Owlfolk: three character concepts

I don't know who to credit for this image. If you do, drop me a message!

Recently, a new batch of UAs has been dropped on us. In the latest Unearthed Arcana article, we got some fey-like races and I must admit it, I'm truly interested almost only in the Owlfolk. I do not understand the necessity for the Feywild Hobgoblin (which is actually a good race, but we already have hobgoblins), I'm just slightly interested in the Fairy and absolutely not interested at all in the Rabbitfolk. I mean, it's not my taste, maybe it has something to do with Easter (or Lola Bunny...ahem).

So, we were saying, Owlfolk. Here's the stats:

©Wizards of the Coast

Remember that you can choose between getting a +2 and +1 to two different ability scores, or +1 to three different ability scores. This great flexibility opens up to us virtually all builds, especially if we use the point buy generation method. Also, maybe it's just because it is an UA, but the Owlfolk can fly with heavy armor, while the Aarakocra couldn't. In fact, it is way better than the Aarakocra, except for the lesser flying speed and the absence of natural attacks.

Then, I started to wonder which build I could make with an Owlfolk. I'm going to share some of them (the most interesting at least), but I'm not interested in a full build breakthrough this time.

Concept 1: the Owlmaster

This is a Circle of the Shepherd Druid of at least 6th level, who has prepared the Conjure Animals spell (why wouldn't you, it's the key feature of this druid). With this, you can summon up to 8 Giant Owls, each of them with more hp and magical attacks. They may not be the most powerful beasts, but 8 Large creatures are definitely welcome on the battlefield, especially if they fly and do not generate opportunity attacks when moving... Flanking, here we come! You obviously also have other summon options, most of which can take whichever form you desire, like the new Summon Beast spell, or the limited familiar of the druid options. As an Owlmaster, you most definitely should make all of them owls.

Concept 2: the Lich Owl

A bit of context. According to the wikipedia page of the barn owl, this is a bird of ill omen among certain cultures and "lich owl" is one of it's nicknames. So basically, be a Warlock of the Undead Otherwordly Patron (still in Unearthed Arcana, but soon to be officially released I guess). Summon Undead, Danse Macabre, Create Undead will supply you with minions, but do not turn down frightening effects, poisons or diseases.

Great Owl - The Secret of NIMH ©Don Bluth Productions

Concept 3: the Night Hunter

Here's a multiclass. Start as a Monk and reach level 3, where you would take the Way of Shadows. Then, multiclass Rogue and reach level 3 in this class, where you would also take the Assassin archetype. After this, keep taking levels as monk. This is the perfect combination to be a silent and invisible hunter in the night.

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This was a quick post, I know, but I hope you found it interesting!

Stay safe

Daniele