Homebrew Aonan Species Details

Sequestered in the jungles of Aonyra, the aonans, live a peaceful and carefree life. Their common live-in-the-moment, go with the flow attitudes can be vexing at times but aids them when throwing a good party.

Aonans are commonly found as nomads, scouts, and explorers, with their tall airship port cities.

Flesh and Feather

As natural shapeshifters, aonans can transform into a bird. Only when they choose to walk across the ground do they reveal their humanoid appearance.  Feathers sprout along an aonan's hairline and eyelids.

Aonan males' feathers tend to be brightly colored, while females tend to have more subdued colors.  Some aonans will have talons instead of fingernails, further betraying any semblance of "humanity".

Birdlike Tendencies

The idea of ownership baffles most aonans. After all, who owns the sky? They find it hard not to pluck any treasure and add it to their collection. An aonan who has spent years among other races usually learns to control these impulses.

Confinement terrifies an aonan. To be grounded, trapped underground, or imprisoned by the cold, unyielding earth is a torment few aonans can withstand. Even when in humanoid form, they appear alert, with eyes moving and bodies ready to shift and take flight.

Homelands

Most aonans live in the country of Aonyra. Long ago, aonan nomads settled on the Nehele coast, finally finding a permanent home away from the tyranny in Eirimil.

Aonyra is led by the ancient Phoenix aonan, who led their people to the continent of Vone many years ago. The Phoenix leads alongside their trusted Aonyran Triumvirate. 

Birds of a Feather

Aonans enjoy people and community. Most aonans have an interest in dealing with other cultures and less interest in spending too much time in one place. For this reason, it doesn't take much for an aonan to leave their home and undertake the adventurer’s life. The promise of fellowship or treasure is enough to lure many, but those with a stronger purpose would consider adventuring a calling.

Aonan Names

Surnames for aonans don't particularly exist.  If an aonan has a non-aonan as a parent, an aonan will tend to take that parent's last name to honor them.  Otherwise, aonans will use the common name of their bird form as their last name.

• Popular Male First Names: Hathor, Jay, Flynn, Keiran
• Popular Female First Names: Azura, Dove, Sora, Merry

Aonan Traits

As an aonan, you have certain traits in common with your people. Being able to fly at high speed starting at 1st level is exceptionally effective in certain circumstances and exceedingly dangerous in others. As a result, playing an aonan requires special consideration by your DM.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Aonans reach maturity by age 25 and live an average of 150 years

Alignment

Most aonans are good and rarely choose sides when it comes to law and chaos. City leaders and warriors might be lawful, while explorers and adventurers might tend toward chaos.

Size

Aonans are on average 6 feet tall. They have thin, lightweight bodies that weigh between 40 and 80 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 35 feet.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, and Primordial.

Avian Heritage

Each Aonan gains a special trait specific to their heritage.

Eagle: An eagle's flying speed is 60 ft. You have keen eyesight; you gain +2 to Perception checks.  

Raven: A raven's flying speed is 50 ft. You have a natural curiosity, and are skilled in puzzle-solving; you gain +1 to Intelligence checks.  

Falcon: A falcon's flying speed is 65 ft. You're faster than most, your walking speed is 40 ft.  

Owl: An owl's flying speed is 60 ft. Being quiet comes naturally, you gain +2 to Stealth checks.  

Swan: A swan's flying speed is 50 ft. You understand the motivations of others; you gain +1 to Insight and Persuasion checks

Duck: A duck's flying speed is 55 ft. You are attuned to the water, you maintain normal movement when swimming.  

Parrot: A parrot's flying speed is 40 ft. People are drawn to you and your bright plumage; you gain +1 to Charisma Checks.  

Hummingbird: A hummingbird's flying speed is 60 ft. You are Small, light, and quick on your feet; you gain +1 to Dexterity Checks.