Homebrew Tengu Species Details

Often confused with the local Kenku, the Tengu is a race not of the realm. 

Beak and Feather

From below, Tengu look much like large crows. Only when they descend to roost on a branch or walk across the ground does their humanoid appearance reveal itself. Standing upright, tengu might reach 4 feet tall, and they have long, narrow legs that taper to sharp talons.

Feathers cover their bodies. They are coloured with feathers of either white or black. Their heads complete the avian appearance, being something like a crow or jackdaw with distinct variations.

Sky Wardens

Nowhere are the Tengu more comfortable than in the sky. They can spend hours in the air, and some go as long as days. In battle, they prove dynamic and acrobatic fliers, moving with remarkable speed and grace, diving to lash opponents with weapons or talons before turning and flying away.

Avian Mannerisms

The resemblance of Tengu to birds isn’t limited to physical features. Tengu display many of the same mannerisms as ordinary birds. They are fastidious about their plumage, frequently tending their feathers, cleaning and scratching away any tiny passengers they might have picked up. When they deign to descend from the sky, they often do so near pools where they can catch fish and bathe themselves.

Many punctuate their speech with chirps, sounds they use to convey emphasis and to shade meaning, much as a human might through facial expressions and gestures. A tengu might become frustrated with people who fail to pick up on the nuances; a Tengu’s threat might be taken as a jest and vice versa.

Confinement terrifies the Tengu. To be grounded, trapped underground, or imprisoned by the cold, unyielding earth is a torment few Tengu can withstand. Even when perched on a high branch or at rest in their mountaintop homes, they appear alert, with eyes moving and bodies ready to take flight.

 

TENGU IN THE FORGOTTEN REALMS

Tengu are a new arrival in Faerûn. There are sightings of individuals being spotted here and there, but Tengu have no settlements to speak of. Some have been spotted in the high peaks of the Star mounts, and others in port cities where they blend in with all of the other misfits and strange folks. 

Tengu Traits

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

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Tengu reach maturity by age 20. Compared to humans, tengu don’t usually live longer than 2 centuries.

Size

Tengu are about 3 to 4 feet tall. They have thin, lightweight bodies that weigh between 60 and 80 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.

Talons

Your talons are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Tengu and Auran.