Yes it's a new year and Reverend Dungeon Master is bringing you a new feature.
Previously, I started this on a lark. Something to, frankly, laugh at. I had never been a DM to think of monsters as playable characters. In my opinion monsters are for killing. That is no longer a popular opinion today and it's forced me to reconsider allowing players to roll up monsters as characters. I am aware that Basic already has a supplementary set of rules for such occasions, but I thought it would be fun to do a little homebrewing for the monsters I will allow players. Specifically, they need to be humanoid. I'll be posting this new feature once a week.
Below is a list of Playable Monster Classes I'll be posting for this series.
Playable Aarakocra Class
by Reverend Dungeon MasterXP Progression: Elf table.
Ability Modifiers: +2 Dexterity, +2 Wisdom, -2 Strength.
Hit Dice: 1d6 at level 1, gains 1d6 per level up to level 5, +2 HP per level thereafter.
Abilities:
Flight: Aarakocra can fly at a speed of 60 ft. starting at level 1. They cannot carry heavy loads while flying.
Keen Eyesight: +2 on Wisdom Checks relying on sight.
Talons: Aarakocra have natural talon attacks (1d4 damage) that can be used in combat.
Skyborn: At level 5, Aarakocra gain advantage on saving throws against airborne effects and may move freely in difficult terrain when flying.
Aarakocra: Wind Call
Level 1 Ability
Once per day, the Aarakocra can create a gust of wind to affect creatures or objects within a 10-foot radius. The wind can be used to:
Push small objects or debris (no heavier than 10 pounds) up to 10 feet away.
Disrupt the movement of a creature, causing them to make a saving throw vs. breath weapon or be pushed 5 feet away (if the creature fails).
Extinguish small flames (torch, candle, or similar).
At level 5, the Aarakocra can use this ability twice per day, and the gust becomes stronger, pushing creatures back 10 feet on a failed saving throw. At level 10, the Aarakocra can create a focused gust that can move larger objects (up to 50 pounds) and push creatures back up to 15 feet on a failed save.
Restrictions:
Aarakocra can wear only light armor (no metal armor).
They prefer to use simple ranged weapons like bows or darts but can use other small weapons effectively.
Alignment: Neutral or Chaotic.
Roleplay Guidelines:
Aarakocra are solitary and free-spirited, often living in high places or secluded forests. Their connection to the sky and wind makes them aloof and independent, with a strong sense of freedom.
They may prefer a nomadic lifestyle, moving with the weather or winds. They often avoid urban areas and seek the company of other Aarakocra or creatures that share their affinity for nature.
Playable Monster Classes
Aarakocra
Berserker
Bugbear
Centaur
Goblin
Gnoll
Giant
Hill Giant
Stone Giant
Frost, Fire, Cloud, and Storm Giants
Hobgoblin
Kobold
Lizardfolk
Medusa
Minotaur
Naga
Ogre
Orc
Satyr
Troll
Troglodyte
Werecreatures
