Homebrew Strigiformes Species Details

LORE:
In their plane, there was nothing. No grass, no trees, and the sky barren. All the world seemed to be dead, except for the survivors. Barley surviving survivors. Life in the realm was harsh. With no abundance of food, the denizens took to eating each other, as it was the only thing they could do. Their bodies were not built for such a diet and lifestyle, and for several years they struggled. Until... something new, something foreign, something full of life, stumbled into their world. Their plane. Their realm. Most were wary of this new creature. It too could stand on two legs and walk around. It appeared to only have a coat on its head covered by a strange covering. It was intriguing. It talked in a language none of them could understand. It was so interesting they didn't want to attempt to devour it. And that was to their benefit. After several years, they learned this "thing" was a human and that is is a "wizard". The most important thing they learned from it is that it could get them out of their dying world. To a better place where they wouldn't need to kill each other for food. Where they wouldn't starve. They relished in this idea and longed to get to this "Material Plane" it spoke of. They did the best they could to help the wizard. They watched it age as it helped them. They bonded with it. With him. And near the end of his life, he was finally able to work out a way to get them out of there, to help them escape into a better world. A tear was ruptured between their world and the Material world. Everyone of them left, taking the wizard with them. They all would say goodbye to their dying world, and look forward to a new life in this new one. Full of life, promise...and hope. Whether the races of the Material were ready for them, they are here now, whether they like it or not.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:

Appearing to be owl faced animal creatures, Strigiforms are called so because of their resemblance to owls. This resemblance is only true in the fact they are definitely perceptive, but beyond that, it is only a skin deep coincidence. They stand anywhere from 4 feet to 7 feet tall. Their colors can vary, most seem to have black coats, others have natural colored coats. Their faces are almost always lighter in color than the rest of their bodies. Their eyebrow dots are the darkest color on their body usually. They are covered in a combination of fur and feathers, feeling somewhat soft to the touch. They walk on their toes much like minotaur and tabaxi do. They can have a variety of ears and tails. While most resemble a barn owl, some can appear to look like other owls in the face, though this is somewhat rare. These owl like faces are referred to as masks by most Strigiforms. Their most astonishing feature are their masks. What appears to be a beak of an owl is actually wet to the touch, much like the nose of a canine. It is indeed their actual nose. When they feel like it, are hungry, or trying to make a point, they will open their true mouths. These mouths are filled with human-like teeth and a large, broad tongue. When their mouths are opened, the masks act as the upper jaw, with the mandible being hidden in the fur beneath (I will post a visual). Their eyes usually are one solid bright color with a white pupil. Their hands are covered in skin, and they have rather sharp claws, both on their hands and feet. The claws on their feet are retractable.

GENERAL INFO:

Strigiforms got their name from the Wizard that helped them, as they reminded him of owls.

Age; Can live up to 500 years old. They were long lived in their world, which was a curse. In the Material Plane, it has become more of a blessing.

Alignments: They can fall under any alignment. Most fall under any Neutral alignments (NG, NE, CN, LN). With the constant threat of death finally lifted off their shoulders, Strigiforms are free to spend their time exploring and figuring out this new world. Most aren't too privy to laws or plights of others. They are more curious to watch an event happen than help.

Bonuses: They get a plus 2 to Wisdom as a race. They are proficient in Perception, Intimidation, and Persuasion checks.

Traits: False Face*, Telepathy

Strigiform details (can't be shown because D&D beyond doesn't like external images shrugs)

Extra: They don't like owlbears. Do not compare the two.

Strigiformes Traits

False Face

Once per day, when a target attempts to either Charm, Intimidate, or Persuade a Strigiform, the target will get disadvantage on its rolls to do so. If the target fails in doing so, the Strigiform can in turn attempt to intimidate or persuade the target who attempted to charm, intimidate, or persuade them with advantage on their rolls. If the target succeeds then it is immune to the effects of this trait for 24 hours.

Telepathy

Due to the odd nature of their true mouths, Strigiforms have other ways of communication. They can communicate telepathically with any creature they can see within 100 feet of them.