Homebrew Exaltian Were-Bird Species Details

Beak and Feather

From below, Were-Birds look much like large birds. Only when they descend to roost on a branch or walk across the ground does their humanoid appearance reveal itself. Standing upright, Were-Birds might reach 5 feet tall, and they have long, narrow legs that taper to sharp talons.

Feathers cover their bodies. Their plumage typically denotes membership to a species of bird.

Sky Wardens

Nowhere are Were-Birds 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 talons before turning and flying away.

Avian Mannerisms

The resemblance of Were-Birds to birds isn’t limited to physical features. Were-Birds display many of the same mannerisms as ordinary birds. They are fastidious about their plumage, frequently tending their feathers, 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.

Homelands

Once tribes of Were-Birds settle in an area, they share a hunting territory that extends across an area up to 100 miles on a side, with each tribe hunting in the lands nearest to their colony, ranging farther should game become scarce.

A typical colony consists of one large, open-roofed nest made of woven vines. The eldest acts as leader with the support of a shaman. 

 

Great Purpose

Were-Bids enjoy peace and solitude. Most of them have little interest in dealing with other peoples and less interest in spending time on the ground. For this reason, it takes an exceptional circumstance for a Were-Bird to leave his or her tribe and undertake the adventurer’s life. Neither treasure nor glory is enough to lure them from their tribes; a dire threat to their people, a mission of vengeance, or a catastrophe typically lies at the heart of the Were-Bird adventurer’s chosen path.

Were-Birds on that might leave their colonies to lend aid to other humanoids committed to fighting Vampires and Were-Wolves.

Exaltian Were-Bird Traits

As a Were-Bird, 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.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2. Your Wisdom and Intelligence scores increase by 1.

Age

Were-Birds age the same as their native race.

Size

Were-Birds are about 5 feet tall. They have thin, lightweight bodies that weigh between 80 and 100 pounds. Your size is Medium to Small.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 20 feet. Your base flying speed is 60 feet. To use this flying 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 savage damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier. You then deal 1d4 bleeding damage for 2 turns.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and your native language.