Stryx

Appearance

Stryx are avian humanoids whose features strongly resemble owls. They have large inquisitive eyes and stout sharp beaks. They range in size from three feet at the shortest, to just around five and a half feet in height, though they always weigh far less than one would expect given their relative size. Styx possess taloned avian feet and humanoid arms with four talon tipped fingers, including an opposable thumb. Their soft feathery bodies can make Styx seem to be more rotund then they actually are, though most prefer to wear tighter fitting clothing. Though they share more in common with humans than with owls, Styx do also possess large impressive wings that can allow them to fly and glide with ease.
Styx feathers feature an array of colorations similar to common owls, with lighter faces, chest and under-wings, and darker backs. Styx eyes lack an iris, or perhaps they lack a sclera (white part), and their eyes are a solid color aside from a slightly large pupil.

Demeanor

Stryx are a kind and extremely helpful lot, always eager to lend a helping hand and assist one in getting to the bottom of any problem. The general outlook on life for a Stryx is that every opportunity is a chance for learning. They rarely shy away from a good challange, esspecially a mental one, and are willing to throw their lot in with others in protection of theirs, or any other land. Though they are small in stature, Stryx make up for their physical shortcommings by sheer intellect and cunning, always ready to devise a new solution to an unforseen problem.
Though their vocal range is sometimes grating to other races, Stryx rarely take the time to bother with attempts to adjust. Their non-chalaunce attitude towards the comforts of others, or their personal space for that matter, often gets on the nerves of other races, though Stryx are endlessly patient with them.
Stryx are not natural leaders, or fighters, but make for excellent stratigists, planners, and spell casters.

Backgrounds

Stryx are said to be one of, if not, the oldest race living on Nerele, with their homeland, the Roost of Enoth, being the oldest continuous civilization. Though their civilization may well date back to the time of the gamification of Nerele, any knowledge of those times are either lost to modern Stryx, or kept secret. Enoth being an island nation with high sea cliffs and very few natural harbors, the Roost has never been attacked on a large scale, though countless attempts have been made over the centuries. While the Stryx welcome any of the other races to live in their lands, only the Oread and Tengu seem to be able to handle the Stryx vocal range for long periods.
A typical Stryx is born in a clutch with two to three other siblings, and their young life is full of exploration and learning. The cities of Enoth have old and venerable institutions which educate young Stryx in countless studdies, and like all races, at the age of 14, a Styx will receive their class and begin their journey in adulthood.

Adventures

Stryx are naturally curious about the world and can be found across Nerele working and adventuring, always gathering knowledge. Due to their extensive training, Stryx have a high likelyhood oto receive a magically or psionically inclined class, with a large number being uncommon. It is rare to find a Stryx with a physical combat class which does not also possess magic or psionic abilities.

Racial Traits

Ability Score Adjustments
-2 Str, +2 Int, +2 Wis; Stryx a physically weaker than other races, though their intellect and insight more than make up for it.
Size
Medium: Some Stryx are Medium creatures and thus have no bonuses or penalties due to their size.
Small: Some Styx are Small creatures and gain a +1 size bonus to their AC, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, a –1 penalty on combat maneuver checks and to their CMD, and a +4 size bonus on Stealth checks.

Type
Humanoid (Stryx, Birdfolk)
Other Racial Traits Speed: Stryx have a base speed of 20 feet.

Subsonic Vocals (Ex): A Stryx's voice is incredibly hard to not hear, as the sound will conduct through a listeners bones, this has multiple effects;
1) Heared and Felt (Ex): A Stryx's voice can be felt in the vibration of ones bones as well as heard through conventional means. This means that a target, or bystander, cannot block out the sound of a Stryx speaking, and may not cancel a vocal effect by covering their ears. Unfortunatly, this often has the side effect of putting others at unease around a Stryx they don't know. The starting attitude for any creature who does not know the Styx is lowered by 1, increase this by 1 if the creature has exceptionally sharp hearing. Note that some people who are familiar with the Stryx will still begin at a lower attitude.
2) Sonic Affinity (Su): Stryx's unique vocal tones makes them exceptionally good at abilities that have a sonic type or effect. A Stryx is always counted as 1 level higher for these effects, and deal 1 extra point per die of damage with sonic effects.
3) Call/Hoot (Ex): Stryx have developed a sort of short hand communication and may use their unique vocal range to convey information to nearby allies, so long as they can hear and understand it. A Stryx Call is made outside of normal hearing range for humanoids, only other avians or those with special abilities to hear such things, can hear the call. The Call can be heared up to five miles distant durring the day, twice as far at night, but only half as far in a city. A Hoot is similar to a call, though it is made within normal hearing range, and is used to convey information in shorthand to those nearby, typically within half a mile.
Spells that silence or midigate vocals/speaking will oporate as normal against a Stryx.

Owl Wings (Ex): Stryx possess wings capable of carrying them gently aloft. The Stryx have a Flight Speed of 30 feet (Average), and gain a +4 Racial bonus on stealth checks while flying.

Keen Eyes (Ex): Stryx possess low-light vision, and gain a +2 racial bonus on perception checks.



Languages: Common, Stryx, and Avian shorthand (This also allows Stryx to glean a basic understanding of natural birdsong).

Alternate Racial Traits

Favored Class Options