Homebrew Endri Species Details

 

The endri of Spertinia are a cultured and alien people to the rest of the continent.  Only residing in the desert city of Oasis, they flock together in tightly-knit family groups that operate much like tribes within the larger society.  They all, however, bow to the great Sultan, Silas the Grey Eagle; wisest and largest of the Spertinian endri.

Beak and Feather

From below, endri look much like large birds. Only when they descend to roost on a branch or walk across the ground does their humanoid appearance reveal itself. Standing upright, endri might reach 5 feet tall, (the largest reaching 6) and they have long, narrow legs that taper to sharp talons.

Feathers cover their bodies. Their plumage typically denotes their role within endri society. Males are brightly colored, with feathers of red, orange, or yellow. Females have more subdued colors, usually brown or gray. Their heads complete the avian appearance, being something like a parrot or eagle.

Nowhere are the endri more comfortable than in the sky. They can spend hours in the air,  locking their wings in place and letting the thermals hold them aloft. 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 the endri to birds isn’t limited to physical features. Endri 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.  They also may find themselves compelled to collect for themselves overly colorful and shiny objects.

Many endri 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. An endri might become frustrated with people who fail to pick up on the nuances; an endri’s threat might be taken as a jest and vice versa.

Confinement terrifies the endri . To be grounded, trapped underground, or imprisoned by the cold, unyielding earth is a torment few endri 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.

Homeland

The endri live in the Desert of Spertinia, where the harsh sunlight allows them to live free of unwelcome visitors.  Their thickly layered feathers help to keep them cool, and provide a level of natural armor which protects them from the dangerous animals that live beneath the sand, such as the giant scorpion.

 

Endri Names

As with much of their speech, endri names include clicks, trills, 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, endri will always use nicknames gained from people they meet, as they find bonding to others to be easy.

An endri of either gender may have one of these short names: Aera, Aial, Aur, Deekek, Errk, Heehk, Ikki, Kleeck, Oorr, Ouss, Quaf, Quierk, Salleek, Urreek, or Zeed. 

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

Size

Endri are about 5 feet tall, with some reaching up to 6 feet tall. They have thin, lightweight bodies that weigh between 80 and 100 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 20 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 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Endran (Endri).