Homebrew Illyrian Species Details
Inhabiting high steppes and mountains, Illyrians are a fierce race of winged warriors. Much of an Illyrian’s life is spent training and fighting, however women are often confined to the home; while Illyrian society is working to overcome this sexism, many members of the older generations still hold outdated and conservative views. Split between scattered war tribes, they share a rich culture that incorporates local traditions into a wider set of beliefs. Some of these tribes settle in villages, whereas others are more nomadic, serving as large mercenary forces. They are immigrants, refugees, scouts, and explorers, their outposts functioning as footholds in a world both strange and alien.
Ink and Wings
Illyrians look much like humans, and unlike elves they have rounded ears despite being descended from fey. Their hair is generally dark and thick, with tanned skin and brown eyes. Illyrians are heavily muscled due to their lifestyle, and from the need to support the two bat-like wings that sprout from their backs. These wings are ginormous; they are also an Illyrian’s pride and joy, to be protected at all costs and treated with reverence. In Illyrian culture, tattoos are awarded when an individual is initiated as a warrior, and are believed to grant luck and glory on the battlefield. Tattoos are also used to represent important figures or events in an Illyrian’s life.
Ruthless Initiation
To become a true warrior, an Illyrian must participate in the Blood Rite - a brutal test of survival. Once a year, in early spring, those wishing to progress from novice to full warriorhood convene around the sacred mountain – atop which sits a black obelisk that the participants must touch to pass. They have their wings bound and weapons and magic are banned; the only supplies they are granted are the clothes on their back. Participants are given one week to reach the top of the mountain, and the area is closed off the rest of the year to prevent future participants from scouting. During this time, novices must survive exposure, the creatures of the mountains, and each other as they race against time. Many Illyrians who enter the rite often kill each other for food, clothes, vengeance, or glory. Indeed, the Blood Rite offers a release for the dangerous tension within the Illyrian community. It is better to settle it in the Rite than risk civil war.
Illyrian Pride
Illyrians enjoy honour and prestige on the battlefield. Most of them train for years in order to hone their skills. For this reason, some travel in search of nothing else but achievements in battle to bring glory to themselves and their people. Those with the best feats are respected among other Illyrians, and they memorialize their achievements in elaborate tattoos on their bodies. Illyrians are also a proud people; they will often seek revenge if they feel their values or loved ones have been insulted or threatened, stopping at nothing to neutralize that threat and protect what's theirs. While most Illyrians are warriors, some spend their talents in more subtle ways, learning to sneak, spy, and assassinate with finesse.
Flying Warriors
Nowhere are Illyrians more comfortable than in the sky. They can spend hours in the air, and can go as long as days when necessary, locking their wings into 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 magic before turning and flying away. On the ground they still move swiftly and powerfully, however their wings can make it difficult to manoeuvre in tight quarters.
Illyrian Traits
Your Illyrian character has a variety of traits in common with other Illyrians.Ability Score Increase
Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Strength score increases by 1.
Age
While Illyrians mature at a similar rate to humans, reaching adulthood at about 18, they live well into their 600s.
Alignment
Most Illyrians are neutral and rarely choose sides when it comes to law and chaos. Tribal leaders and warriors might be lawful, while explorers and adventurers might tend toward chaotic. Depending on who the tribe or individual serves (if they serve someone) they might align with evil.
Size
Illyrians range from 5 feet to over 6 feet tall, and they have lean, muscular bodies that weigh between 130 and 220 pounds. Your size is Medium.
Speed
Your base walking speed is 30ft, and your flying speed is 60ft. You cannot fly while wearing heavy armour.
Darkvision
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.
Illyrian Training
Illyrians go through brutal and sometimes even fatal training during their childhood, as they are always preparing for outside threats. You have proficiency with all martial and simple weapons, and either medium or light armor.
Natural Intimidation
Your imposing appearance allows you to easily scare or threaten others. You have proficiency in Intimidation.
Languages
You can speak, read and write Common and Sylvan.
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