Birdmen

Origins & Mythology

Birdmen are the result of ancient unions between humans and mystical birds. After being driven apart by the corruption of Ghor, the female bird-humans (now known as harpies) cursed the Birdmen so they could no longer create offspring together. The curse now compels Birdmen to seek out human women to continue their line, laying eggs that produce only male offspring.

Physical Characteristics

• Average Height: Similar to human males, though often more lithe
• Build: Human torso, arms, and head, but with feathered backs, large feathered tails, and wings sprouting from the back
• Legs: Human to the knees, then birdlike talons for feet
• Eyes: Entirely black, avian in appearance
• Other Features: Feathers cover the back and tail, with possible feathers in the hair

Culture & Society

• Habitat: Hidden or remote places; live in secrecy due to their curse and reputation
• Social Structure: No known organized society; solitary or in small, scattered groups
• Traditions: Survival depends on perpetuating their species through cursed unions with human women; secrecy and evasion are common
• Economy: No specific economy; may steal or barter to meet needs

Subraces & Variants

• Corrupted Birdmen: Some Birdmen, having succumbed to Ghor’s corruption, have become truly evil, using their powers for malicious purposes.
• Neutral Birdmen: Most Birdmen act out of necessity rather than malice, shaped by the curse and their need to survive.

Notable Facts

• Birdmen can disguise themselves as human males and possess strong powers of persuasion and memory alteration.
• Their curse compels them to mate with virgin human women, who then lay a single egg producing a male child.
• All children of Birdmen are male; female offspring are no longer possible since the curse.
• The divide between Birdmen and Harpies is the result of a powerful, ancient curse driven by corruption and tragedy.
• Birdmen are not inherently evil, but the curse has led some down darker paths.