Songbird (5e Race)
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The main contributor(s) of this page determined that this page should be reviewed. Reason: First time writing a race so it definitely needs to be balanced.
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Songbird[edit]
| “ | Sir, I do not sing for your entertainment nor for your will. I sing to connect, to feel. | ” |
| —Dorelin, Songbird Bard | ||
Physical Description[edit]
Songbirds are fey humanoids with avian traits, most prominently the tough skin on their arms and legs, bird-like feet, and feathery tails; their particular style of dress includes sleeves reminiscent of wings, as songbirds are naturally flightless. Their hair is typically a combination of extremely fine and broader feathers, though many have "hair" that appears to be entirely the latter. Internally, while their bones are not hollow like mundane birds', they do have crops. Above all, they are renown for their enchanting singing voices and natural talents for music; songbirds were the prized pets of many a noble house in the not-too-distant past. Of course, treating modern-day songbirds like pets is a good way to get your face slashed with razor-sharp talons.
History[edit]
Songbirds lived a peaceful life in the Feywild amongst themselves and would commonly venture out into the material plane. This was a common practice for young adults to seek new knowledge and goods to help the community. As this tradition became popular, more creatures and races from the material realm learned of the Songbird's powerful voice. Songbirds now had a high price to be captured and sold. If sold to a noble family, they would be treated as pets. Commonly, they would forced to sing for balls or a lullaby. If sold to criminals, their song would charm or put guards to sleep. When elders noticed the declining population a search party was put into place. They say most were found and freed but some remain in chains never knowing their origins. Now, Songbirds are more warey of the Material Plane. They have a disdain for high elves, orcs, and humans because of their past. However, they do not hate such races. Although with their rocky history, this tradition of venturing is still practiced.
Society[edit]
As fey, songbirds are naturally long-lived (roughly three hundred years); most speak both Sylvan and Common, though they're generally not averse to trying to sing in other languages. Songbird's commune rely upon the tallest of trees. They tend to build up around the tree. A common home has a round structure with an interior decorated with knick-knacks from generations of traveling. Their race's time as pets is still within their living memory, and so songbirds tend to be gun-shy about accepting "long-term jobs". Songbirds often live in communes that can support up to twenty members; the main sources of income for any non-adventurer are performing songs at theaters, venues, etc. and selling unfertilized eggs. Traditionally, songbirds make their own clothes, though it's not uncommon for those less proficient in the craft to rely on tailors, songbird or not. Songbirds do not believe in much of a hierarchy, rather they take pride in helping others. Though generous in deeds, they can be rather clingy to items that hold a memory to them.
Songbird Names[edit]
Songbirds have three ways of choosing a name. The first one is a word or title from a song. The second one is given when a non-Songbird helped a songbird escape from slavery. A freed songbird who gives birth may also name their youngling after their helper. Finally, they will name themselves after an item or experience while adventuring.
Songbird Traits[edit]
Songbirds are fey humanoids with avian traits.
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 2.
Age. Songbird reach maturity at around 55 years old and can live up to 300 years.
Alignment. Songbirds usually tend to lean towards a good alignment and are sometimes neutral. There alignment tends to also be influenced by the songbird's subrace.
Size. Your size is Medium and your height varies based on your subrace.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Fey Ancestry. You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed and have immunity to being put to sleep by humanoid-like creatures. However, if a fey creature uses sleep, they only have advantage on saving throws
Sharp Talons. Your talons are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. 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 speak, read, and write Common and Sylvan. Will tend to be wary of learning any other language.
Subrace. Solar Staccatos and Lunar Legatos.
Solar Staccatos[edit]
Solar Staccatos are on the extroverted side. Solar Staccatos tend to be on the more chaotic side of Songbirds for their wild and enthusiastic personalities. Usually can be merchants, farmers, entertainer and adventurers. They are skilled in charisma based jobs or physical jobs (all be it that they aren't so strong). Solar Staccatos are diurnal and take care of the village during the day while the Lunar Legatos rest. They are more trusting of other races because of direct interactions while adventuring.
Solar Staccatos come in many bright colors. They tend to resemble birds that can be seen in the day. In rare cases, they can resemble mythical birds known for vibrance and life like a phoenix as an example. If resembling such birds, they can easily take on leadership roles. Their feathers are more fluffy and shorter.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 1.
Bird-like Reflex. Whenever you make a Stealth or Acrobatics check, you may add roll 1d4 and add the result to the total before the results of the roll are announced. Once you use this trait, you can not use it again until you finish a short or long rest.
Fleet of Foot. Your base walking speed increases to 35 feet.
Magic Through Song. You know the friends cantrip; you can cast also the command spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Charisma, Wisdom, or Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for these spells. Additionally, you can substitute normal singing as a verbal component for any spell; when you substitute your voice this way, it is not immediately obvious you are using a verbal component and any creature that wants to find out what you are doing must make an Wisdom (Insight check against you baseline Charisma (Deception) or 10 + your Deception bonus.
Lunar Legatos[edit]
Lunar Legatos are more reclusive and keep to themselves. They usually follow the lawful alignment, Lunar Legatos take vows and promises very seriously. However, alignments can vary. Mostly they are good but some lean neutral. They are philosophers, scholars and craftsmen. Most commonly they are the tailors for the village and take pride in elegant and intricate designs. Lunar Legatos are nocturnal and take care of the village during the night. They do not trust most races outside of the feywild since they were taken mostly by cruel criminals in their past.
Compared to the Solar Staccatos, Lunar Legatos are taller. They are slightly taller than a human. They tend to have slicker longer feathers and have sharper features. Usually feather patterns resemble nocturnal birds. If not, they come in blacks, silvers, blues and purples. In rare cases they represent mythical birds-like creatures of the night or creatures known for intellect: for example, Alicanto. Like their day counterpart, Lunar Legatos often take on leadership roles for such rare looks.
Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence score increases by 1.
Philosopher's Mind. Whenever you make a Arcana or Nature check, you may add roll 1d4 and add the result to the total before the results of the roll are announced. Once you use this trait, you can not use it again until you finish a short or long rest.
Darkvision. Accustomed to twilit forests and the night sky, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. 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.
Magic Through Lullaby. You know the vicious mockery cantrip; you can also cast the sleep spell once with this trait, and you regain the ability to cast it this way when you finish a long rest. Charisma, Wisdom, or Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for these spells. Additionally, you can substitute normal singing as a verbal component for any spell; when you substitute your voice this way, any creature that wants to find out what you are doing must make an Wisdom (Insight check against you baseline Charisma (Deception) or 10 + your Deception bonus.
Random Height and Weight[edit]
| Sub Race | Base Height | Height Modifier | Base Weight | Weight Modifier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solar | 4′ 7″ | +2d6" | 80 lb. | +(10*1d6)lb. |
| Lunar | 4′ 7″ | +2d12" | 100 lb. | +(10*1d6)lb. |
Suggested Characteristics[edit]
When creating a Songbird 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's characteristics.
| d8 | Solar Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | it's best to think positive |
| 2 | you're too slow! Let's go! |
| 3 | I am always alert |
| 4 | Loyal til the end |
| 5 | Up for a challenge |
| 6 | Always ready for new sights |
| d8 | Lunar Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | Slow to trust |
| 2 | Quiet and attentive |
| 3 | questioning everything |
| 4 | I will keep my word |
| 5 | Philosophy is a passion of mine |
| 6 | you owe me |
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