Aarakocra
MPMM p5
Aarakocra
None rule the skies with such efficiency and duty as the aarakocra, using their wings to traverse and conquer the many islands that make up the reaches. Now the de facto ruling class of the Reaches, they have forged a veritable empire from the peaks of the mountains of Yamasora.
The Avian Elite
From below, aarakocra look much like large birds while in flight. Only when they descend to roost on a branch or walk across the ground does their humanoid appearance reveal itself. Standing upright, aarakocra might reach 5 feet tall, with long, narrow legs that taper to sharp talons. Feathers cover their bodies, their plumage typically denoting membership in a tribe. Males are brightly colored, with feathers of red, orange, or yellow. Females have more subdued colors, usually brown or gray. Their heads complete the avian appearance, being something like a parrot or eagle with distinct tribal variations.
In the ancient times when the islands were still young, before a single longboat had been set to sea, only one species could traverse from island to island; the noble and prideful aarakocra. There was once a quiet peace between the birdfolk and the other islands, however, the first emperor was visited by a spirit that pushed for him to use their aerial superiority to subjugate the archipelago. It is said that the Reaches were conquered with no more than one hundred bows in one hundred nights. However romanticized or truthful this tale is, the islands now obey the High Shogunate.
The Shogunate maintains a massive military of highly trained elites, where lineage, blood, and honor can matter as much as or more than one's history. Many ambitious aarakocran families vie for the favor of the court, intermingling and fighting in economic or political plots. Being the purveyors and controllers of the high shogunate, very few aarakocra are working class. Your aarakocra is likely to come from a noble house, a wealthy merchant family, or a military clan. Despite their opulence and power, all aarakocra are taught to regard the spirits with the utmost respect. Viewing the gods as cruel and ultimately broken beings, they venerate the spirits of their land. They believe it was only with the spirits' guidance that they gained their fortune and empire, and only with their continued support will it be maintained.
Aarakocra names
As with their society, the name of an aarakocra’s bloodline comes first, with their given name coming after. In formal occasions, it is often more likely to introduce and refer to oneself by their clan. One’s bloodline is often treasured, and being severed or outcast from one’s family is often worse than clipped wings, or death.
Clan Names: Hashiji, Aya, Ochi, Ki, Imube, Mononabe
Male aarakocra names: Asahi, Haruto, Kenzo, Yuto, Hijiri
Female aarakocra names: Himari, Yua, Sara, Ichika, Hibiki
Talons. Your talons are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the normal bludgeoning damage for an unarmed strike.
Flight. You have a flying speed of 50 feet as long as you aren't wearing medium or heavy armor.
