Homebrew Andalkoa Species Details

The northern plains are a harsh land, home to many megalithic beasts like mammoths and woolly rhinoceros. Travelling in nomadic tribes are the Andalkoa, resembling a cross between aarakocra and axe beaks, otherwise known as Terror Birds. They have feathered bodies with 4 fingered clawed hands, their heads are that of the axe beak, which they use to maul their foes should they Lose their weapons. Andalkoa feathers are usually shorter, designed for insulation and usually range in color from beige with brown splotches to grey and brown-black.They have no wings, instead andalkoa evolved to be prolific runners.

Andalkoa are nomadic by nature, living in groups that can range in size from a handful of individuals to several hundred. They follow different herds of animals all across the northern tundra regions and plains. While technologically primitive, the andalkoa make do with simple weapons made from rock, obsidian, and parts harvested from animals they hunt. 

Andalkoa society is very close knit, their leaders are always the eldest female, elected as a shaman to lead their people, Andalkoa are incredibly superstitious and believe in obscure gods of the cosmos, most taking the form of animals they hunt.

As stated above Andalkoa are very fast runners. Their usual method of attack is to surround the target, leading it either through aggression or fear into natural ravines or slopes where other Andalkoa wait with traps and javelins.

Some Andalkoa due to encroaching civilization have been driven south and further north. Andalkoa find the company of fellow travellers intriguing and enjoy sharing traditions and stories with other travellers, often trading magical items and trinkets for more advanced equipment. It is of their tradition to always be accepting of outsiders should they be nonviolent.

Andalkoa Traits

Nomadic birdlike creatures inhabiting tundra plains.

Ability Score

Andalkoa are strong, in both form and tradition. Having a +2 to strength and wisdom.

However, Andalkoa lack better intelligence and take a -3 to their intelligence modifier.

Tundra Hunter

Once per short or long rest an Andalkoa can roll damage against a target larger than it and take the higher of the two.

This ability also allows Andalkoa to add double their constitution modifier to resist cold.

Natural Attack

Andalkoa have small talons on their hands. Each claw attack deals 1d4 slashing damage.

Their beak is a single attack that deals 1d8 bludgeoning damage.

Nomad

An Andalkoa can take a short or long rest and still be able to walk half at half speed.

This ability also grants Andalkoa advantage on athletics checks for sprinting.