Urchae

Description

The Urchae are an intelligent, feathered dinosaur-like species with sleek bodies and a horizontal posture that are associated with the element of Air. They possess two legs with talons, two feathered wings and their bone structure is hollow and light allowing them to take flight. Their most unique feature is that they not only have talons on their wing digits, but these talons have opposable digits that allow them to hold and use objects much like humanoid species can. They also possess a long reptilian tail that helps stabilize themselves and colorful plumage to attract other members of their species.

Culture

The Urchae traditionally made their home in the Living Jungles to the south of the Eastern Steppes. Their flight provides them an unique advantage and they use this to soar over the canopy looking for fruits or small prey. They also built their temple-cities in the mountain ranges that cross through these tropical forests.
Theirs was a kingdom that was quite advanced for their time, but almost a millennia ago a series of earthquakes of catastrophic proportions collapsed all of their temple-cities. This disaster also wiped out a large portion of their population who were trapped in their collapsing homes. With the large loss of both infrastructure and life as well as the increased difficulty of communication that caused, their once-great kingdom fractured overnight. The survivors formed small tribes that in some cases sought out others to form larger tribes as well. Some of these tribes became nomads that roam the southern parts of the Eastern Steppes as hunter-gatherers. Others instead went back to their temple-cities to rebuild, but due to their sharply reduced population they are still only a shadow of their former selves despite their efforts.

Religion

In their old kingdom there was a freedom of religion, but the most worshiped god by far was Skarann, God of the Hunt, Sky and Freedom. While some became disillusioned after the disaster that struck them, the majority of the Urchae have continued to place their trust and belief in the known Gods. However, after the fall of their kingdom some turned to other forces in their time of need. They started to worship powerful Demon Lords, hoping to attain powerful magic to reclaim their former splendor. These groups have become almost like cults with heavy indoctrination and zealous obedience to their new overlords.

Statistics

Urchae Traits.

Ability Score Increase.
Your Dexterity, Constitution and Wisdom Scores each increase by 1.
Age.
On average, Urchae live to be up to about 110 years old.
Speed.
Your base walking speed is 40 feet.
Flight.
You have a flying speed of 40 feet. To use this speed, you can’t be wearing medium or heavy armor. Additionally, if you are carrying a combined weight of more than half your carrying capacity, you cannot take flight either. As your talons are attached to your wings, you can hold objects with your feet, but cannot use weapons or items while flying.
Note: When using the Variant Encumbrance rules, your flying speed as well as your normal speed are both affected by being encumbered.
Cold Sensitivity.
You are warm-blooded, but not as well-adapted to cold temperatures as other humanoids. You have disadvantage on all Constitution saving throws against cold damage and cold environmental conditions.
Hunter's Sight.
You have proficiency in the Perception skill.
Talons.
You are proficient with your talons, which are considered a natural weapon. You can use these talons to make an unarmed strike, dealing 1d6 + your Strength modifier slashing damage instead of the damage normal for an unarmed strike.
Languages.
You can read, speak and write both Common and Urtal. Urtal is rather complex, sounding like nothing but a collection of chirps, squawks and screeching to those unfamiliar with it, but there is a structure in the slight sound variations that determine the meaning of these sounds.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

They are mostly found in the tropical forest in the far southeastern corner of the Eastern Steppes, however some nomadic tribes have traveled farther up north and can also be found around the steppe land there.

Civilization and Culture

Beauty Ideals

A colorful plumage is considered a beauty ideal and a prime way of attracting other members of their species.

Lifespan

Urchae mature at approximately 20-25 years old and they live up to 110 years on average.

Average Height

Average hip height of 0.9 - 1.2m in standard horizontal posture.

Average Weight

Average of 80 - 120 kg.

Average Length

Including tail, they have an average length of 2.1 - 3.4m