5e Playable Lineage: Harpy, updated

 Harpy

Harpies have the heads and torsos of humans and the wings, talons, and bodies of large, predatory birds. Their hands emerge from the prominent joint of their wings. Their plumage ranges from brown to slate to black, often with lighter markings. They are a distinct species from the monster of the same name.

Female harpies are larger and stronger than the males, and dominate harpy society. It is common for young females to seek their fortune outside the aerie.

Harpy society is hierarchical and legalistic. They are generally considered to have invented law and civil organization, and brought these concepts to the other races.

Harpies appreciate precision in thought, word, and deed. This has led other races to characterize them as harsh and unforgiving. 

Individual harpies may live among other races, but harpy communities are always established as remote mountaintop aeries.

Donna Barr

Harpy Names

Harpies have a given name, a family name, and, often, a diminutive name used exclusively by immediate family.

Harpy Names (female): Agnete, Alke, Beatke, Czylle, Ermegart, Fronika, Gersucha, Heske, Herlinde, Ilg, Irmel, Neleke, Nethe, Osterhildis, Otilge, Ysentrud

Harpy Names (male): Anselm, Benusch, Dietl, Ditmar, Elger, Enderl, Firdl, Griml, Hensl, Jander, Jurge, Kite, Noldl, Olbrecht, Otte, Pessl, Sifrid, Wigl

Harpy Family Names: Aldershof, Bergfalk, Durchdenwald, Eirkuchen, Eilkenboom, Förstner, Geiszler, Holzknecht, Leichenburg, Nachtnebel, Radmacher, Raskopf, Schuchardt, Steinauer, Toepfer, Vormelker, Walahran, Zouvall

Harpy Traits

Ability Score Increase. Increase one ability score by 2, and increase a different one by 1.

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Atymspricht, the birth-tongue of Harpies.

Size. Female harpies are often 4’ tall, 5 or 6’ long, with a 12-15’ wingspan. They are medium creatures. Male harpies are 3’ tall,

4’ long, with a 8-10’ wingspan. They are small creatures.

Fey. Your creature type is fey, rather than humanoid.

Speed. Base walking speed: 25’; Flying speed: 40’

Flight. You cannot fly while wearing medium or heavy armor. You cannot hold objects in your hands or perform the somatic

component of spells while flying. You can hold objects in your talons, but cannot perform fine manipulations with them.

Talons. (Proficient) 1d6+STR slashing dmg

Imposing Bearing. You gain proficiency in the Intimidation skill.