In fantasy, subraces are the perfect way of taking one somewhat generalized species and giving it a special twist. In the case of aarakocra, subraces archetypes are built upon birds and their fantastic variety. Below are a few examples of aarakocra subraces, as well as the paperwork I used to keep score!
| Nocturi | – – – | – | 25 |
| — | Acute Vision | 2 | 4 |
| — | Night Vision | 9 | 9 |
| — | Silence (Flying) | 2 | 4 |
| — | Soaring* | 4 | |
| — | Stealth | 1 | 4 |
First we have the Nocturi. A cheesy name I know, but a neat idea, I think. The Nocturi are an owl-like subrace that relies on perfect night vision and improved stealth to attack foes unawares.
| Reagle | – – – | – | 25 |
| — | Ap (Attractive)** | 1 | 5 |
| — | Charisma | 1 | 5 |
| — | Honest Face | — | 1 |
| — | Soaring* | 4 | |
| — | Strength+ | 1 | 10 |
Next the equally-cheesy-named reagles. They’re the aarakocra equivalent of a dashing hero, with charm, honest looks, and a bit more strength. They’re also good fliers!
| Scavver | – – – | – | 25 |
| — | Disc. Smell | 3 | 15 |
| — | Fast Eater | 1 | |
| — | Prefers Meat | -1 | |
| — | Reduced Consumption (Cast-Iron Stomach) | 4 | 4 |
| — | Resist (Metabolic Hazards) | 3 | 5 |
| — | Robust Sight | 1 | 1 |
| — | Soaring* | 4 | |
| — | Unattractive | -1 | -4 |
Scavvers aren’t much to look at, but they’re keen survivalists. They can strip down wild game in a matter of seconds, and are nigh-invulnerable to food-bourne diseases. They can track prey (or track bounties) by sense of smell, and their eyes are resistant to the dazzling effects of desert sun- or snow-blindness .
| Songbird | – – – | – | 25 |
| — | Ap (Attractive)** | 1 | 5 |
| — | Charisma | 2 | 10 |
| — | ODP (Whistling) | -1 | |
| — | Penetrating Voice | 1 | |
| — | Voice | – | 10 |
Finally we have the songbird. I couldn’t come up with a snazzy name for this one, but songbird sounded perfect on its own. Songbirds make excellent bards, but in some cases they go on to become charismatic leaders, or even military commanders. They have but one minor flaw–they never seem to stop singing.
I hope you enjoyed this article and I look forward to writing more! If you have suggestions, send me a message or tweet me @TallorDaniels!
*Soaring allows a creature with Flight (Winged) to glide as Controlled Gliding, as well as regular allow ordinary winged flight. Featured Pyramid #3/6
**Attractive (Universal), applies to all races. They’re just that cool.
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