Homebrew Harpy Species Details

A harpy is either created one of two ways, a natural union between an Aarakocra and a human, or through the means of magic. Harpies are extremely distinguishable through their human like appearance, large wings, and appendages with sharp talons at the end.  Many beings often avoid Harpies, as they are often signs of bad luck and omens of misfortune for travelers. 

 

Shunned Creatures

Many harpies are shunned from normal society, either forced to live out in the wilderness or in squalor. Harpies often have a difficult time operating in normal society, causing them to turn to crime or other unsavory acts to sustain themselves. Tales of wild, bloodthirsty, harpies living deep within the wilderness often make great bedtime stories. Many parents tell their children that if they are not well behaved, a harpy will come in the middle of the night and take them away to their lair. 

 

Unholy Origins

Other than being created by a union through a human and Aarakocra, harpies are often created through curses bestowed by hags or other sorcerers. When created by magic, the humans body begins to metamorphize. Much like someone that contracts a lycanthrope like disease, the changes can either be gradual over days to weeks, or instantaneously. Many harpies that have been changed often banish themselves to the wilderness, as their minds could not handle the sudden transformation. 

Harpy Traits

Harpy's are often seen as abominations, but many are deft fighters and good in a pinch.

Ability Score Increase

Your ability scores each increase by 1.

Age

Much like humans, harpies reach adulthood in their late teens and live less than a century.

Alignment

Harpies tend to sway towards chaotic alignments, as they often have to take unorthodox methods to meet their needs. 

Size

Harpies 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. They often have a wingspan that is proportional to their height. 

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet. Your flying speed is 25 feet. Your climbing speed is 15 feet. 

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and one extra language of your choice. Harpies typically learn the languages of other peoples they deal with, including obscure dialects. They are fond of sprinkling their speech with words borrowed from other tongues: Orc curses, Elvish musical expressions, Dwarvish military phrases, and so on.

Dark Vision

You have 40 feet of dark vision.