Carrivian

A race of sapient, avian humanoids native to Trast . They weren't originally intelligent, instead starting out as a species of carnivorous scavenger birds, with the unique ability to gain physical traits from the creatures they consumed. These traits would develop over many feedings, and if developed enough could even be passed down to offspring. At some point in the wake of the calamity which left Trast devoid of the so-called "civilized" races, enough of them fed on the remains of sapient species to gain that intelligence for themselves. Some even gained innate demonic abilities similar to Damenuki.
Despite their mental advancement, many carrivians are still creatures of opportunity and scavengers. Some flocks follow the nomadic Kuprum-Rodan tribes, picking through what is left in their path. Many are drawn to shiny things, and have a tendency to collect trinkets. Those who manage to integrate with the "civilized" races often find themselves in the seedier parts of society, going so far as to get in trouble for their kleptomania. This urge to collect also extends to their armaments; carrivians will frequently use whatever weapon is most convenient, looted from remains they've come across. If given the opportunity, they favor curved blades with which they can perform fly-by slashes, or weighted javelins they can throw down at their targets from the air. They utilize their mobility as both their greatest offense and defense.
Of course, no race is wholly one dimensional. Some carrivians seek to distance themselves from the perception of their scavenger nature, making every effort to understand the cultures of other races and define themselves as individuals. They try to restrict their diets to ethically harvested meats, though are less picky about how it is prepared and if it is even fresh compared to others.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Carrivians are humanoid, with scrawny builds and mangy feathers. Their skin tone is typically a pale blue or purple, but can reflect their Gene Heritage (match the dominant skin tone of a species consumed heavily by their ancestors). Facial shape can also vary slightly with said genes, but typically is bare with feathers running from just behind the eyes down to the shoulders. Patches of light scales or natural armor can be inherited as well.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Carrivians can eat just about anything, but delight is trying any and all types of meat they can throughout their lives.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

As birds of prey, Carrivians have excellent eyesight. However, they do not inherently have great night vision.

Homebrew

Carrivian

ability score increase: +2 Dex, +1 Wis, -1 Str

age: Carrivians reach maturity by age 10. They don’t usually live longer than 50 years.

alignment: Chaotic

Size: Small

speed: Walking 25ft, Flying 50ft

Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common, and one other language from your Gene Heritage.

race features:
Flight You have a flying speed of 50 feet. To use this speed, you can’t be wearing armor. In light armor, your flying speed is reduced to 40 feet.
Talons You are proficient with your unarmed strikes, which deal 1d4 slashing damage on a hit.
Gene Heritage Pick 1 racial trait (except ASI; can be from a subrace) from other races that have been assimilated by your ancestors.
Gene Assimilation Once every 5 levels. After 10 feedings on the remains of a type of creature, you may gain one passive benefit of theirs; limit one per creature type. If the creature belongs to one of the playable races, you pick one of their racial traits.