Raven
Raven are corvids (relatives of ravens and crows). In some worlds they might be akin to the
kenku (who lack voices), but in Zoontalis we’ll treat raven as having voices and a distinct culture
rather than the kenku curse. They have glossy black feathers (sometimes with iridescent blue or
purple sheen), a strong beak, and lean bodies built for flight. Raven are clever, curious, and often
mischievous. Many serve as messengers, scouts, or spies thanks to their keen senses and ability
to fly. Culturally, raven often gather in small clans or families that roost in high places – tall trees,
cliffs, or the rooftops of human cities. They have a reputation as tricksters and collectors of shiny
things. Indeed, raven tend to be naturally adept at mimicry and often learn bits of many
languages. They also sometimes revere a trickster deity or a death goddess (like the Raven
Queen in some settings) – seeing themselves as ushers of souls or omens of fortune (good or ill).
This dual association (trickery and death) means raven can be seen with awe or suspicion by
others. Among themselves, they value wit, resourcefulness, and loyalty to the clan. They are also
known to hold grudges if wronged, but likewise remember kindness and repay it generously.
Raven adventurers might be rogues (using their cunning and mimicry), bards (spreading news
and tales on black wings), or even warlocks (some feel a calling to serve the Raven Queen or
similar figure).

Raven Traits. Your raven character has the following species traits:

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Intelligence score
increases by 1.

Age. Raven reach maturity by around 12 years of age and live roughly 80 years. They
experience a bit of a mid-life slow-down (some say their curiosity is highest in youth and
they mellow as they age). The oldest raven might reach 100, albeit rarely.

Alignment. Raven tend toward chaotic alignments. They enjoy freedom, change, and
challenges to the status quo (trickster nature). As for good or evil, most are neutral or
neutral good – out for themselves and their clan, but not particularly cruel. A few lean
into the darker omen aspect and might be neutral evil (especially if following a death
deity’s agenda), but those are exceptions.

Size. Raven are somewhat short and slender. They average 5 feet in height and typically
weigh around 90–120 pounds (hollow bones for flying). Your size is Medium.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Flight. You have a flying speed of 30 feet. To use this speed, you can’t be wearing medium or
heavy armour (light armour or no armour only). You also need room to flap your arms
(wings) – meaning you can’t fly in a space that doesn’t allow you to extend your
wingspan. (Raven can fly and often do, though they aren’t quite as fast or strong fliers as
larger bird races like aarakocra.)

Mimicry. You can mimic any sounds you’ve heard, including voices. A creature hearing the
sounds can tell they are imitations with a successful Wisdom (Insight) check opposed by
your Charisma (Deception) check. (Raven are excellent at repeating phrases, animal
calls, laughter, etc. This doesn’t grant languages you don’t know; you mimic the sounds,
not necessarily understand them.)

Omen of Death. You know the Thaumaturgy cantrip (the effect often manifests as a slight
darkening of light, a distant raven caw, or an unsettling flutter of shadows). Starting at
3rd level, you can cast Augury as a ritual (seeking an omen from whatever source raven
believe in – could be flipping a coin and seeing which side a feather lands on, etc.).
Starting at 5th level, you can cast Speak with Dead once per long rest. Intelligence is your
spellcasting ability for these spells. (This trait reflects the raven’s spiritual connection
with death and fate – not all individuals focus on it, but those powers are inherent in
their lineage.)

Keen Senses. You have proficiency in the Perception skill. Raven have sharp eyes and ears,
always on the lookout for shiny objects or danger.

Darkvision. Accustomed to being active at dawn, dusk, and night, you have superior vision
in low-light conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet as if it were bright light,
and in darkness as if it were dim light (you discern shades of gray, as usual for
darkvision).

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Beast Speech. (Raven Beast Speech
is full of croaks, squawks, and whistles – they often mix mimicry into their speech,
making it sound like a chaotic patchwork of voices at times. They also frequently learn
additional languages to better mimic and communicate with other races – as such, you
may choose one extra language of your choice reflecting this talent.)