, Quierk, Salleek, Urreek, or Zeed. 

AARAKOCRA BACKGROUNDS

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

The small colonies of Ducks are insular and remote, and few Ducks live away from their roosts. In the ponds and lakes of forests and grasslands, no more than a few dozen Ducks live away from the nests of their families. Those that do are usually rangers, wizards or monks, constantly patrolling for outside threats.

Duck Traits

As a Duck, 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 Duck requires special consideration by your DM.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Ducks reach maturity by age 5. Compared to humans, Ducks don’t usually live longer than 45 years.

Alignment

Most Ducks are good and very peaceful, but also territorial. Ducks tend to be Neutral.

Size

Ducks are about 3 feet tall. They have thin, lightweight bodies that weigh between 26 and 38 pounds. Your size is Small.

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.

Darkvision

Accustomed to the night, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. 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.

Languages

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