Harpies (Race)

* Agios (Arms)
* Aeras (Armless)

## Harpies

Harpies are an exotic sight in Luctus, being a unique result of interracial couple with one Aarakocran parent. There are two Harpy variants: The Agios and the armless Aeras. Despite their existence relying on luck and the union of different races, they are considered a race on their own precisely because of their uniqueness and mixed characteristics.

## **Description**

Harpies are a unique occurrence among Aarakocran offspring in Luctus. Usually, any Half-Aarakocran offspring tends to shift almost entirely to the side of one of the parents whereas Harpies are a very rare balance between both sides, resulting in this unique race called Harpy.
Their appearance can differ considerably due to the volatility of their existence and on their lineage, but they consistently possess wings, a feathery tail, and bird talons. Other varying traits include body feathers, feathered hair, and the presence or absence of arms. Some harpies do not develop arms and instead rely on a more dexterous use of their wings and talons to perform various tasks.

## **Variants**

Harpies are generally categorized into two groups:

* The **Agios**, Harpies with arms that don't have to adapt a lot to fit in most societies, usually becoming a key member of their community.

* The **Aeras**, armless Harpies that learn to manipulate their talons and wings to replace their lack of hands.

## **Character Creation**

```
**Ability Scores**

Your Dexterity score increases by 2 and your Charisma score increases by 1.

```

```
**Size**

Harpies tend to have thin, lightweight bodies and generally grow to stand at a height in between their parents' races, usually sticking out above the smaller race by at least a head due to the sole fact of their legs turning into bird feet past the knee.

Your size is Medium.

```

```
**Speed**

• Agios Harpies have a movement speed of 30 feet, and a fly speed equal to their movement speed.

• Aeras Harpies have a movement speed of 25 feet, and a fly speed of 40 feet.

```

```
**Age**

Harpies age similarly to their non-Aarakocran parent though their lifespan is a tad shorter, lying in between the life expectancy of both parents’ races. This means they are often fated to lose their Aarakocran parent while still young, and to die of old age sooner than their other parent.

```

```
**Creature Type**

Harpies are Humanoid creatures

```

```
**Languages**

You can speak, read and write Common, Aarakocra and one other language of your choice.

```

### **Traits**

#### **Agios**

```
**Supportive Flight**

• Because of your wings, you have a flying speed equal to your walking speed. You can't use this flying speed if you're wearing medium or heavy armor.

• Lifting off of the ground takes 5 feet of extra movement.

```

```
**Talons**

You have talons that you can use to make unarmed strikes. When you hit with them, the strike deals 1d4 + your Strength or Dexterity modifier slashing damage, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

```

```
**Inherited Trait**

You can choose between one of the following as part of your inherited lineage: Darkvision (60ft), Proficiency in Perception, Proficiency in Stealth, or Proficiency in Performance.

```

```
**Wingbeat**

As an Action, you can focus on beating your wings as hard as you can, invoking an effect similar to Gust of Wind:

A line of strong wind 20 feet long and 15 feet wide blasts from your wings in a direction of your choice until the Start of your next turn. Each creature that starts its turn in the line must succeed a Strength Saving Throw or be pushed 10 feet away from you in a direction following the line.

Any creature in the line must spend 2 feet of movement for every 1 foot it moves when moving closer to you.

The gust disperses gas or vapor, and it extinguishes candles, torches, and similar unprotected flames in the area. It causes protected flames, such as those of lanterns, to dance wildly and has a 50 percent chance to extinguish them.

You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Proficiency Bonus, refreshing on a Long Rest.
Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution is used for the DC of 8 + Proficiency + Modifier (choose when you select this race).

```

#### **Aeras**

```
**Wing Reliance**
You lack a set of arms like other humanoids, instead relying on your talons and wings to hold and manipulate objects.

• You have a 40 feet flying speed. You can't use this flying speed if you're wearing medium or heavy armor.

• Aeras Harpies rely on flight more than most winged humanoids. Whenever you make any Athletics and Acrobatics check to stay in the air, you can add your proficiency bonus to the final result.

• If you are in the air without a free talon, item interactions and casting a spell with the Somatic (S) component will drop you by 10 feet as you hurriedly use one of your wings instead, stabilizing yourself shortly after. This does not trigger any fall damage on its own.

```

```
**Ambidextrous Talons**

You have talons that you can use to make unarmed strikes. When you hit with them, the strike deals 1d6 + your Strength or Dexterity modifier slashing damage, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

```

```
**Inherited Trait**

You can choose between one of the following as part of your inherited lineage: Darkvision (60ft), Proficiency in Perception, Proficiency in Stealth, or Proficiency in Performance.

```

```
**Wingbeat**

As an Action, you can focus on beating your wings as hard as you can, invoking an effect similar to Gust of Wind:

A line of strong wind 20 feet long and 15 feet wide blasts from your wings in a direction of your choice until the Start of your next turn. Each creature that starts its turn in the line must succeed a Strength Saving Throw or be pushed 10 feet away from you in a direction following the line.

Any creature in the line must spend 2 feet of movement for every 1 foot it moves when moving closer to you.

The gust disperses gas or vapor, and it extinguishes candles, torches, and similar unprotected flames in the area. It causes protected flames, such as those of lanterns, to dance wildly and has a 50 percent chance to extinguish them.

You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Proficiency Bonus, refreshing on a Long Rest.
Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution is used for the DC of 8 + Proficiency + Modifier (choose when you select this race).

```

## **Combat**

Harpy combat styles vary greatly depending on whether they possess arms or not.
Agios Harpies typically follow common combat methods used by most humanoid races, using their wings as an extra advantage.

Aeras Harpies employ a different combat approach that depends on the strength of their wings and proficient use of talons, resulting in unmatched ferocity during airborne melee combat. Some Aeras Harpies also learn to wield weapons with their talons or manipulate items using their wings but often sacrifice part of their mobility in doing so.

## **Society**

The unique birth of a Harpy is often celebrated and seen as a blessing of the union between the two races.

The birth of an Aeras Harpy, however, is received less enthusiastically than their Agios counterpart, though their appearance still fascinates many. Their lack of arms are an indication of the tough times ahead as they usually struggle more with adapting and fitting in with the other children, having to learn to compensate their lack of conventional arms with clever use of their talons and wings instead.

As Harpies are a product of the union of two differing races, their general culture and mannerisms are largely dictated by their upbringing. One very common characteristic, however, is their affinity for flight and the sense of freedom it brings them. Proper care for their feathers is essential to maintain their flying abilities.

Due to their exotic existence, a Harpy tends to pull a lot of attention in public places.