Aven

**Aven** are the half-humanoid, half-avian people native to Al Shari-Tijaar. They are rare in Illandor. They have the body of a human and the head of a bird, with the subrace of an aven determined by which bird head they have. Aven are distinct from aarakocra, though share a common ancestor.

## Origin

It is believed that Avo created all aven, with each being a gift for her siblings: finch-headed for Tilo, hawk-headed for Capron, ibis-headed for Tanneth, and raven-headed for herself.

## Subraces

The aven race diverges into four subraces, determined by which bird head the aven possesses: the finch-headed aven, the hawk-headed aven, the ibis-headed aven, and the raven-headed aven.

### Finch-Headed Aven

*'Main article: Aven (Finch)'*
The **finch-headed aven** is the smallest of the aven subraces, standing between 4½ to 5½ feet tall and weighing between 80 and 100lbs. They are natural healers, blessed with Tilo's compassion to tend the sick and wounded more effectively. They are noted for their dexterity and wisdom.

### Hawk-Headed Aven

*'Main article: Aven (Hawk)'*
The **hawk-headed aven** is the largest of the aven subraces, standing between 5½ to 6 feet tall and weighing between 100 and 120lbs. They are natural aerial fighters, blessed with Capron's prowess for battle, their hawk heads granting them hawk-eyed precision. They are noted for their dexterity and constitution.

### Ibis-Headed Aven

*'Main article: Aven (Ibis)'*
The **ibis-headed aven** is the second largest of the aven subraces, standing between 5 to just under 6 feet tall and weighing between 90 and 110lbs. They are natural seekers of knowledge, blessed with Tanneth's intellect and attuned to the arcane. They are noted for their dexterity and intelligence.

### Raven-Headed Aven

*'Main article: Aven (Raven)'*
The **raven-headed aven** is the second smallest of the aven subraces, standing between just under 5 to 5½ feet tall and weighing between 90 and 110lbs. They are natural seekers, blessed with Avo's vigilance and keen investigation, able to easier locate the hidden. They are noted for their dexterity and wisdom.

## Physicality

### Anatomy and Physiology

Aven are known for their distinctive appearances, having the body of a human and the head and wings of a bird. Though their wingspans resemble that of the aarakocra, averaging around 20ft., they cannot reach the same fly speeds. They do walk slower than humans, though. The height and weight of an aven varies depending on subrace, though they average between 5 and 6ft. and 80 to 100lbs. Their chimeric anatomy also extends to their internal biology, as they possess both humanoid and avian organ systems. Scholars have likened aven to aarakocra, though where they differ is that aven lack the extensive flow-through respiratory system of aarakocra, instead having a closed-circuit cardiopulmonary system similar to a human, with an increased number of alveoli for greater diffusion and gas exchange into the blood, supporting the metabolic strain of flight. Another adaptation revolving around flight is their semi-hollowed bones, featuring criss-crossing struts to reinforce their structure and facilitate flight. This reduces weight whilst strengthening their skeletal structure. Aven mature at a similar rate to humans, maturing in their late teens, and theoretically can live into their 80s, though most aven find a glorious death before they reach this point.

## Culture

### Language

H **Languages.** You can speak, read, and write Common and Aven.

## Notable Aven

H

 —Erefor Cloudfoot, recounting his first journey to the realm of Aaqa

Known as Aarakocra on the elemental plane of air, the Aven are birdlike humanoids with powerful wings. They are most often generous, keen, and wise - putting the needs of others before themselves. They are somewhat awkward on the ground but can soar through the air for long periods.

### Description[edit]

Aven are regal humanoids with impeccable posture, a stern expression and moral code, beautiful feathered bodies, and impressive wings. They are slim and toned to assist in their flight, and most stand over 6 feet. Their wingspan, stretching almost one and a half times their height, easily holds aloft their light bodies even when they are clad in armor. Their arms end in clawed versions of the dextrous hands of humans, but their heads are very akin to those of raptors - eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls.

Silken, mottled plumage ranging from white to black and across various reds and browns adorn all but their taloned feet and sharp beaks. Their eyes are generally dark and large, trained on whatever they feel the need to be wary of or find of interest. Males and females are nearly indistinguishable to other races, the only way one can tell before the individual speaks being the slightly more pronounced chest of the female.

### History[edit]

The Aven are members of a race which has long been in service to the Vaati whom govern the Elemental Plane of Air. They first arose on the Plane of Air ages ago, and have since persisted in their loyalty to the Vaati through thousands of campaigns and quests against elemental evil. The oldest among them surpass 400 years of age, and themselves have served in a multitude of campaigns and undertaken many quests for their rulers. Today Aven seek to reassemble the Rod of Law, which helped to end one of their greatest enemies of yore, at the Vaati's bidding. Their understanding of the world is greatly bolstered by their extensive lives, and they grow to be wise in old age, hardened by these ventures.

Aven are extremely stoic, and steadfast in their devotion to a capacity that many races hardly comprehend. These characteristics are a product of the length of the friendships they hold, and the great number of memories they can recall. Aven are foremost followers of the Vaati, but besides are protectors of whomever they find in need. They are a powerful and enduring force against the evils of the world, constantly searching for vile beings and places, and aiding whomever they are able along the way. The Aven exist today still as sentries against villainy, for over their long history there was little an occasion where they were not being sculpted as such under the Vaati's command.

### Society[edit]

The Aven still call the Elemental Plane of Air their home, and specifically the realm of Aaqa. There, under the rule of the Wind Dukes, the two subraces of Aven divide the duties - Aquilen patrol the skies in search of intruders they might fend off and passerby in need of assistance, while the Nocten serve as judges, instructors, and otherwise. They all share a degree of elemental command, and many Nocten even command some innate magical prowess. Groups of Aven are able to summon air elementals at will in their home realm, and they also speak the language of those primordial beings. This is accomplished and made more powerful by the unanimity of the Aven, for those who remain in Aaqa serve in cohorts of similar birth so that they bond over time into something of a tight-knit family.

Aven society is otherwise based primarily on their services as stewards of good. They work harmoniously to become the as efficient as they are able in their primordial contest. Therefore, each Aven finds its place in Aaqa by the time it has grown. If not, then most depart to far off places where they believe they can better serve their goal. Even those who seek an escape from the eternal struggle are not disdained by their brethren, as it is mutually understood that their absence is of greater assistance to the cause. Not even the Vaati despair these deserters, holding the same to be true. And so all share a mutual sense of purpose that drives them to hold other Aven closely and well regarded and to defend those whom they are familiar with by endless allegiance.

### Adventuring to Other Worlds[edit]

While most Aven live in Aaqa, some inhabit other places across the planes of existence. Most of those who serve the Vaati live in aeries on mountain peaks near the entrances to the elemental plane of air. Others, similar to those few who have abandoned the Vaati altogether, traverse the various worlds in quests to find artifacts of yore. Of these, most seek the Seven Shards: the pieces of the famed Rod of Law. They tirelessly traverse the worlds in their quest to locate the pieces and someday rebuild the staff.

Many join adventuring parties for the same reasons, taking their companions as powerful allies in their pursuits. Most Aven initially see their fellow adventurers as assets, but over prolonged exposure will develop very strong ties to them. They often cooperate (sometimes meshing with) those exploratory companies who take on great quests for treasure. Not because they seek it, however. Rather, the Aven indulge in the thrill of smiting the evil creatures that lurk along their paths and the satisfaction in helping those in peril during the journey. Many too hold out hope that they will encounter signs of one of the Seven Shards or perhaps uncover some knowledge of where they might find one. Thus Avens take on adventures with other races on their own terms.

### Aven Names[edit]

The first names of Aven are taken from the great scrolls which rest in the chambers of the floating city in Aaqa. They are bestowed upon the Aven when they reach maturity. Before this time they are known arbitrarily as “Fledgling” or “Youngling”. Their surnames are taken from their family within their subrace. Example first names and the surnames of the largest Aquilen and Nocten families are listed below.

**Male Names:** Akiat, Anwen, Baraka, Cree, Daedus, Egen, Elod, Icaro, Intesar, Jazeel, Kimineek, Onan, Otheus, Ramik, Rosh, Scirrow, Shimran, Skreit, Tegus, Torqueo, Venti, Wakeen, Zephon

**Female Names:** Andika, Arya, Aura, Belry, Cirra, Coeli, Eren, Haliae, Ishvi, Jeelin, Lefine, Kikoo, Malkia, Nimbi, Notua, Pri, Rehin, Strata, Twee, Ululiana, Volucrena, Zaris, Ziserra

**Aquilen Surnames:** Dawnfeather, Goldplume, Longtalon, Razorbeak, Windshifter

**Nocten Surnames:** Duskflier, Muteloft, Nightsinger, Silvereye, Whiteclaw

### Aven Traits[edit]

Aven live as a unique tandem of bird and man. Thanks to their strong wings, beaks, and talons, each has an expected set of attributes.

***Ability Score Increase.*** Your Dexterity score increases by 2.

***Age.*** Aven reach maturity around age 30 and live to be over 400 years old. They do not begin to express signs of old age until well into their third century.

***Alignment.*** Due to their historic campaigns, almost all Aven align as some kind of good, and most are lawful.

***Size.*** Aven stand tall and slim. They stand 6 feet high and weigh around 135 pounds. Your size is Medium.

***Speed.*** Your base walking speed is 25 feet. You have a flying speed of 50ft.

***Keen Eyes.*** You are proficient in the Perception skill.

***Roost.*** You can gain all the benefits of a long rest after spending 4 hours meditating semi-consciously in an elevated place outdoors such as a tall tree.

***Flight.*** You have a fly speed of 50 feet. You cannot fly while wearing medium or heavy armor. In addition, where you fly must be at least 10 feet wide to accommodate your wingspan.

***Languages.*** You can speak, read, and write Common and Aven.

***Subrace.*** There are two major varieties of Aven across the various planes of D&D: Aquilen and Nocten. Choose one of these subraces.

#### Aquilen[edit]

The Aquilen are the race of Aven resembling eagles, hawks, and falcons. They are the larger of the two subraces, with powerful legs and wings. They exert their strength to fiercely protect their homes and to aid weaker beings.

***Talons.*** You are proficient with your unarmed strikes, which deal 1d6 slashing damage on a hit.

#### Nocten[edit]

Nocten then, are those Aven who are reminiscent of owls. They are more contemplative, smaller, and thinner than their Aquilen cousins. They usually prefer to utilize their minds and magic rather than brute force.

***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.

***Innate Spellcasting.*** You know the *Feather Fall* spell and can use it on only yourself once without expending a spell slot. You regain the ability to use this trait once you complete a long rest.

### Random Height and Weight[edit]

Height
Modifier\*
Weight
 \*Height = base height + height modifier
\*\*Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

Height
Modifier\*
Weight
 \*Height = base height + height modifier
\*\*Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

### Optional Subrace: Volturen[edit]

Some campaigns may wish to include the option for players to exist as a Volturen or Fallen Aven. These Aven never have white feathers, and their heads resemble vultures and occasionally ravens. They were cast out from traditional Aven society long ago as a consequence of the Volturen general Krigeek Blackbeak's actions during an important battle when he consumed one of his fallen kin to survive his own injuries. The Wind Dukes dubbed all Volturen to be enemies in their eternal contest for this action. Despite this they are not inherently evil - in fact, some still strive to serve the same purpose as their accepted counterparts, hoping that finding a piece of the Rod of Law might earn them entrance back to society. Otherwise, though, Volturen do tend to be understandably bitter. They live in secluded colonies in the most distant scrub and deserts of the material world, brooding in spite and subsisting off whatever creatures perish in their territory. They do not hold that hatred for the other races of the world, and usually only attack living creatures out of desperation. They have even been known to return to their Aven ways to aid sick travelers with their potent disease dispersing abilities when there is an abundance of food. Still, the most wicked of the Aven are found among them, and this, alongside their preferred diet, gives the Volturen a particularly undeserving image.

**Volturen Surnames:** Blackbeak, Darkcrest, Shadowdrifter

Volturen have the following traits in addition to the traits characteristic of all Aven.

***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.

***Scavenger.*** You cannot be poisoned by something you've ingested. You also have advantage on saving throws against poison and are resistant to poison damage.

# Aven Features

Source: Plane Shift - Amonkhet

* **Ability Score Increase.** Your Dexterity score increases by 2.

* **Age.** Like humans, aven reach adulthood in their late teens and can theoretically live into their 80s. Of course, most find a glorious (or inglorious) death long before that point.

* **Alignment.** Most aven lean toward some form of neutrality. Ibis-headed aven, focused more on knowledge than any other virtue, are usually neutral. Hawk-headed aven are inclined toward lawful neutral.

* **Size.** Aven stand from 5 to 6 feet tall, but their bodies are slender and their bones are partially hollow to facilitate their flight. Your size is Medium.

* **Speed.** Your base walking speed is 25 feet. You have a flying speed of 30 feet. You can’t use your flying speed while you wear medium or heavy armor. (If your campaign uses the variant rule for encumbrance, you can’t use your flying speed if you are encumbered.)

* **Languages.** You can speak, read, and write Common and Aven.

### Ibis-Headed Aven

A majority of ibis-headed aven, drawn to the teachings of Kefnet, specialize in spellcasting. They take great pride in all the qualities they share with the god of knowledge—not just their avian heads, but their quick wit, self-confidence, cunning, and spellcasting prowess.

* **Ability Score Increase.** Your Intelligence score increases by 1.

* **Kefnet's Blessing.** You can add half your proficiency bonus, rounded down, to any Intelligence check you make that doesn’t already include your proficiency bonus.

### Hawk-Headed Aven

Following the example of Oketra, hawkheaded aven often focus on the techniques of long-range combat. Most prefer javelins, but some are skilled with bows, spears, and throwing axes.

* **Ability Score Increase.** Your Wisdom score increases by 2.

* **Hawkeyed.** You have proficiency in the Perception skill. In addition, attacking at long range doesn’t impose disadvantage on your ranged weapon attack rolls.

***Aven have humanlike bodies, arms, and legs, along with birdlike wings and heads. Two distinct varieties of aven are found in Naktamun. One has the head of a hawk or similar bird of prey, with short wings allowing fast flight. The other variety has the head of an ibis atop a long neck, with wide, angular wings better suited to soaring. All aven have lean bodies with feathers extending from their heads down to their shoulders.***

***Aven delight in flying above their foes, using their superior mobility to confound and outpace their opponents. They love soaring through the sky as well, though the Hekma limits their altitude. Like all people of Naktamun, they are grateful for the Hekma’s protective magic, of course. But they keenly anticipate the hour when the God-Pharaoh will return and dissolve the veil, letting them fly without limit in the afterlife.***