Kenku

Skyfallen, Shadow Flocks, Echo-folk
Feathered folk who resemble ravens, kenku are blessed with keen observation and supernaturally accurate memories. None of them can remember the origin of the first kenku, however, and they often joke that there are as many kenku origin stories as there are kenku. Some of them paint their genesis as a curse, being a flightless bird people doomed to mimic other people’s creations. Other kenku recite cryptic but beautiful poems about their advent being a blessed event in which they were sent into the multiverse to observe and catalog its many wonders. Whatever their true origin, kenku are most often found in the Shadowfell and the Material Plane, and they tend to have the coloration typical of ravens.
Haunted by an ancient crime that robbed them of their wings, the flightless kenku wander the world as vagabonds and burglars who live at the edge of human society. Kenku suffer from a sinister reputation that is not wholly unearned, but they can prove to be valuable allies

Basic Information

Anatomy

Kenku are humanoid avians, standing upright with birdlike features. They have sleek, feather-covered bodies, clawed hands and feet, and sharp beaks. Although their wings are long lost, vestigial structures beneath their arms hint at their once-flightful nature. Their movements are quick and agile, befitting their birdlike ancestry.

Genetics and Reproduction

Kenku reproduce through egg-laying, with a gestation period of 6-8 months. Their genetic makeup strongly favors adaptability, and offspring inherit their parents’ distinctive feather patterns. Despite their birdlike traits, they share more similarities with humanoids in terms of gestation and development.

Ecology and Habitats

Kenku thrive in resourceful environments that allow them to scavenge and adapt, such as coastal regions, archipelagos, and urban outskirts. They are skilled foragers and traders, often making homes in hidden or abandoned locations. Their interaction with their environment is deeply utilitarian, as they use mimicry and craft to integrate into their surroundings.

Behaviour

Kenku are pragmatic, secretive, and opportunistic. Their mimicry skills make them excellent spies, traders, and negotiators, but their lack of creativity often leaves them reliant on adapting or imitating rather than innovating. They are deeply communal, valuing the survival and success of their flock above individual pursuits.

Additional Information

Average Intelligence

Kenku have average intelligence, excelling in practical and situational problem-solving, though they lack creative and abstract thinking.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Kenku have acute hearing and sharp vision, capable of discerning minute details even in dim light. They are also known for their remarkable auditory mimicry, reproducing sounds, voices, and even complex melodies with near-perfect accuracy.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Kenku names often mimic sounds or phrases significant to their lives, such as Chirr, Tap-tap, or Gullcry. Surnames are rarely used but may reflect their trade or place of origin, such as Harborcall or Shadowcliff

Beauty Ideals

Kenku value symmetry and the quality of their feathers. Well-kept, glossy plumage is a sign of health and status. Iridescent or unusual markings are particularly admired.

Gender Ideals

Kenku society places equal importance on all genders, emphasizing an individual’s contribution to the flock over traditional roles. However, larger Kenku are often encouraged to take physically demanding tasks, while more dexterous individuals excel in trades or mimicry arts.

Courtship Ideals

Courtship among Kenku is subtle and ritualistic, involving the exchange of mimicked sounds or objects of personal significance. Partners often perform duet mimicries as a form of bonding.

Relationship Ideals

Relationships are practical and community-focused. Couples or groups often form alliances to support the greater flock, with a shared responsibility to rear offspring and contribute to their collective livelihood.

Common Etiquette Rules

Mimicking someone’s voice in a mocking tone is considered highly disrespectful. Exchanges of crafted or imitated items are seen as a gesture of goodwill. Interrupting a mimicry performance is a serious faux pas.

Common Dress Code

Kenku attire emphasizes functionality, with lightweight fabrics suited for mobility. Many incorporate feathers, shells, or other natural materials into their clothing, reflecting their connection to the sea and skies. Merchants often wear sashes or belts adorned with their wares.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Featherfall is a bittersweet holiday for the Kenku, marked by both reflection and celebration. It serves as a reminder of their ancient past and the freedom they once knew in the skies, but also as a time to appreciate the lives they have created and the strength they have found on the ground.
The Wings of Memory The day begins with a solemn ceremony known as the Wings of Memory. Kenku gather in a central location, often a place that offers a view of the open sky. They wear simple, feathered cloaks to honor their lost wings, each feather symbolizing a memory or aspect of flight. Elders recount the tales of the past, not to dwell in sorrow, but to acknowledge the history that shapes their present.
During this time, the Kenku release feather-shaped paper lanterns into the air. These lanterns, carried by the wind, symbolize the dreams of flight and the spirit of those who came before them. As they watch the lanterns drift skyward, the Kenku reflect on what was lost but also on the resilience they have shown since.
The Feast of the Ground Following the morning ceremony, the mood shifts to one of celebration with the Feast of the Ground. The Kenku come together to prepare a communal meal, using ingredients gathered from the earth. This feast celebrates the abundance of the land and the life they have built on solid ground.
Tables are set in a communal space, and the Kenku share stories of their lives, the friendships they've made, and the skills they've developed since losing their flight. It is a time to express gratitude for the bonds and communities they have forged. Music and laughter fill the air, replacing the somber tone of the morning with joy and camaraderie.
The Dance of Shadows In the afternoon, the Kenku perform the Dance of Shadows, a choreographed performance that involves intricate movements and mimicry. Without their wings, the Kenku have become masters of other forms of expression, and this dance is a testament to their adaptability and creativity.
Using the art of shadow puppetry, the Kenku depict their transformation from sky-dwellers to ground-based beings. The performance tells a story of loss, adaptation, and rebirth, using their unique mimicry abilities to create a moving narrative without the need for words. The shadows cast by the dancers serve as a reminder that while they may be flightless, they are not without beauty and grace.
The Grounded Glow As evening falls, the Kenku gather for the Grounded Glow ceremony. They light small, hand-carved lamps and place them along paths and in trees, illuminating their settlements with a warm, inviting glow. This symbolizes the light and life they have cultivated on the ground, a beacon of hope and community.
They sing in unison, using their mimicry to create a harmonious melody that echoes through the night. This song is not one of sorrow, but of resilience and unity. It is a celebration of the Kenku’s ability to find light in the darkness and to build a life of meaning despite their past.
The Dreamer’s Vigil The holiday concludes with the Dreamer's Vigil, a quiet and introspective moment. Kenku gather around a central bonfire, sharing their dreams and aspirations for the future. They speak of hopes not limited by their flightless state but inspired by the endless possibilities they see in the world around them.
The Dreamer’s Vigil is a time to look forward, to imagine new paths, and to reaffirm the strength they have found in their grounded existence. It is a gentle reminder that while the sky may no longer be their domain, the earth has offered them a different kind of freedom and opportunity.
Featherfall Remembrance is a day that honors the duality of the Kenku's existence—acknowledging the loss of their wings while celebrating the resilience and community they have built on the ground. It is a poignant reminder of their past, a celebration of their present, and a hopeful gaze towards the future.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Kenku culture revolves around their mimicry and trading skills. They are known for their storytelling through sound, where entire histories or myths are conveyed through layered mimicry. Their heritage is also tied to the Featherlight Festival and the ongoing quest to undo their ancestral curse.

• Featherlight Festival: A yearly event celebrating resilience and hope, featuring mimicry showcases, symbolic processions, and the Leap of Faith.
• Sky Lantern Release: Symbolizing their aspirations to one day regain flight.
• Sound Sculpting: An art form where Kenku layer mimicked sounds to create “audible tapestries.”

Common Taboos

Hoarding Knowledge: Failing to share discoveries or sounds is seen as selfish and detrimental to the flock. Imitating Elders in Jest: Mimicking respected figures mockingly is a severe insult. Breaking Promises: Honesty and reliability are paramount among Kenku.

History

The kenku spent the majority of their time in Astrium in living on the fringe of society and getting by on as little as possible. The found a home of sorts in the xublouze archipelago that housed fearsome monsters and the orc tribes.
During the overseer's attempt to take over the nexus plane, the Kenku's island within the archipelago was consumed by wild magic during one of the Stargaze Assembly's generals - Aquarius attemtped to change the weather through the control of Elzao of the Eastern Winds (a Djinn).
The were saved by an Orc - Brick Bonesmith, who worked with them to establish a trading company on the high seas - Bricks Floating Flotilla of Freight. They have been able to establish a travelling merchant shop that rivals the likes of Angora's antiquities.
Today many of the Kenku are merchants, while lookin to restore their population after the evernts of the overseers attack on their island. Kenku do need to have at least two children to stay working on the ships, however if they have a third child they are able to head off into the world to seek their own fortune. IT is normally a contest between the youngest and oldest who will go off to adventure. Psrt of the deal is that the one set to go on adventure will seek out answers to their curse of flightlessness.
The Kenku have begun to make ways to establish themselves as part of Astrium's council with the settlement known as Driftwood Hollow.
Kenku were cursed in ancient times, stripped of their wings and creativity for a betrayal shrouded in myth. Fleeing persecution and natural disasters, they found refuge in Astrium’s Xublouze Archipelago. The destruction of their island during the Overseer’s attack forced them to rebuild as merchants and travelers, culminating in the formation of Driftwood Hollow and Bricks Floating Flotilla of Freight. Their history is one of loss, resilience, and the pursuit of redemption.

Common Myths and Legends

• The Pact of Forgotten Skies: The origin of their curse, where their ancestors betrayed the winds and lost their wings.
• Brick Bonesmith’s Rescue: A legendary orc who saved their people and symbolized unity across species.
• The Whispering Gale: A mystical wind said to carry fragments of lost creativity to those worthy of reclaiming their heritage.

The Pact of Forgotten Skies Long ago, the Kenku were not only able to fly but were renowned as the Skybound Court, a council of wise and powerful beings who oversaw the winds and weather of Astrium. They were the trusted stewards of the skies, maintaining harmony between the heavens and the earth, answering only to the gods themselves. Their wings were majestic, and they took great pride in their role, often seeing themselves as the chosen rulers of the skies.
However, over time, the Kenku’s pride began to grow into arrogance. They believed their mastery over the winds made them superior, not only to the creatures of the earth but even to the gods who granted them this power. The Skybound Court, in their vanity, believed that they deserved complete dominion over the skies, free from any divine oversight.
Seeking to break free from the gods, the Kenku entered into a secret pact with a being of ancient chaos, known only as The Forgotten Wind. This mysterious entity promised them absolute power over the skies in exchange for their loyalty and service. The Kenku, blinded by their ambition, agreed to the pact without understanding the full cost.
For a time, the Kenku flourished. They felt the winds bend to their will, shaping storms and manipulating the skies to their advantage. They saw themselves as untouchable. But the Forgotten Wind was a deceptive force, and its true nature began to reveal itself. The chaotic power it wielded came at a price—one that the Kenku could not escape.
The pact they made was bound not just to their wings but to their very essence. Slowly, the chaos of the Forgotten Wind began to unravel the Kenku’s control, corrupting their once-pure connection to the skies. The winds turned against them, growing wild and unpredictable, and their wings began to wither and weaken.
When the gods discovered the Kenku’s treachery, they were furious. In a swift and harsh judgment, they shattered the pact, severing the Kenku’s ties to the sky forever. As punishment for their arrogance and betrayal, the gods cursed the entire Kenku race, stripping them of their wings and their ability to soar through the heavens.
But that was not all. To ensure they would never again conspire or scheme in secret, the gods also cursed the Kenku’s voices. From that moment forward, they could only mimic the sounds and voices of others, forever doomed to repeat what they had heard, unable to create original speech or express their own will.
The Pact of Forgotten Skies became a tragic and cautionary tale for the Kenku, who now live grounded, unable to fly and haunted by the echoes of their former glory. Their once-great empire in the skies fell into ruin, their wings now symbols of their prideful fall from grace. To this day, the Kenku wander the world, trying to rebuild their fractured identity while carrying the weight of their ancestors' fateful decision to reach too far beyond their rightful place.
This origin focuses on themes of hubris, betrayal, and the consequences of seeking power from dangerous forces beyond one's control, resulting in the Kenku's loss of flight and original voice.
The Skybound Court was once a prestigious and mystical assembly of beings that served as guardians and stewards of the skies in Astrium. Composed of several races and celestial creatures, the Court ruled over the winds, weather, and the balance of the heavens. Each race had its own role, responsibilities, and domains within the sky, with the Kenku once among the most powerful. Here are the other prominent members of the Skybound Court:
1. Aarakocra – The Wind Wardens The Aarakocra, known as the Wind Wardens, were swift and agile avian beings who served as the primary enforcers of the Court’s will. With their ability to navigate the winds and skies with ease, they patrolled the vast expanses of Astrium’s heavens, ensuring the balance of the elements and protecting the world from aerial threats. The Aarakocra had a deep spiritual connection to the wind itself, believing it to be the breath of the sky gods.
Role: Guardians of the sky’s currents, tasked with maintaining the flow of winds and ensuring safe passage for all beings of flight. Symbol: The Feathered Gale, a wind-blown feather that represented their mastery of the air.
2. Hadozee – The Cloudshapers The Hadozee, agile and adept gliders, were known as the Cloudshapers of the Skybound Court. They were responsible for the formation and dispersal of clouds, rain, and storms. Living on the highest peaks and floating islands, they used their expertise to guide the cloud patterns and control the weather’s intensity. With their natural affinity for the air, the Hadozee ensured that rainfall nourished the lands below while keeping devastating storms in check.
Role: Architects of the skies, they controlled the formation of clouds, rains, and storms, and guided them as needed. Symbol: A swirling cloud formation, signifying their ability to shape the sky’s moisture.
3. Sylphs – The Breath of Life Sylphs, ethereal and elusive elemental spirits of air, were known as the Breath of Life. These graceful beings were responsible for the very air that filled the world’s lungs. The Sylphs were said to be born from the purest winds and breezes, and their presence was felt in every breath taken by creatures below. They had the power to purify the atmosphere, ensuring that the air remained clean and free of toxins.
Role: Keepers of the atmosphere, they ensured that the air remained pure and breathable, essential for life across Astrium. Symbol: A pair of swirling breezes entwined, representing their connection to life’s breath.
4. Rocs – The Sky Titans The Sky Titans, colossal Roc birds, were the mightiest and most ancient beings in the Skybound Court. These massive creatures were the embodiment of raw power and majesty in the skies, controlling the uppermost reaches of the atmosphere. When they flew, their wingbeats could change weather patterns or stir hurricanes, but they rarely interfered unless called upon by the gods or the Court. The Rocs represented the might of the skies and were revered as protectors and enforcers of last resort.
Role: Defenders of the highest skies, called upon only in times of great need to unleash their immense power. Symbol: A single mighty wing, symbolizing their vastness and strength.
5. Djinn – The Stormcallers The Djinn, powerful air elementals with mastery over storms and wind, were known as the Stormcallers. These beings had the unique ability to summon and control the most dangerous and volatile forces of nature. They wielded lightning, thunder, and tornadoes with ease, acting as both protectors and punishers when the balance of the skies was threatened. Though independent by nature, the Djinn honored their position in the Skybound Court out of respect for the celestial order.
Role: Masters of storms and violent weather, tasked with ensuring that the chaotic forces of nature did not overwhelm the world. Symbol: A bolt of lightning, signifying their control over the destructive forces of the sky.
6. Pegasi – The Star Riders The Pegasi, winged celestial horses, were the Star Riders of the Skybound Court. They were the guides and messengers of the night, responsible for aligning the stars, creating constellations, and guiding celestial travelers. Their close relationship with the stars made them masters of the night sky’s navigation and keepers of astral secrets. They were often called upon to guide the lost through the darkness or to bring important messages from the heavens.
Role: Keepers of the night sky and constellations, they ensured the proper alignment of stars and acted as navigators of the celestial realms. Symbol: A radiant star, representing their connection to the astral plane and the night.
7. Couatls – The Sky’s Wisdom Couatls, serpent-like celestial beings with rainbow-colored wings, were known as the Sky’s Wisdom. They served as advisors and seers within the Skybound Court, offering their vast knowledge and prophetic visions to guide decisions. The Couatls were deeply spiritual beings, closely tied to both the heavens and the earth, and often served as intermediaries between the gods and mortal races. Their wisdom was sought when disputes arose or when the balance of the skies was threatened.
Role: Advisors and seers, offering guidance and divine insight into the workings of the heavens and the mortal world below. Symbol: A serpent entwined with a feathered wing, symbolizing their wisdom and spiritual connection.
8. Kenku – The Songbearers (Before the Fall) Before their fall, the Kenku were known as the Songbearers of the Skybound Court. They were entrusted with the sacred duty of maintaining harmony through music and sound, singing the divine melodies that ensured balance in the skies. Their songs could calm tempests, summon gentle breezes, or call forth rains to nurture the lands. The Kenku’s role was central to the Court, as they helped maintain the delicate equilibrium between the elements.
Role: Keepers of the Celestial Song, tasked with maintaining balance and harmony through the power of music. Symbol: A musical staff adorned with wings, representing their former role as masters of the skies’ melody.
The Fall of the Skybound Court The betrayal by the Kenku—their theft of the Celestial Song or their pact with the Forgotten Wind—led to the downfall of the Skybound Court. Without the Kenku’s harmonic control, the balance of the skies was lost. Chaos descended upon the heavens, and the once-united races of the Skybound Court were scattered or fell into decline. Some, like the Aarakocra and Hadozee, retained their connection to the skies but in a diminished capacity, while others, like the Kenku, were forever cursed.
The dissolution of the Skybound Court marked the end of an era in Astrium’s history, and the remnants of these once-proud sky guardians now live with the consequences of that ancient fall, trying to reclaim their lost honor or seeking new paths in the chaotic world below.

Scientific Name

Corvus sapiens kenkii

Lifespan

50-60 years

Average Height

4'8" - 5'2"

Average Weight

90-120 pounds

Average Physique

Slender and lightweight, their build is optimized for agility and endurance rather than brute strength.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Kenku feathers range from deep blacks to muted grays, often with iridescent highlights. Occasional white or patterned feathers are seen among elders or those with unique lineage. Their eyes are typically dark and reflective, resembling polished onyx.

Geographic Distribution

• Driftwood Hollow
• Wyrmspine Gorge
• Xublouze Archipelago