Homebrew Harpling Species Details

Harplings are considered half Human and half Harpy. They believe that they are superior to Harpies and become insulted when compared to them.  Harplings tend to be more civilized and focused which leads them to cooperating with the other races. Many races confuse them with their feral ancestors which can cause fear and distrust. While encountering a Harpling is uncommon, they are slowly becoming more common as they mingle with the common races of the world.

 

Talons, Feathers and Claws.

Harplings look fairly similar to their Harpy ancestors. Their average height ranges from 4.5 - 5.5 ft tall. Their ears are short and pointed, their legs appear birdlike from the knees down, and they have sharp talons for feet. One of the biggest differences between Harplings and Harpies is that  Harpling arms are combined with their wings. Their arms are covered in big feathers capable of lifting them off the ground and their arms end in dull claws. A Harplings avian features usually take form in the same locations (Wings, claws, legs, talons) but their appearance seems to vary at random.  Coloring's and markings often mirroring their wild avian counter parts. Rarely, Harplings have distinct patterns across their body. Harplings skin colors vary as well. Usually, they are born with similar skin tones to humans, while others are born with a solid pale color (red, green, or blue). 

 

Towns and Caves

Harplings tend to live in ruined villages or caves in dense woods; forming small clans with any willing humanoid. Its not uncommon for Harplings to find homes on the outer edges of cities or large towns. They must be cautious of their actions and the laws surrounding them. Harplings thrive when surrounded by people, but can be naturally anxious do to their genetic link with Harpies.

 

Feral Mannerisms

Harplings don't like to admit it, but they share some personality aspects with their close relatives. The Harpies poor animalistic impulse control can commonly manifest in Harplings through three outlets: overly exciting eating, succumbing to an urge to attack weak creatures or easy targets, and outbursts of frustrated anger. As each Harpling is different, so are their ingrained mannerisms.

 

Names

Harplings either choose to mimic human naming conventions or they choose to name their children based off physical traits or personality quirks. (Male) Anton, Diero, Marcon; (Female) Balama, Dona, Faila ; (Unisex) Sunny, Chip, Blurr, Kiwi, Coco.

 

Harpling Traits

Many people mistake Harplings for their feral ancestors, Harpies, but there are various differences between the two. Your character has the following traits.

Ability Score Increase

 Your Intellect and Wisdom ability scores each increase by 1.

Age

Harplings reach adulthood in their early teens and live a bit more than a century.

Alignment

Harplings tend to lean toward a lawful alignment. Following  the law is important for Harplings who wish to fit in.

Size

Humans vary widely in height and build, from barely 5 feet to well over 6 feet tall. Regardless of your position in that range, your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 25 feet.

Flight

Your flight speed is 40. While flying, you cannot use items in your hands, but you can use items in your talons. You can't fly while wearing heavy armor, and your flight speed is reduced by half when wearing medium armor.

Dexterous Talons

You are able to use your talons like a second set of hands. While flying, you can use them to cast spells, wield weapons and use shields.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Dwarvish, and one extra language of your choice. Harplings usually adapt to the languages of other peoples they deal with, including obscure dialects. They are fond of mimicking phrases borrowed from other tongues.