Wildling Type: Ruutok / Bird-People

Avian Wildlings are found all throughout Vaxus, whether that be the observant Ruakaw, the ostentatious Taroo, or the communal Kuatuk. With all of these different variants of birdfolk, or Ruutok, displaying their own talents and features, a certain set of common abilities can be seen throughout their kind.
Proud of their heritage yet humble in their goals, the Ruutok are oftentimes seen as a content lot set on making the most of the life given to them. Known for their songs, gossip, and mischievous behavior, they are also known to be intensely territorial of their roost. Rarely setting their sights on higher ambitions and goals, if a particular Ruutok has set their eyes on a prize, they are relentless in their pursuit of it, passing on their slights and failed ambitions onto others that share their roost for generations.

Gameplay Traits

• Ability Score Increase. Increase one ability score by 2 and increase a different one by 1, or increase three different scores by 1. The different species of Birdfolk are known for their gentle wit and playful tunes, while others are known for their quick tongue and deadly accuracy. It is recommended to put 2 in Dexterity and 1 in Intelligence or Charisma.
• Creature Type. You are a Humanoid.
• Size. Your size is Small.
• Speed. Your walking speed is 25 feet.
• Languages. You can speak, read, and write Regional (a catch-all term for the region's main language, also known as Common) and one other language of your choice.
• Age. Displaying rapid growth and reaching adult maturity within as little as 2-5 years of age depending on the bird-type, most Ruutok live between 35-50 years of age.
• Alignment. Temperament in behavior can vary across the different bird-types, with most assuming a neutral position towards the world around them, varying between a simple outlook on life to meticulous scheming.


• Ecological Niche. Choose one of the following traits that your Ruutok possesses.
• 1. Songbird. You can accurately mimic sounds you have heard, such as musical instruments, mechanical sounds, or voices. A creature that hears the sounds you make can tell they are imitations by making a successful Insight check against a DC of 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier. Additionally, you have proficiency in the performance skill.
• 2. Waterfowl. You have a swimming speed equal to your walking speed, and you have resistance to the Cold damage type.
• 3. Roadrunner. Your base walking speed increases by 5 feet, and you have a climbing speed equal to your walking speed.
• 4. Nocturnal. You have darkvision, allowing you to see in dim light within 60 feet of yourself as if it were bright light and in darkness as if it were dim light. You discern colors in that darkness only as shades of gray. Additionally, you have proficiency in the stealth skill.
• Keen Senses. You have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or sight.
• Limited Flight. You have a flying speed equal to your walking speed, but you must land at the end of your turn or you fall. You can't use this flying speed if you're wearing heavy armor. Additionally, when falling you can use your reaction to spread your wings, slowing your descent. When you do so, you fall gently at a speed of 60 feet per round, and you take no fall damage when you land.
• Beak/Talons. You have a pointed beak and/or sharp talons that you can use to make unarmed strikes. When you hit with your beak, the strike deals 1d6 + Dexterity modifier piercing damage (slashing damage if using your talons), instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.
• Light Frame. With little effort, you can move through and stop in a space one size smaller than you are (though no smaller than half your size).

by Christina Kraus