Aarakocra, Variant (5e Race Variant)
Aarakocra Traits
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| A Raptor aarakocra looming over the city. Source |
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2.
Age. Aarakocra reach maturity by age 15. Their average lifespan is entirely dependent on how long they're exposed to fresh air. Because of this, aarakocra accustomed to life in the Material Plane tend to live much shorter lives than their Elemental Plane counterparts, usually only living for about 40 years. However, a large majority of aarakocra share the lifespan of humans, or about 80-90 years.
Alignment. Most aarakocra are good and rarely choose sides when it comes to law and chaos. Tribal leaders and warriors might be lawful, while explorers and adventurers might tend toward chaotic.
Size. The height of aarakocra vary slightly, but most are about 6-7 feet tall, regardless of subrace. They have thin, lightweight bodies that weigh between 80 and 140 pounds. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 20 feet. You have a flying speed of 50 feet.
Wings. You have a flying speed of 50 feet. To use this flying speed, you can’t be wearing medium or heavy armor. In addition, where you fly must be at least 15 feet wide to accommodate your wingspan.
Talons. Your talons are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal piercing damage equal to 1d4 + your Dexterity modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Auran.
Subrace. The different kinds of aarakocra vary greatly in appearance and ability, ranging from mighty eagles to wise owls. Choose one of the four subraces below.
Subraces
Passerine
Generally resembling jays, crows, finches, and other songbirds in physical appearance, this species of aarakocra is lively and extroverted. They mostly sacrifice power for utility, often finding other ways to support their party rather than using brute force.
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 1.
Melodic Voice. You are proficient in the Persuasion skill. If you are proficient in the Performance skill, you may double your proficiency bonus when making Performance skill checks that involve singing or using your voice.
Raptor
Generally resembling hawks, falcons, eagles, and other birds of prey in physical appearance, this stoic species of aarakocra focuses on thriving in combat. Their eyesight allows them to easily spot and eliminate targets at high speeds.
Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 1.
Keen Sight. You are proficient in the Perception skill. In conditions of clear visibility, you can make out details of even extremely distant creatures and objects as small as 2 feet across.
Strix
Resembling owls in physical appearance, this species of aarakocra is wise and tranquil. They focus on the pursuit of knowledge rather than fighting and use spellcasting as a means of defense.
Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence score increases by 1.
Magically Inclined. You are proficient in the Arcana skill and may double your proficiency bonus when making Arcana skill checks that involve the Elemental Plane of Air or magic that is related to the air element.
Scavenger
Resembling vultures in physical appearance, this species of aarakocra is particularly exclusive and gloomy. They prefer to keep to themselves rather than socializing with others.
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 1.
Impurity Mastery. You have advantage on saving throws against being poisoned, and you are resistant to poison damage. Additionally, you can cast the detect poison and disease spell once with this trait, requiring no material components. You regain the ability to cast it this way when you finish a long rest.
Random Height and Weight
| Base Height |
Height Modifier* |
Base Weight |
Weight Modifier** |
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| 5′ 8'' | +3d4 | 120 lb. | × 1 lb. |
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*Height = base height + height modifier | |||
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