Gallus

Gallus are one of the five Birdfolk races in the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition setting of Humblewood. They are, without a doubt, the most physically varied of all the birdfolk races of Humblewood; the vast majority resemble wildfowl, such as pheasants, grouse, chickens and turkeys, with dozens of variations of feathers, colors, patterns and head ornaments even within the same subrace! But gallus are also known to come in strains that resemble other members of the fowl family, such as peacocks. Those who dwell in the wetlands and swamps are also known to resemble not only the expected waterfowl, such as ducks and geese, but also wading birds like herons, storks and bitterns.

Despite this massive physical variety, in mechanical terms, only two gallus subraces exist; Bright Gallus are more closely tied to society, whilst Huden Gallus possess a strong spiritual connection to nature and plants, which often alienates them from other humanoids.

Perhaps because they are so physically varied, gallus are renowned for their welcoming nature; a gallus will include virtually anyone in a social or even familial group, providing their trust is not betrayed. Highly social and communal, gallus communities are tightly knit, with a deep-running sense of communal pride. When tragedy leaves children in their village orphaned, it is customary for gallus families to take them in. Gallus have a deep respect for nature and a love of gardening unmatched by other birdfolk; this extends into a strong value for honest work, such as farming and smithing, and their strong social bonds means that gallus share labor equally between all community members. There is nothing a gallus would not give to their neighbors in a time of need. In gallus culture, it is customary to always offer your seat at a table to guests. This is seen as the basis of a popular and hilarious children’s story about a meal growing too cold to eat as the gallus continually give up their seats to late arrivals at a party

While other birdfolk might look down on gallus for their common ways, the gallus have excellent interpersonal skills. They are insightful and empathetic, but not to the point of being socially exploitable. The gallus have an ear for the truth, and are often capable of rooting out lies and dishonesty. They are the one birdfolk race that most frequently lives alongside or amongst the humblefolk races, and their affinity for community means that they generally get on much better with humblefolk than other birdfolk do.

The patron Amaranthine of the gallus race is Hanera the Provider.

PC Stats

Ability Score Increase: +2 Wisdom

Size: Medium (gallus build variety is incredible, but they average about just under 4ft to just over 5ft tall and about 90 pounds)

Speed: 30 feet

Age: The typical gallus reaches maturity at 18 and can live to be anywhere between 70 to 100 years old.

Alignment: Most gallus are lawful good. They are a salt-ofthe-earth sort of folk who believe in justice, the value of hard work, and the importance of respecting others.

Glide: Using your feathered arms, you can slow your fall, and glide short distances. When falling you can use your reaction to spread your arms, stiffen your wing feathers, and slow your descent. While doing so, you continue to fall gently at a speed of 60 feet per round, taking no fall damage when you land. If you would fall at least 10 feet in this way, you may fly up to your movement speed in one direction you choose, although you cannot choose to move upwards, landing in the space you finish your movement. You cannot glide while carrying heavy weapons or wielding a shield (though you may drop any held items as part of your reaction to spread your arms). You cannot glide while wearing heavy armor, or if you are encumbered.

Wing Flap: As a bonus action, you can use your powerful feathered arms to propel yourself upward a distance equal to half your movement speed. You can use it in conjunction with a regular jump, but not while gliding.

Communal: Whenever you make an Intelligence (History) check related to the history of your race, culture, or community, you are considered proficient in the History skill and add double your proficiency bonus to the check, instead of your normal proficiency bonus.

Militia Training: You have Proficiency in Simple Weapons.

Of the People: You have Proficiency with either Brewer's Supplies, Carpenter's Tools, or Smith's Tools.

Subrace: Choose either the Bright Gallus or Huden Gallus subrace.

Bright Gallus:'

Ability Score Increase: +1 Charisma

Inspiring: By spending an action and giving words of advice or encouragement, you can inspire an ally who is able to see and hear you. The ally can roll a d4 and add the number rolled to their next ability check, attack roll, or saving throw.

Understanding: You have Proficiency in the Insight skill.

Huden Gallus:

Ability Score Increase: +1 Dexterity

One With the Wood: You have Proficiency in the Nature skill.

Seedspeech: Your connection to the Great Rhythm is such that you can speak with the greenery of the forest itself. Through speech and touch you can communicate simple ideas to living plants. You are able to interpret their responses in simple language. Plants in the Wood do not experience the world in terms of sight, but most can feel differences in temperature, describe things that have touched them, as well as hear vibrations that happened around them (including speech).