Raptorkin (5e Race)

Raptorkin

“	After being chased by the Tyrannosaurus Rex we entered a strange village inhabited by an odd group of humanoids.	”
—Journal entry by half-elf explorer Tarnus Vunderveil

Physical Description

By InvaderTripp666

Raptorkin are reptilian humanoids with feathers on their heads and at the tips of their tails. These feathers are usually light brown. They also have a sickle-like claw on each foot. They have claw-like nails on their four digit hands. Scales can be any shade of green and are shaped simaliar to the scales in scale mail. Their body shape has changed little over the past few million years from when they were standard raptors.

History

Raptorkin are the only surviving species of humanoid directly descended from dinosaurs alive today. Not much is know about the other possible species of humanoid dinosaurs apart from the fact that they were larger than the raptorkin and many had apparently died out in a catastrophic event which caused starvation and mass extinction. Other dinosaur-like humanoids are a bit further in terms of taxonomy.

Raptorkin likely survived due to their brain capacity being the larger of their former contemporaries, according to fossil studies. Their brain size not only is bigger but they have the capacity to use it. They coordinate very well for a species of primitive creatures and are seen to have evolved to a society mirroring that of enlightened humanoids. They are capable of learning speech and complex thought. This is shown in the many village-cities that dot ancient forests where the giants of dinosaurs roamed. Raptorkin were the runts of litters but this saved them, as they were able to adapt better than their foes to the harsh changes. For example, they adopted an omnivorous diet and their size helped them be quick as well as energy efficient unlike lummoxes like the Tyrannosaur.

Society

Raptorkin live in groups of four to nine in small villages. A network of these villages become a village-city. Raptorkin travel to and fro from their villages to other places via routes for running. Raptorkin settlements usually are in environments with large predators or other reptilian creatures which they must be wary of when en route.

Raptorkin will live in any warm area but will avoid places that freeze for more than a week at a time. As they are reptilian, they cannot tolerate the cold tampering with their cold-blooded nature. They often settle in lush and rich terrains of nature like rain forests where they live like natives in abodes built with materials around them. Thus, raptorkin that integrate with other societies, such as humans, often serve as naturalists or rangers because of their familiarity with nature.

Raptorkin respect those who are higher ranking than they are. Loyalty is a very important trait valued among them. All raptorkin groups have some kind of leader who manages the affairs of the commons and is informally respected by all. When the current leader dies the next most powerful individual becomes the leader, usually some prior trusted official of the previous rule. Raptorkin blind loyalty has been thus criticized for allowing such nepotism to take place.

Raptorkin Names

Raptorkin names are usually derived from the names of dinosaurs.

Male: Rex, Saurn, Velceior, Carnon, Spinra, Ankylyia, Iguan, Brachi

Female: Triceta, Mei, Allona, Ekka, Micra, Allosor, Archaera, Acroca, Argentine, Camara

Raptorkin Traits

Raptorkin are the most intelligent species of dinosaur alive.
Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence score increases by 1.
Age. Raptorkin reach adulthood at age 15. They usually don't exceed the age of 89 in lifespan.
Alignment. Raptorkin tend to be ether neutral good or true neutral.
Size. You stand roughly about the height of humans. Your size is Medium
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Darkvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Raptor Dash. Your agility and powerful legs allow you to move with a burst of speed. When you move on your turn in combat, you can double your speed until the end of the turn. Once you use this trait, you can't use it again until you move 0 feet on one of your turns.
Vigorous kick. Your wicked clawed feet are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. You can make these attacks even if your hands are not free. 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 read, write and speak in Common and Primordial.
Subrace. Choose one from the Dromaeosaurin or Sinornthosaurin subrace.

Dromaeosaurin

Dromaeosaurins are the more robust subrace of raptorkin. They are often guards or knights in raptorkin society.

Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 1.
Tail Strength. Your powerful muscles show in your prehensile tail, which helps you grab and subdue enemies or prey. When you attempt to grapple another creature, you may choose to roll with advantage. You must complete a long rest before using this trait again.
Scales and Muscle. You are a soldier type of entity in society. Thus, you must be well-equipped to do your part. Your base Armor Class when unarmored is equal to 12 + your Constitution modifier. You may wear a shield and still gain this benefit.

Sinornithosaurin

Sinornithosaurins are the frailer raptorkin subrace. They have extra feathers on their arms and legs that allow them to move with more aerodynamics and speed.

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 1.
Feathers. You are able to use your dexterity and feathers to your advantage when falling from lower distances to avoid damage. When you fall from heights of 60 feet or less, you take no falling damage.
Limber. You are very flexible though not strong. You are proficient in the Performance skill.

Random Height and Weight

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
4′ 9''	+2d6	95 lb.	× (2d4) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

Suggested Characteristics

When creating a Raptorkin character, you can use the following table of traits, ideals, bonds and flaws to help flesh out your character. Use these tables in addition to or in place of your background characteristics.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I prefer to remain in my own company. Others never seem to understand me.
2	I am incredibly friendly. Some might say unsettlingly so.
3	I'm incredibly curious and questioning.
4	No one can possibly be smarter than me.
5	I'm there, but I'm so quiet I can be missed.
6	People call me chatty, but I don't think I am, do you? Honestly, what is chatty even, some people just wanna talk and that's fine, right? People should say what they want and who are others to say, am I right? I mean, that's the problem with society these days, you know...
7	I want to do what's right by me. So what if that's self-righteous.
8	Lies are the best way to get what you want.

d6	Ideal
1	Speed. I want to outrun anything and everything. (Chaotic)
2	Wit. There is intelligence beyond compare I desire. (Neutral)
3	Survival. I only want to prolong my life. (Neutral)
4	Goodwill. I think it's okay to help people if it feels right. (Good)
5	Chaos. There is an art to making panic. And it feels good. (Evil)
6	Purpose. If I travel around enough, I'll surely find what I seek in life. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	Death is not the end, its just a gate towards another life.
2	I know, deep down there, there is something inside me.
3	The tribe I grew up with is my whole world.
4	Friends are important but you can't compromise principle.
5	There's a lot of bad stuff in the world I don't want to deal with.
6	The great big world outside... I want to see it all with those I cherish.

d6	Flaw
1	I tend to only think in the moment instead of the future.
2	Blood always stains my clothing, hinting at what I possibly killed.
3	I'm a very sloppy eater.
4	I don't like to follow orders. At all.
5	I like to oppose everything, even if it may be right.
6	I can be arrogant to get my way.

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