Gallus

The Gallus are a proud and spirited offshoot of the Birdfolk, created by Vaeril, the God of Birds, as heralds of daybreak and symbols of steadfast courage. Inspired by the rooster’s cry that banishes the night, Gallus were made to be guardians of hope, order, and resilience—standing firm even when the world teeters on the edge of darkness. With their crested heads held high and their voices sharp and clear, they are both messengers and warriors, unafraid to confront chaos with clarity and conviction.

Physically, Gallus resemble tall, bipedal chickens or roosters, with bright plumage in hues of crimson, gold, and white, combs and wattles that flush with emotion, and taloned feet that can strike with surprising force. Their powerful voices can echo across fields and valleys, and some say a Gallus’s crow can break enchantments or rally faltering spirits in battle. They wear armor like ceremonial regalia, their feathers often braided or painted in ancestral dyes that signify rank, lineage, and martial accomplishments.

In Gallus culture, honor is paramount. They follow ancient codes that emphasize truth, valor, and duty. Feuds are settled with ritual duels—fierce but honorable—and young Gallus are raised from hatchlinghood with lessons in philosophy, swordplay, and song. Their leaders, known as Crestbearers, are chosen not only for prowess but for wisdom and moral clarity. Every dawn, Gallus communities perform the Ritual Cry, a synchronized chorus that thanks Vaeril for the rising sun and reaffirms their oaths to protect the balance of nature and civilization.

Though some mistake them for comedic or absurd at first glance, Gallus warriors have repelled beast hordes, routed shadow incursions, and stood vigil in long-forgotten shrines across Aigusyl. Their military traditions rival those of hobgoblins in discipline and coordination, but they fight not for conquest—but for preservation. Their ancestral strongholds, often perched on high mesas or within open-air cliff temples, are adorned with sun-mirrors, feather totems, and polished stones to catch the first light of dawn.

While most Gallus are loyal to their kind and to Vaeril, there are those who wander beyond the flocks. These individuals may be exiles, emissaries, or self-proclaimed champions on quests for justice or self-discovery. They are often found as paladins, bards, or battle-scarred rangers, their crows sounding before battle like warhorns of the gods.

To the world, the Gallus may seem quaint or curious—but those who have stood beside one know the truth: behind the bright feathers and proud strut lies a heart of iron and a soul forged in the light of an unyielding dawn.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Birdfolk

Genetic Descendants

• Gobboc

Discovered by

Vaeril, The Thousand-Winged Watcher

HCS

Gallus

HUMANOID

Gallus Traits

Size: Medium (4-5ft)

Speed: 30ft

As a Gallus, you have these special traits.

Glide

Using your feathered arms, you can slow your fall, and glide short distances. When falling you can use your reaction to spread your arms, stiffen your wing feathers, and slow your descent. While doing so, you continue to fall gently at a speed of 60 feet per round, taking no fall damage when you land. If you would fall at least 10 feet in this way, you may fly up to your movement speed in one direction you choose, although you cannot choose to move upwards, landing in the space you finish your movement. You cannot glide while carrying heavy weapons or wielding a shield (though you may drop any held items as part of your reaction to spread your arms). You cannot glide while wearing heavy armor, or if you are encumbered.

Wing Flap

As a bonus action, you can use your powerful feathered arms to propel yourself upward a distance equal to half your movement speed. You can use it in conjunction with a regular jump, but not while gliding.

Communal

Whenever you make an Intelligence (History) check related to the history of your race, culture, or community, you are considered proficient in the History skill and add double your proficiency bonus to the check, instead of your normal proficiency bonus.

Militia Training

You have proficiency in simple weapons.

Of the People

You gain proficiency with the artisan tools of your choice: brewer’s supplies, carpenter’s tools, or smith’s tools.

Bright Gallus

Inspiring

By spending an action and giving words of advice or encouragement, you can inspire an ally who is able to see and hear you. The ally can roll a d4 and add the number rolled to their next ability check, attack roll, or saving throw.

Understanding

You have proficiency in the Insight skill.

Huden Gallus

One With the Wood

You have proficiency in the Nature skill.

Seedspeech

Your connection to the Great Rhythm is such that you can speak with the greenery of the forest itself. Through speech and touch you can communicate simple ideas to living plants. You are able to interpret their responses in simple language. Plants in the Wood do not experience the world in terms of sight, but most can feel differences in temperature, describe things that have touched them, as well as hear vibrations that happened around them (including speech).