Homebrew Avimerus Species Details

Settled high in the clouds of the FeyBright, Avimerus are typically good-aligned creatures with the legs and wings of various bird types with the torso, arms, and head of a human male.

Harpy Adjacent

From afar, Avimerus look much like harpies. Only when closely inspected can the differences be told, primarily through them only being males and their avian ancestry; while harpies are a mix between a human female and a vulture with an insatiable hunger, Avimerus wings often vary from that, and only male Avimerus exist. Feathered wings of various colors and patterns frame their figures. Their plumage typically denotes their status above other Avimerus, putting with birds of prey as their mantles high above other bird types. Though, patterns belonging to birds of prey are more prevalent than those belonging to smaller birds. 

Legend goes that a brilliant falconer of the Feywild and his trusted falcon entered a contest in which the winner would have their one wish granted by the archfey Puck. After years of comradery and companionship, the falconer had only one wish he could think to ask of upon winning his prize: to keep his faithful falcon companion by his side until the end of his days. Touched and feeling generous, Puck granted his wish and the first Avimerus was created. Every Avimerus after has come from a clutch of up to 4 eggs that appear in the ashes of ancient Avimerus.

FeyBright Inhabitants

Nowhere are the Avimerus more comfortable than in the sky. They can spend hours in the air, and some go as long as days, locking their wings in place and letting the thermals hold them aloft. In battle, they prove dynamic and acrobatic fliers, moving with remarkable speed and grace, diving to lash opponents with weapons or talons before turning and flying away.

Avimerus live high above the soil of the Feywild. Up in the FeyBright, Avimerus tend to make the drifting clouds their homes, never settling in one spot for too long. They are friendly and are often the defenders of the clear clouds of the Seelie skies from the stormy Unseelie. However, their assistance is hardly recognized by the denizens of the FeyBright as the fear of harpy-like creatures often overturns their friendliness. Avimerus can be drawn into the Material Plane, sometimes to pursue a better way of living or to cause mischief amongst the residents of Prime. Accident might also send a nest of Avimerus tumbling into a crossing to the Prime Material Plane, though those are far less common. A few find their way to such a world through portals on their own plane and establish nests in high mountains or in the canopies of old forests.

Avian Mannerisms

The resemblance of Avimerus to birds isn’t limited to physical features. Aarakocra display many of the same mannerisms as ordinary birds. They are fastidious about their plumage, frequently tending their wings, cleaning and scratching away any tiny passengers they might have picked up. When they deign to descend from the sky, they often do so near pools where they can catch fish and bathe themselves.

They find it hard not to pluck the treasure and bring it back to their settlement to beautify it. An Avimerus who spends years among other races can learn to inhibit these impulses.

Confinement terrifies the Avimerus. To be grounded, trapped underground, or imprisoned by the cold, unyielding earth is a torment few Avimerus can withstand. Even when perched on a high branch or at rest in their mountaintop homes, they appear alert, with eyes moving and bodies ready to take flight.

Avimerus Traits

As an Avimerus , 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 Avimerus requires special consideration by your DM.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Avimerus reach maturity by age 12. Avimerus usually live no longer than 200 years.

Alignment

Avimerus delight in living a life free of the mantle of law. They gravitate toward being good, but some have devious streaks and enjoy causing dismay.

Size

Avimerus are usually between 5 and 6 feet tall. They have lightweight bodies that weigh between 100 and 120 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 25 feet.

Flight

You have a flying speed of 50 feet. To use this speed, you can’t be wearing medium or heavy armor.

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, Aarakocra, and Sylvan.