Homebrew Bozog Species Details

Hailing from the once-isolated land of Ilium, the bozogs frequently evoke confusion and wonder. Their origins are shrouded in mystery; some say they are the only creation of the evil goddess Veltari, some say they are descendants of long extinct proto-birds, and some say they were conjured into existence in a burst of wild magic (these claims are usually met with only derisive laughter).

Bozogs have spread through the world, though their numbers are small and they cluster together in small enclaves. They are renowned runners, and when forced to fight, astound with their powerful kicks.

Scales and Feathers

Standing upright, bozogs can stand up to 7 feet tall, though are typically between 5 feet 6 inches and 6 feet tall. They have long, muscular bird legs that transition to sharp, reptilian talons.

Feathers cover their bodies, aside from their legs, necks, and heads. Their plumage is typically shades of gray, light on the underside and dark on the back and wings, though feathers of almost any color of the rainbow are possible. Their heads - atop long, flexible necks - evoke a cross between an avian and saurian creature, like if an aarakocra bred with a lizardfolk (don't picture that).

Well Documented and Powerful Kicks

Despite clearly being birds and having fairly sizeable wings, bozogs are incapable of natural flight.

On land, however, they are comfortable and capable, which is fortunate. As a species, they take great pride in their ability to kick. The claws on their feet are hard and sharp, comparable to even fine steel weapons, and even an average bozog can kick with power comparable to a seasoned fighter's strike. Through all documented history of bozogs, their kicking ability is noted by all authors.

Bozog Culture and Behavior

Bozog  culture is sparse to say the least. It has largely been absorbed and amalgamated from the cultures and mannerisms of the peoples around them. They've taken a particular liking to Aarakocra and Tiefling cultural habits.

Bozogs are generally atheistic, or subscribe to a religion called "Veltariism", the tenets of which are unclear at best.

A stereotype of bozog speech is a high pitch, high volume, screeching voice that they speak with. This is not true of all bozogs, and is viewed as slightly offensive if you try to mimic that voice pattern. But of course, sometimes it is true.

Bozogs are not what you could call "cowardly", but they do tend to prefer to avoid conflict whenever possible.

Homelands

Bozogs hail originally from the nation and capital city, Ilium, but when the barrier fell, spread across the world. There is now no single place that is considered their homeland, or even preferred environment; they settle anywhere.

They do, however, prefer to keep to themselves. Bozogs will generally form communities or enclaves within larger settlements. Lone or pairs of bozogs have been known to mingle with other races in myriad situations, however.

Bozog Names

Two of the most popular bozog names are "Bozog" and "Veltari". They will take naming conventions from whatever community they're associated with, or craft new names arising from their unique vocal properties. These uniquely bozog names will usually incorporate z, g, v sounds, and many high-pitched vowel sounds.

BOZOG BACKGROUNDS

Due to their widespread circumstances, backgrounds that are most appropriate for bozogs can be almost anything. You are unlikely to find many noble bozogs due to their general disinterest in hoarding familial power.

Bozog Traits

Bozogs primary features are their powerful legs, and lack of hands.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Bozogs reach maturity by age 16, and can live up to 80 years, occasionally longer.

Alignment

Most bozogs are good or neutral and rarely choose sides when it comes to law and chaos.

Size

Bozogs are about 5-6 feet tall. They have thin but muscular bodies that weigh between 120 and 160 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 40 feet.

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 Infernal.