Kenku
Despite all our love for Celes, we can never forgive them for what they did to the Kenku. The lives our brethren live now with no wings and no voices and harsh lives. They outlive us by double the amount of years now, making two generations go by in the time it takes for one of theirs. I dread to think what will happen if we forget the charge we made to protect them. But at the same time, I can still see the light in their eyes, whether its to break the curse that binds them all or make do with the lives they now have.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Kenku share a similar anatomy to Aarakocra minus the wings they no longer bare. Additionally, their anatomy is shaped similar to a corvid rather than the diverse range that the Aarakocra were able to support.
Growth Rate & Stages
Whether this is a boon or a byproduct of the curse, Kenku develop and live twice as long as Aarakocra, reaching adulthood at 6 years and living up to 60 years.
Civilization and Culture
History
The Kenku were formed from Air Monarch Celes's madness after the Elder Invasion. No one knows what caused it but the damages are known to all. A group of Aarakocra slighted Celes and in response, they cursed them and many other groups for their wings to fall to pieces and for their voices to disappear. From these cursed birdfolk came the Kenku and their creation divided the Aarakocra. If Celes could ever undo the damage they had caused, it was lost when a group of Aarakocra killed the Air Monarch, shattering the unity of their species.
The Aarakcora left and took the Kenku with them, sheltering them in nests where the two could live in safety. The Kenku learned to deal with their ailment, learning how to mimic sounds and even other people's voices to mimic the words they say. As time went on, some Kenku have begun to regain the ability to speak but the majority of the species still remains silent. Kenku explorers go out and search for any knowledge they can find, hoping to one day regain what they had lost. If not their appearances or wings then at least their voices.
For those that don't try to help their people or reject the Aarakocra support, they go out into the world and use their new talents for what they can, often thievery or roguish behaviors. Which can hinder those that try to help all of Kenku kind.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
The Kenku get along great with the Aarakocra as the latter are often their protectors. While a few tribes blame them for the fall of the Aarakocra, most view them as victims and are always there to offer aid should a Kenku ask for one.
The Alomri see a kindred spirit in the Kenku, as they were both mistreated by people from Faenum. While the Alomri weren't cursed, they sympathize with the Kenku and when Kenku are in trouble, an Alomri bystander will often step in to defend them.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Lifespan
60 years
Average Height
Around 5 feet
Average Weight
90 - 120 pounds
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