Homebrew Raptorborn Species Details

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

Raptorborn are people descended from and sharing ubiquitous characteristics with ancient pack predators. They themselves are precursors to the varied species of birds-of-prey that exist today. As such, Raptorborn take the form of humanoid beings mostly covered in a thick coat of short, bristle-like feathers that may be striped, spotted, or splotchy in pattern. Their long, rounded snouts, forearms, and lower legs are devoid of this covering, instead of bearing a scaled hide. Most are colored in subdued, earthy tones, though males tend to be more brightly colored, and often sport a crest-like mane of feathers that reacts with the Raptorborn's mood. Their bright colors serve to attract mates and show off their virility. Their eyes are often green or yellow in color, with a smaller number featuring blue or violet hues.

HISTORY

Raptorborn likely were created alongside the dinosaurs towards the end of the Sarrukh kingdom's reign during the days of thunder. Like the Yuan-ti, they were probably humanoids who lived before the age of man came to be. Creatures like the Lizardfolk and dragons existed, but dinosaurs were a deadly mix of the two. From the mix came the raptors, who were small and fast wicked little things. The Sarrukh experimented on the humanoids, mixing the races. The Raptorborn was then created. They did not enjoy life too long as soon the Sarrukh fell and the Yuan-ti usurped power. The deity of the Yuan-ti was cruel and the Raptorborn fled from his influence, refusing to worship him. They found refuge outside the reaches of Mhairshaulk, where they lived in relative fear and seclusion. When the god became unresponsive and other races assailed the empire, the Raptorborn made peace with the human forces and swore their aid. After the battle was over, Raptorborn were free to walk with the humans, though the Yuan-ti never forgot their perceived betrayal.

SOCIETY

Raptorborn often live in temperate or warm rainforests in tribes. However, thanks to the bravery and deeds of their ancestors, they can venture forth to other settlements and cities without fear of stigma. In a way, they are regarded as Draconic in nature. Raptorborn are all too eager to interact, trade with, and assist different peoples, assuming that no hostile intent is shown to them. They are thought to be timid in new environments, despite their eagerness. At the back of their mind usually lurks the wonder of what evil thoughts another creature may be scheming. As such, divination magic into another creature's thoughts is a highly praised skill in Raptorborn society.

This timidness does not change the fact that, when threatened, Raptorborn are capable combatants. Predatory instinct still lays behind every Raptorborn's fierce intellect, and the pack mentality that otherwise allows their society to thrive through teamwork becomes a fierce weapon when turned to face a foe. Through skillful coordination and the viciousness of any assault, even a small group of Raptorborn warriors can defeat larger or more numerous foes. Like Lizardfolk, they are resourceful creatures and masters of their home terrain.

RAPTORBORN NAMES

There is a dichotomy to Raptorborn names. While males usually take more musical, sibilant names, females are usually given harsher-sounding names with hard consonants.

Male: Ssyrsha, Ith, Rrissatha, Mylosth, Zaä

Female: Nykryk, Zaip, Styr, Ykja, Krek

Raptorborn Traits

The Raptorborn are brutal and crafty hunters, and they will never let you forget that.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity Score increases by 2, while your Intelligence Score increases by 1.

Age

The Raptorborn age at a similar pace as humans, but they have much longer lifespans, reaching up to 200 years old.

Allignment

Raptorborn tend to lean towards Neutral Good and Chaotic Good.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 35.

Darkvision

You can see in the dark up to 60 feet, but you cannot discern color.

Bite and Claw

Your claws can hook onto another being and your teeth will tear them to shreds. If you successfully grapple a creature, you may use a bonus action to make a bite attack against the grappled creature. On a success, you deal 1d10 piercing damage. This damage increases by 1d10 at 6th level (2d10), 11th level (3d10), and 16th level (4d10).

Pack Rush

You coordinate well with allies to bring home the kill. If at least one of your allies is within 5 feet of a creature and the ally isn't incapacitated, you have Advantage on an attack roll against that creature. You may alternatively grant this advantage to an ally if the same conditions are met. You must finish a long rest before using this trait again.

Wonderous Mind

You are proficient in Insight.

Size

Trending towards greater height, many Raptorborn are around six to six and a half feet tall. Your size is Medium.

Languages

You can read, write and speak Common and one other language of your choice.