Penguin Folk are a variant of Aarakocra. Sequestered in frozen desserts among icy winds, the Penguin Folk, sometimes called Bird Folk, evoke fear and wonder. Many Penguin Folk aren’t even native to the Material Plane. They hail from a world beyond — from the boundless vistas of the Elemental Plane of Water.

They are immigrants, refugees, scouts, and explorers, their outposts functioning as footholds in a world both strange and alien.

As a Penguin Folk, you have certain traits in common with your people. Being able to swim at high speed starting at 1st level is exceptionally effective in certain circumstances and exceedingly dangerous in others. As a result, playing an Penguin Folk requires special consideration by your DM.

Ability Score Increases

Your Dexterity score increases by 1, and your Wisdom score increases by 2.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Aarakocra, and Aquan.

Creature Type

You are considered a humanoid.

Life Span

The typical life span of a Penguin Folk is roughly 30 years.

Height and Weight

Height ranges from 4.5ft - 6ft. Weight ranges from 120lbs - 220lbs.

Alcidae (Penguin Folk) Traits

As a Penguin Folk, you have the following racial traits.

Creature Type

You are a Humanoid.

Belly Slide

You have developed the remarkable ability to slide on your stomach with exceptional speed and agility. When you choose to slide, you can move up to half your movement speed, without it counting against your normal movement. Additionally, it only costs you 5 feet of movement to stand up from a prone position. While sliding, you have mastered the art of maneuvering in a way that prevents enemies from taking advantage of your movement. You do not provoke opportunity attacks while sliding.

Your connection with snow and ice allows you to reach impressive speeds. When sliding on snow or ice, you can move up to twice your walking speed. You have become adept at navigating icy and snowy slopes. When sliding down a hill covered in ice or snow, you can slide all the way down without any penalties or loss of control.

Starting at 5th level, you can use your Dexterity modifier to determine the number of times you can slide before needing to rest. You regain all expended slides after finishing a short or long rest. The number of slides is equal to your Dexterity modifier (minimum of 1).

Size

Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your walking speed is 25 feet. You have a swimming speed equal 50 ft. You can't use this swimming speed if you're wearing medium or heavy armor.

Icy Resilience

Due to these Penguin Folk's origins of barren, icy landscapes and frigid waters, they exhibit a strong resilience towards cold environments. There is very little save the breath of a white dragon that can freeze these weather-hardened birdfolk. This character is resistant to cold damage and is proficient in Constitution saving throws.

Water Evasion

Starting at 3rd level, while in the water, you may take Evasion as a reaction an amount of times equal to your dexterity modifier, minimum of 1, resetting on a long rest.

Cold Immunity

Starting at 6th level, you have immunity to cold damage.