Playable Race – Harpy

While most races within the Oceans of Contest live in near-constant conflict, the Harpies keep comparatively peaceful lives within the jungles of the realm. They choose no side in the wars of the realm, instead helping or hindering as they see fit. Some Harpies do of course leave their nest and find a more permanent place in the societies of humanity, but for the majority, the jungle territory of their small community will be a permanent home.

Feathered and Fair

Harpies are a small, feminine race of winged humanoids. They have soft, fair features and delicate colourful feathers coving the majority of their bodies, making it difficult to determine their gender at first glance. They typically grow to just under 5 feet and due to their highly active lifestyle, they are usually rather petite in build. Their feathers cover much of their torso and fully decorate the wings that replace where their arms would be. In the place of human legs, they have the powerful taloned legs of a bird of prey. Their faces usually host kind, attractive human features, yet they are capable of twisting into horrific stretched expressions of rage with dozens of small, sharp fangs and large, furious eyes. Their colourful feathers share the same vibrant pallet as parrots or other exotic tropical birds.

Recruitment and Respect

While most Harpies never leave the safety of the small community nests they grow up in, some brave or adventurous members of the race will take to the skies and leave in search of new experiences. These people will often find themselves settling down with one of the two human factions.

Those that take a liking to the high quality of life that Athens provides will be taken in by the Herculeans and shown great respect. The Humans of Athens believe that Harpies are a sacred people and make every effort to provide for them. They usually take high-ranking positions in the city and are gifted elaborate, impressive clothing to mark their importance to the community.

In contrast, a Harpy that finds joy in conflict and the lawless nature of the Swashbucklers will often be recruited quickly by a crew. Having a member of your ship that can fly is a powerful boon against your enemies and those that serve one of the three Pirate Lords know this. The Harpies are encouraged to feel like an equal and while they aren’t given special treatment, there is usually an attempt to keep them happy.

Harpy Names

Harpy names are usually unisex and contain sounds reminiscent of a bird call. In many circumstances, these names will be unpronounceable to the humans of the realm so they will be given, or choose, a new name that is easier to say.

Harpy Traits

Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 2 and your Dexterity score increases by 1.

Age. Harpies mature at the age of 14 and live to the age of 50.

Alignment. Most Harpy avoid the major cities and prefer to scavenge at the outskirts of society. This means they usually have a chaotic alignment.

Size. Harpies grow to a height of just under 5 foot. Your size is medium.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and one additional language of your choice.

Harpies Scream. As an action, you may let out a deafening screech. Creatures within a 10ft cone must succeed a Constitution saving throw (DC = 8 + PB + Con Modifier) or be stunned until the end their turn. This ability can be used once before needing to take a short or long rest.

Divebomb. If you fly 30ft in a straight line before making a melee attack, you can use your bonus action to add 1d6 to the damage. This damage increases to a 1d8 at level 6 and 1d10 at level 14. If the attack missed, you take 1d6 bludgeoning damage and are knocked prone.

Flight. You have a flying speed of 50 feet. To use this speed, you can’t be wearing heavy armour.

Swooping Acceleration. Creatures make opportunity attacks against you at disadvantage.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed learning about the Harpies of the Oceans of Contest and will consider adapting them for your own game! If you’d like to improve your own homebrews, please consider checking out the Veneon Reforged Youtube channel. If you want to see the creative process live you can join me and the community on Twitch or Discord.

Thank you for reading and may your next session be filled with glory!