Homebrew Bakken Species Details

The Bakken are an odd folk. They originated in the deep forests of Chult, but some have since started to explore other lands where either fruit is in plenty, or where vermin like Carrion Crawlers, Stirge, Goblins, and even the odd Umber Hulk, can be found in decent plenty. They have even been known to band together to bring down larger beasts like Remorhaz and Behir.

Usually between 5' and 5'6" tall, they have large dark eyes, huge pointed ears that swivel at the slightest sound, a nose that flares out flat at the end, and wings of flesh that extend out from their arms which span between 3 elongated fingers that act as the support for the sail like wings.

A fine fur covers most of their body, with a bit more of a mane around the neck area. They have needle like teeth and an unsettling grin on their face most of the time.

Despite their appearance, most Bakken are a relatively peaceful people, tending to fall along the good and lawful spectrums. 

They have excellent night vision and limited blindsense, but suffer from sunlight sensitivity. Most who go out during the day have deep thick Hoods on, and wear goggles with dark glass over their eyes to effectively alleviate the strain of daytime activities.

Clearly being a nocturnal people, doing anything during the daytime is difficult, as they prefer to sleep during the day. Fortunately require less rest, only needing 6 hours to complete a long rest if it is during the day, but 10 if it is at night.

They have amazing hearing, but this can be a disadvantage if there are many loud sounds, or irritating noises.

Their society is very cooperative, with most belonging to clans of anywhere from 100 Bakken to 10,000. They usually make their homes in cave systems with large openings to the outside, under large cliffs with lots of cover, or among dense forests where they construct hanging houses among the branches. 

They live relatively short lives, maturing by 5 and living until about 50.

Because their arms and wings are connected, they have trouble using tools or weapons while in flight, and will have disadvantage if trying to do something while flying. However, some have mastered a technique which allows them to fly, quickly fold their wings, do an action, and continue flight. This costs 10 feet of flying movement.

While their wings are folded, they are fairly dexterous and can be competent craftspeople, though being a fairly practical race, they are not one for great artistry. They have a total of seven fingers at the ends of their limbs, but three of these are elongated and used for their wings. 

Bakken Names originated from certain attributes of dark and shadowy things, and last names are based off of what Bakken of time past were good at. Eg. Gray Nightdive, Dusk Grubcatcher, or Blur Manyfruit.

There aren't enough Bakken to provide much variety in their species, but there used to be tales of a clan that abandoned their traditions and fell to the lure of bloodmagic. However, they have not been seen or heard from in some time. They are thought to be a myth, or a tale used by Bakken clutchmothers to scare the broodlings into obedience.

Bakken Traits

Keen senses

Ability Score Increase

The Bakken have spent most of their lives flying and living in dark caves, or among the trees of forests, and as such are very Dexterous. This has also given them a natural wisdom, as though they are not particularly technological or great builders, they are adept at living in the wild. 
Bakken gain +2 in Dexterity, and a +1 in Wisdom, or vice versa.

 

Age

The Bakken young are raised in small groups consisting of the children of many different parents, and overseen by a few members of the clan dedicated to raising young. They grow quickly, reaching maturity by the age of 5 and choosing a role in the clan.
The Bakken are short lived usually only reaching about 50-60 years old.

Alignment

The Bakken are a very community based people, and are generally peaceful. This means they tend to fall along the neutral-good alignment, and have a lawful society which is organized into rudimentary hierarchies and roles.

Language

The Bakken speak Common and Bakken

Keen senses

With keen eyes, and incredibly sharp hearing, the Bakken are able to perceive subtle and minute details in their environment. Gain either proficiency in perception, or expertise if you are already proficient in the skill.
You also gain 10ft of blindsight.

Natural Stealth

The Bakken are nearly silent when they want to be. The fine hairs covering their wings mute the sound they make while flying or gliding, and their dark brown hair make it difficult to see them in the dark, unless they are wearing something that would give them away.

If they are flying and it is dark, they cannot score less than a 12 on their stealth check. 

Nocturnal Beings

The Bakken are nocturnal, doing most tasks while the night is darkest. They sleep during the day in dark caves, or with their wings wrapped about their person, only needing 6 hours of sleep if done during the day. 
If they need to sleep during the night, it is fitful and difficult, requiring 10 hours to get enough rest. 
As long as the sun is still out, they consider it daytime, and like to finish sleeping before the sun has fully set. 

They also suffer from sunlight sensitivity, though can wear hoods and tinted goggles to alleviate the strain of daytime activities. 

Pointy Sticks

The Bakken have found ways around the difficulty they have multitasking while flying, and have found that thrown weapons like javelins are easy to grab and throw quickly from quivers they have on their back, and thus are proficient with Javelins.

Proficiency

The Bakken are naturally very stealthy, and gain proficiency in Stealth

Size

Bakken are slightly shorter than humans, tending to be 5' to 5'6". Your size is medium.

Speed and Flight

The Bakken are most comfortable in the air, as their legs are fairly short, and the large wings make walking awkward. They also cannot take off from the ground, needing at least 10ft of space between them to take off.

Your walking speed is 25ft, your climbing speed is 20ft, and your flying speed is 40ft.